What Is An LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode: a solid state device that generates light with the introduction of a small amount of current. These devices were first conceived in the early 1900's, but were not put into practical use until the 1960's. And since then, they have been growing in popularity. Because of their size, low power consumption and, therefore, limited light emissions, they have served a purpose as indicator lights, back lights, and instrumentation use.
Recent innovations have made them bigger and brighter, while still consuming far less power than even the most efficient compact fluorescent lights we use today. but because LEDs are directional, meaning that their light emission is focused in one direction, they have been unable to replace traditional light bulbs capable of emitting its light in all directions. That is until now.
Mainstream LEDs
With technological improvements in LED design, they are becoming bigger, brighter and more useful. Commercial applications are finding LEDs in everything from signs to traffic lights. At home, LEDs have invaded everything from light indicators in home appliances and novelty items, to flashlights, holiday lighting and, now, primary lighting sources capable of replacing most of your existing light bulbs.
By arranging dozens of small LEDs within a transparent enclosure that resembles a traditional light bulb, LED lighting is able to direct its light in all directions. Many versions of LED light bulbs for residential and commercial use are available today. While still slightly underpowered and more expensive than its incandescent, halogen or fluorescent counterparts, they make exceptional lighting replacements for a couple of reasons:
- They last much longer than traditional light bulbs: the average incandescent light bulb lasts 1,000 hours; compact fluorescent lights, 10,000 hours; and LED lights, about 30,000 hours. That is 30 times more than a regular light bulb and 3 times more than a CF.
- LEDs consume far less power than traditional light bulbs. For example, a 40 watt incandescent light bulb can be replaced with a 13 watt compact fluorescent to provide the same amount of light, while an LED with an comparable light output will only consume approximately 4 watts. That is the power consumption of a standard household night light.
They may cost a little more, but their extended lifespan, minimal or no heat production, and ultra-low power consumption makes them the greenest light source alternative. And, yes, they do come in green, too!