Before energy-efficient practices brought light to the world on the need to conserve electricity, homes and businesses were predominantly lit by conventional incandescent light bulbs. However, this type of bulb is less efficient as only 10% to 25% of the electricity supplied is converted to light – the rest simply turns into heat. On top of that, it does not last very long.
Today, technology has gifted us with the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Regarded as the best energy saving light bulbs in the market, they are now the most common choice among households and businesses today. Here’s why.
Made with semiconductors
Unlike the incandescent bulb where light is emitted through heat generation, the LEDs get their source of light through the flow of electrons in a semiconductor. As such, 95% of the electricity supplied to the bulb converts into light. This is a stark contrast to the incandescent bulb that converts barely three quarters of energy as most of it is wasted as heat. The LEDs are also more efficient than their fluorescent counterparts that only convert a little over half the electricity supplied into light energy.
Consumes lesser energy
As most of the energy transmitted is turned into light, LEDs can emit the same amount of brightness as an incandescent and fluorescent lamp with lesser amount of electricity, making LEDs the best energy saving light bulbs one can find. For instance, 84 watts of power is required for a fluorescent lamp to shine as bright as a 36-watt LED bulb. With lesser demand for energy to light up the LEDs, power plants can reduce the amount of energy generated and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-friendly
Since the LEDs do not contain toxic elements unlike the incandescent (emits carbon dioxide) and fluorescent lamps (exposes mercury when broken), they are friendlier to the environment. This lighting technology is approved under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive that prohibits the use of dangerous substances that impose damaging risks to the environment. The initiative supports the recyclability of the bulbs and reduces the burden of landfills and incineration plants to get rid of the waste.
As the best energy saving light bulbs offering great brightness while consuming minimal electricity, LEDs are definitely the go-to for those looking for the most efficient returns for every dollar they pay.
