With the constant rise of consumers’ need for an efficient, energy-saving, and environmental-friendly lighting system, the term L.E.D, has stocked much of the shelves of retail stores, hardware, and electrical shops. But what is it really? And what makes it a reliable and advantageous light source for consumers of modern times?

LED which is an acronym for Light-Emitting Diode is an illuminating technology that has recently garnered much attention from retailers and buyers because of its many application that is highly cost-effective and versatile. Some of its common uses are a backlight for mobile devices and gadgets, indicator lights for remotes and appliances, and illumination for traffic lights and electronic billboards. Although, LED system has been globally applied for decades as a reliable and flexible light source. Today, innovations in LED technology are continuously emerging, providing greater emission power, which caters to a much-advanced generation of consumers. 

From private residential settings to more extensive industrial and retail companies, the transition from traditional incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lighting into LED system is very much likely to progress in the coming years.

The Science behind LED

For many years, we relied on incandescent light bulbs as our main source of illumination. However, its technology, which uses electricity to burn up filaments is discovered to hone only 10% light and 90% heat that is considered wasted energy. Manufacturers then introduced Compact Fluorescent Lights or CFLs as the first alternative to incandescent bulbs. Despite its great difference from incandescent, CFLs contain mercury which is a toxic substance that compromised the safety of CFL users and threatens the environment, particularly with its high radiation and problematic disposal. 

LED system, also coined as smart lighting uses solid materials - no poisonous gas neither burning filament, to generate light in an optimized, safe, and clean method. It produces illumination through PN Junction Diode or simple semiconductors, which directly and effectively convert free-flowing electrons into photons, through the process of electroluminescence. Put simply, LED bulbs generate light directly from electricity and not through filaments or gases, guaranteeing an efficient, long-running and environment-friendly source of light.

Undoubtedly LED technology is a big leap from inefficient and costly lighting systems, not only producing sustainable and practical energy, but most consumers, interior designers, engineers, architects, and industrial companies see its value for design and functionality.

Types of LED Bulbs and Uses

From its invention in 1962, by Nick Holonyak Jr., light-emitting diodes have undergone numerous studies, revisions, and optimizations. Nevertheless, its application advantages are constantly revolutionizing technology. Today there are several kinds of LEDs that consumers may opt depending on their necessity, style, usability, and preference, here are some:

 1. Miniature Through-hole LEDs

With its size ranging from 3mm, 5mm, and 8mm, this type is very flexible and easy to use. Usually comes in packages of single colors of red, yellow, green, blue, white, etc. Through-hole LEDs are often put as indicator lights in remote controls or appliances, and used by electricians for circuits or panels.

2. RGB LED (Red-Green-Blue LEDs)

This type contains three LEDs in one single bulb, and through the system of Pulse Width Modulation, users can change its light color into almost 16 million hues. RGB LED features convenient access to light transitioning that its application is widely-seen during light shows, video presentations, accent lighting and more.

3. Bi-color LEDs

This kind comprises two LEDs in a single casing that allows users to change light color depending on its function. Bi-color LEDs, which is built usually with the colors red and green, are typically utilized in photoshoots or film-making because it releases illumination effects that can be compared to natural light. With advanced technology Bi-color LEDs feature multiple color temperatures complementing environment perfect for outdoor sceneries.

4. Surface Mount Device LEDs (SMD LEDs)

Recognized for its compact and low profile illumination, SMD LEDs are wireless and seamless that most hobbyist and designers like to use. It comes in many different colors, types, lens and packages that may suit each user's needs. Durable, light-weight, and high-resistant to vibration and shock,  SMD LEDs  are mostly used for back-lighting purposes, indicators and signage. 

5. High-Power LEDs

Through advancements in diode technology, manufacturers produced high-output LED that offers very bright illumination best used in flashlights, vehicle headlights, and spotlights. Since this type is vulnerable to overheating, consumers of high-power LEDs must have adequate knowledge in heat application and output for long-use and efficiency. Nevertheless, unlike other high-illuminating fixtures, this type of LED are safer and more efficient since it consumes less energy than fluorescent or other bulbs.    

Reasons to Finally Switch to LED Fixtures

 As lighting trends  continuously shift from grandeur and luxury into a more sophisticated, eccentric, sustainable and efficient system, designers, homeowners and business owners are supporting LED technology for its several innovative advantages that provides endless decor possibilities that are absolutely cost-effective energy efficient. These features that were once limited with the use of incandescent or fluorescent light are now dominating the market and indeed creates a brighter days to come.

To know more about LED technological breakthroughs, here are some of its  fantastic features that everyone must consider in installing lighting systems: 

Energy Efficient Features

Although most LED lamps measure up to 3mm to 8mm, which are smaller compared to most light bulbs, its illuminating power is 80% brighter. It uses up electricity to efficiently generate 95% light and only 5% heat, way more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Moreover, unlike traditional fluorescent that emits light in a scattered direction, LED illuminates specific areas, creating a well-lit space good for eyesight without using excess energy.

Longevity and Reliability

Electrical and lighting companies ascertain consumer purchasing LED lamps and bulbs with a life span of 50,000 to 100,000 hours that means convenience, especially when they are installed in places that are difficult to access. Not only it guarantees long-usability, but because of its low-temperature system, users will have the certainty that their LED fixtures will not overheat or malfunction. 

Cost-Effective

A product, technology, or system is considered cost effective if it provides consumers the services worthy of its price. In a lighting fixtures, cost-effectivity can be gauge through their durability and long-lasting functionality. Incandescent bulbs, although cheaper in amount than LEDs, due to its light system, typically last for about 3,000 hours only, which indicates regular and impractical replacements. LED lamps, although a little more expensive, provide quality illumination for about 10x longer life span compared to incandescent bulbs; saving its users from unreasonable spending to facilities and the hassle of installation and changing their light sources. 

Safeguarding Eco-friendly Characteristics

Devised to be a part of the green technology, LED fixtures and system ascertains its users illumination with a very low heat production in low-voltage and zero toxic radiations, LED consumers may obtain a dependable light source without compromising their health and polluting the environment. Unlike CFLs that contain mercury, which makes it complicated to dispose because it continues to emit poisonous gas as it disintegrates, LED bulbs, which are manufactured with solid materials that once thrown away will not release harmful chemicals in the environment. 

Flexible and High-Standard

Another admirable feature of LEDs is that it offers a wide range of colors and variations that designers can easily incorporate in their buildings - interiors or exteriors. Its flexible construction effectively suits any private or commercial setting. Nowadays, LEDs are being integrated in accordance with the latest technology for strategic design, mood lighting, and natural illumination.