Lighting Options Available for
Domestic and Commercial Use:
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Incandescent - The incandescent
tungsten filament light bulb has been around since the late 1800s when it was
developed and commercialized by Thomas Edison. These bulbs benefit from traditionally having a high CRI or Color
Rendering Index; basically they render the color of most objects more accurately
than many other lighting sources. Unfortunately they are obsolete. The main
problem being that they are a very inefficient source of light as 90% of the
energy is wasted as heat and the typical bulb only lasts for about 1000 hours.
The bulbs initial cost is cheap, but because of the frequent replacement and
their energy cost to operate, they are
the most expensive bulb to use. Currently the European Union (EU) has banned 100
watt incandescent light bulbs. They will no longer be available in the EU after
1st September 2009 once existing stocks are sold; other wattages will be phased
out by 2012. Many countries, including the U.S. are considering similar laws.
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Halogen - is an incandescent
filament in a halogen gas atmosphere which works at much higher temperatures to
gain efficiency and to produce a whiter light than traditional bulbs. They are
up to twice as efficient as incandescent, so a lower energy rating can be used
and they last 2-4 times longer. Bulbs are available in forms suitable for
general ambient lighting and directional task lighting. They generally do work
with dimmers and timers. Halogen bulbs have showed promise but they are
problematic for many applications in generating far too much heat and can be
quite fragile.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp
(CFL) - They can be 4-5 times
more efficient than incandescent so a 25 watt lamp will produce about as much
light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb. They have longer life spans of about 4000
to 10,000 hours up 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. While more expensive,
the cost is somewhat offset by the lower energy use and longer life.
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Light Emitting Diode (LED) - Also known as SSL (Solid State
Lighting). The newest technology which is developing rapidly. LED is the
most energy efficient of all current lighting technologies. The LED (Light
Emitting Diode) light bulb is usually a cluster of individual LED units.
Many of these produce white light but others generate light at other
wavelengths to yield the desired light tone. They generally give a good
white light and have by far the longest life at around 30,000 to 50,000
hours. There is very little heat produced by LED lighting and they are
available as direct replacements for nearly all former lighting types.
LED lighting is more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting than
incandescent fluorescent or halogen lighting. LEDs will emit light in a
specific direction, whereas an incandescent or fluorescent bulb emits light
and heat in all directions. LED lighting uses both light and energy much more efficiently, as an
example, an incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb inside of a
recessed can will waste about half of the light that it produces, while a
recessed down light with LEDs only produces light where it�s needed to the
room below.
Why Choose LED
Lighting?
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Saves Energy - Energy Efficient LED Lighting consumes up to
90% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs, saving you money on
your power bill month after month and year after year.
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Long Life - The typical life of an LED is 30,000 to
50,000 hours or about 15 years of use, making LED Indoor Lighting ideal for
installation in locations that are difficult to access.
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Reduced maintenance costs - LED Outdoor and Indoor Lights last 35 to 50
times longer than incandescent lighting and about 5 to 10 times longer than
fluorescent lighting. No bulb-replacements, no ladders and no disposal issues.
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Durability - LED Light Bulbs won�t break like a regular
bulb. They are resistant to heat, cold, and shock and encased in a
virtually unbreakable high strength resin compound.
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Reduces cooling costs - LEDs produce very little heat.
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Economical - Despite the initial purchase price, the use of LED light fixtures can offer
significant savings in the short and long term, particularly in reduced
energy and maintenance costs. When compared to standard incandescent lamps,
Halogens or even CFLs LEDs will pay for themselves many times over in energy
savings alone.
The Benefits of LED Lighting
LED lighting is compatible with most current lighting systems. Some bulb models screw in,
replacing incandescent, halogen and CFL bulbs; these come in both standard and
candelabra style bases. Other models can be used in MR16 fixtures (pin lighting)
and GU10 fixtures (track lighting).The under-cabinet light bar is also popular
for kitchen lighting and work spaces. They are perfect for accent lighting,
indoor and outdoor use. As mentioned, there is no glass or filament to break
making LED perfect for environments where temperature extremes, shock and
vibration may occur and they produce little heat. LED bulbs are fast replacing
incandescent lighting for outdoor signs and all aspects of both commercial and
residential lighting. The long life of LED's eliminate the need to constantly
replace bulbs for many years.
The world of
economical residential lighting continues to offer homeowners and business
owners new choices. As energy costs continue to climb, new innovations come to
the marketplace. LED is the premium choice for the worlds lighting needs; it's
the future of lighting, here today.
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