LED or light-emitting diode is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it; that is, it converts electrical energy to light energy. For this reason, LEDs are in huge demand in the market as not only they are an efficient source of light when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs but also, in the long run, they are cheaper to use and less harmful to the environment.

However, the initial capital cost in setting up the manufacturing of LED bulbs is comparatively higher and requires skilled labour as well as complicated resources but the fruitful return on investment compensates for this large capital cost. Not only can the LED bulbs be recycled, the materials used in them are recyclable as well.

Reasons why you should use LED bulbs

• LEDs consume less energy:

LED bulbs use more than 70% less energy than other types of bulbs. Further LED bulbs are much brighter and can work at even low power levels. Incandescent bulbs often take a lot of energy in order to produce light and can affect your electricity bill drastically.

• Efficiency:

LED light bulb are extremely efficient to use, providing the user with wonderful lighting output. Moreover, LED bulbs need very low maintenance when compared to other traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Recreational use:

LEDs are present in a wide spectrum of colours, ranging from purple to white. There are various hues you can choose from. In the event of festivals and parties, LED bulbs can prove to be a great advantage to the users. Providing them with vibrant warm light in different colours and setting the mood tone of the house according to the event.

• Environment friendly:

Since a LED bulb gives out extremely low amounts of heat, it makes it not very harsh or harmful to the environment. Furthermore, LEDs use fewer toxic materials in their production when compared to conventional lighting options such as incandescent bulbs. LED bulb manufacturing is clean and green, helping us protect the environment and provide efficient lighting solutions.

• Customised lighting:

Due to their diverse and variable uses, LED bulbs can be custom-made for different types of consumers depending on their wants and needs. As the light coming from LEDs can be given a focused direction, the lighting bulb could be used for various purposes such as street lighting, under-cabinet lighting, recessed downlighting, modular lighting, outdoor area lighting, etc.

Things to consider before purchasing LED lights:

• Lumens:

Lumen refers to the intensity of light emitted by an LED bulb which is a measure of its brightness. One must buy LED bulbs of the Lumens according to their own requirement. Another important thing to keep in mind is that traditional incandescent bulbs use Watts and not Lumens as the measure of their brightness. Keep the new transition in mind while buying LED bulbs.

• Shapes and sizes:

LED bulbs come in different shapes and sizes and, accordingly, are useful for a wide variety of purposes. A spiral LED bulb would be useful in a closed space setting like a small room or a bathroom. Circular LED bulbs are more useful in outer spaces, such as a streetlight in a park.

• Location:

One must put LEDs in those places wherein they can be fixed in spots and are easily visible, and areas that are frequently visited. Moreover, the best way to deploy LEDs is to put them on higher surfaces so that their lightning efficiency can be maximised.

• Dim lights and coloured bulbs:

Due to their diverse usage, LEDs can be used for dim lights and coloured lighting depending upon the requirements. Furthermore, different coloured LEDs are available in a variety of intensities of their brightness and can be combined depending upon the need of the surroundings.

• Quality of LEDs:

The safest bet could be to buy the LEDs of a renowned brand, but the same would be comparatively more expensive than other smaller companies. An alternative to this is to purchase such LEDs, which are certified as per the standards regulator of the government, for example, the Indian standard bureau’s ISI mark.

LED lights are proclaimed as the lights of the future, and we have seen a shift in their market in the last decade or so. Millions of people have adopted these lights as they are an optimal lighting solution for homes and even workplaces. LED lights are becoming massively popular with the general public and for all the right reasons.