Sep 7 2011

LED Lighting for Household Use

Today’s homeowners have many options when it comes to lighting their homes. Finding the right lighting solutions to meet expectations and desires can be a complicated process due to the variety of options. This article will discuss one such option to choose from, LED light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs are being replaced with more eco-friendly LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. These bulbs are being revered for lasting longer while simultaneously using less power to operate. The bottom line savings on the electric bill over time, coupled with the low maintenance cost to replace them and eco-friendly viability, place LED technology at the forefront of the lighting industry. LED lighting sources can be used both indoors and outdoors by homeowners. This article will cover three uses for LED lighting technology inside the home.

The first is using LED lighting solutions for recessed lighting (or can lighting) fixtures. Using LED can light bulbs in recessed lighting fixtures is a relatively new phenomenon. Traditionally, incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs have been utilized in these situations. However, with LED technology continuing to be developed and tested, the LED option is becoming more prominent in these instances. A recessed light is a light fixture that is usually found in ceilings, which have light shining in a downward direction from a hole in the ceiling. Can lights have two parts- the housing and the trim. The housing is the light fixture where the bulb is installed and the trim is the portion of light visible to the human eye that shines downward. Can lighting is noted for being similar to that of a narrow spotlight. The benefits of installing led can light bulbs inside your home are plentiful. The recessed lighting gives a clean lighting effect to the room. Increasing the amount of light in the room, can lights can make a room appear larger than it actually is. LED can light bulbs can also put a beautiful touch when directed at artwork or centerpieces of the room. Rooms that contain ceilings made of concrete or plasterwork may not be ideal for can lighting situations.

The second application for using LED light bulbs inside the home is for lamp lighting purposes. LED lamp light bulbs are also a relatively new trend as more and more traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs are being replaced. Lamp lighting can be found all over the house in various styles, designs, and shapes. There are lamps that stand alone and those smaller lamps designed for end tables. Lamps on night stands and counter tops all can have LED bulbs installed. The lower energy required to power these bulbs bring a lot of comfort to those that use LED technology to supply their lamp lighting needs. With less power consumed, money is being saved. LED bulbs also give off low to no heat compared to their traditional counterparts. This brings relief to users as the risk of getting burned by a bulb is significantly lower. Also, with less heat given off, the chance of fire is reduced. Some standard lamps are capable of supporting LED light bulbs; other lamps are being sold on store shelves that are designed with LED light bulbs already installed. Look for colorful LED lamp light bulbs if looking to mix up the style of the room a little bit.

The final application is more of a feature of LED lighting technology, and that is a dimmable feature. LED dimmable light bulbs are yet again a new technology that is being installed in households. Dimming options give the user a way to manipulate the light source to set an atmosphere or ambience to their satisfaction. Dimmable LED’s are usually placed in overhead lighting sources. Oftentimes, these lights can be dimmed to create more of an intimate setting. During dimming, the LED dimmable light bulbs are still operated at the same voltage and current as if they were at full light output. No efficiency is loss when the bulbs are dimmed. The lifespan of the lamp is not affected when using LED dimmers. Shortened lifespan of the lamp has been a problem in the past with using traditional fluorescent light sources for dimming. Dimming the LED light source may actually increase the life of the bulb itself, as when dimmed they run at cooler operating temperatures. With a cooler operating temperature, comes less exposure to heat and less of an opportunity to burn the bulb out.

These three applications for LED lighting are easy to implement and can be found at brick and mortar stores along with on many e-commerce websites.