The energy efficiency of LED lighting is often cited as the primary motivating factor for switching from incandescent or other traditional lighting sources. However there are several other important LED Lighting benefits beyond energy efficiency. Traditional light sources dissipate up to 80% of their energy input as heat, with only 20% of that input converted to light, a huge loss of valuable energy. Even early-generation LED lighting systems will reverse these numbers, with 80% of energy input being converted to light and 20% being dissipated as heat. In practical terms, for every $100 you spend to light a space, you are losing $80 as heat with incandescent lighting, but only $20 or less with LED lighting.
The Many LED Lighting Benefits Beyond Energy Efficiency
Less heat production also makes LED systems safer in that the excess heat poses a far lower risk of burn injuries to technicians who work with lighting systems and reduces risk of fire.
That said, field tests and anecdotal reports reveal that the benefits of LED lighting go well beyond energy efficiency and safety. Sites that have converted to LED lighting report at least five significant benefits in addition to increased efficiency:
-
- Durability. Modern LED lighting systems are shock-, vibration-, and impact-resistant, making them ideal lighting sources for manufacturing facilities and other places in which heavy equipment is in use. Apart from just being durable, LED lights can typically provide up to 100,000 hours of continuous use. This translates into more than ten years with no required lighting equipment changes.
- Ecology. LED lighting systems have no toxic components and are fully recyclable. Corporations routinely turn to LED lighting systems when they seek to reduce their carbon footprints, as LED systems can provide up to a one-third reduction in carbon emissions. LED lights also have zero ultraviolet (UV) emissions, making them ideal for environments in which materials are heat-sensitive.
- Design. LED lighting systems are available in a range of configurations that allow for variegated lighting across multiple different areas. Well-designed LED systems can achieve spectacular lighting displays and enhance or alter moods. The design flexibility of LED lighting systems allows highly-tuned spot lighting for unique light concentration and disbursement.
- Environmental Adaptability. Unlike fluorescent lamps that exhibit reduced efficiency and ability in cold environments, LED lighting systems work equally well regardless of heat or cold. Lighting engineers are finding that LED systems are ideal for cold storage facilities.
- Low Voltage Operation. Low voltage power sources, including intermittent solar or wind-power sources, are easily adapted to LED lighting systems. This makes LED systems ideal for remote locations or other sites that might not have easy access to standard or high-voltage power sources.
These and other LED Lighting benefits beyond energy efficiency will continue to make specification grade LED the lighting option of choice for commercial, manufacturing, and outdoor applications. LED lighting engineers are making breakthroughs every day on light disbursement, on-off switching, thermal management, and color direction.
