LED Lights Can Save Energy and Money
Incandescent and fluorescent lights dominated commercial and residential lighting for a long time. While both are relatively cheap and are generally a good lighting source, they consume considerably large amounts of energy, don't last very long, and, in the case of fluorescent light, aren't considered environmentally friendly since they contain toxic chemicals like mercury.
It is no wonder that with the arrival of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, a shift in residential and commercial lighting would occur. Since the late 2000s, the number of US households outfitted with LED bulbs is now at about 47%, which continues to rise. This popularity can be attributed to LED lights being more energy-efficient, lasting longer, and being more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. Homeowners considering switching to LED lights are on the right track and could benefit from understanding how the switch works and its benefits.
Understanding How an LED Retrofit Works
Not everyone has the luxury of starting from scratch, and while there are a significant number of new homes coming into the market that are already outfitted with LED lighting, there are still more relatively old homes that are still using outdated incandescent or fluorescent lighting and not benefitting from the advantages of LED technology.
The good news is that these homes can undergo an LED retrofit, essentially converting an existing light fixture into an LED light fixture. Changing an existing bulb and using LED bulbs is usually enough to make the switch. However, this is not possible for some fixtures, and in this case, the entire fixture may need to be removed and replaced with a fixture designed specifically for LED light bulbs.
Advantages of LED Lights
It's easy to see why switching to LED lights benefits home and business owners, as there are more pros than cons to an LED retrofit, the biggest of which is the amount of energy that LED lights can save. LED lights can use over 75% less energy than incandescent lights, and last up to 25 times longer.
So, not only can households save on electric bills by switching to LED lights, but they also have a longer lifespan, so they will not need to be replaced as often, saving more money. Their energy use and life expectancy can yield significant savings. LED lights are also considered environmentally friendly. They aren't made with toxic chemicals and are easier to recycle.
Things to Think about Before LED Lighting Installation
Because LED technology works differently than traditional lighting, there are a few things to consider before diving into an LED retrofit. For one, there are some limitations regarding the availability of LED lighting for traditional fixtures. Some LEDs will not work in existing traditional light fixtures, and changing out the entire fixture may be a good option in some cases.
Another consideration is that a traditional dimmer switch will not work with LED lighting. So electricians may need to install new LED dimmers to replace older dimmers so they are compatible with the new LED lights. It's important to have LED retrofitting and installation done by electricians so that everything is done correctly and safely.
About Trustworthy Electric
Trustworthy Electric is a family-owned electrical services company in Montgomery, AL. They have a team of fully licensed and insured technicians who live up to the Trustworthy name by providing on-time, professional service that exceeds expectations while setting transparent rates upfront. Fully stocked trucks and a full menu of services mean every electrical problem has a solution, no matter how complex. Call them for LED lighting installation in Montgomery, AL.
