The light-emitting diode (LED) has been around since the 1960s, but is just now beginning to filter into the residential marketplace. Although individual LED’s are very small in size, they are usually grouped together to create a larger light source. An LED fixture requires a ‘driver’ similar to the ballast required for fluorescent lighting. Unlike fluorescent fixtures, frequent on-off cycling does not compromise LED lighting. There is also no mercury to deal with.
LED lamps are extremely efficient at converting electric power into visible light (currently up to 5x more efficient than standard light bulbs). They produce no infrared light that provides the warming effect experienced with normal filament bulbs. This high efficiency means lower energy consumption for lighting, and less secondary heat generation, leading to substantial savings in air conditioning costs. You can leave a fixture on indefinitely and it will always remain cool to the touch. LED lights are more rugged and damage-resistant than compact fluorescents and incandescent bulbs. Best of all, LED lights don’t flicker. Fully dimmable, LED strip lights can be installed under counters and in coved ceilings. Concentrated arrays can be used in place of halogen fixtures. Used for gardens, walkways, and outdoor fixtures LED’s become a very cost-efficient lighting solution. Outdoor fixtures will not attract bugs because LED lighting doesn’t produce UV rays.
The diodes also last considerably longer than incandescent or fluorescent lighting. LED’s don’t burn out like traditional lighting, but rather gradually decrease in light output. The lifespan of a typical residential LED is about 50,000 hours!
So what’s the down side here?
Although LED lighting is absolutely the ‘wave of the future’ in terms of a green lifestyle, manufacturers have not quite perfected the product lines for the residential market.
LED’s are currently much more expensive than conventional lighting, and can be difficult to locate. There is a much more limited selection in the types of fixtures being sold today. The initial investment could be several thousand dollars, and the cost savings will become evident in several years.
Care is needed when retrofitting LEDs into an existing room. Installing an inappropriate ‘driver’ or dimmer can dramatically reduce both light output and lifespan.
Bottom Line…
LED lighting is definitely coming to the forefront of residential interior design. More and more, sophisticated clients are requesting this type of lighting in their kitchens and bathrooms. Although a bit cost prohibitive today, LED lighting is poised to become the mainstream method of lighting for the green lifestyle. This is a lighting trend that’s well worth watching… LED lighting is here to stay!
