New technology typically faces its share of skepticism, and LED lighting was no exception. Even though LED lighting has been popular for years, there remains a surprising amount of misinformation surrounding this energy-efficient and eco-friendly method of illumination. Here are five common myths about LED lighting, busted.
LEDs Are Really Expensive
That used to be the case, but LED prices have fallen dramatically over the years. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront than you would for incandescent bulbs, but in the long run, you’ll actually come out ahead. LEDs last significantly longer than other lighting options, and they use less energy. These savings over the lifespan of the product add up fast.
LEDs Will Last Forever
All good things must come to an end, and LEDs are no exception. The LED design doesn’t heat filaments, which means little thermal stress and a longer lifespan. The basic design includes a small circuit board, with diodes and other semiconductors, mounted beneath LEDs on a bulb. The LED itself doesn’t heat up, but the semiconductors can warm. Good quality LEDs have a typical lifespan of thousands of hours, but nothing lasts forever.
LEDs Have Harmful Substances
LEDs use a substance called phosphors, which is directly responsible for the color quality of this lighting option. This substance is contained in the semiconductor of an LED bulb. Even if a bulb breaks, the phosphors can’t leak. But even if it could, the substance used in LEDs reacts with oxygen to become inert, making it pretty much harmless. That’s not necessarily the case with the mercury found in fluorescent bulbs. When one of them breaks, mercury escapes as both a vapor and a fine powder. That’s problematic, since mercury is highly toxic and particularly harmful to the brains in children and fetuses.
LED Lighting is Harsh and Bright White
Nope. LED bulbs can be uniquely tuned so they emit different color temperatures. That means you can have LEDs that shine a warm white – just like incandescents – as well as a cool white, and daylight, which has the lightly blue quality reminiscent of a bright, sunny day.
LED Lighting Has a Blue Cast that’s Bad for Eyes
You’ve likely heard that the blue light emitted from our devices is bad for us. That’s partly true. Overexposure to short wavelengths of blue light – from the television or your phone as you lay in bed – disrupts melatonin release in the brain. Instead of getting drowsy, we feel like we can’t fall asleep. It’s a situation that can impact circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Plus, blue light from our devices has been linked to increased eye strain. LED lightbulbs that have been calibrated to emit daylight can be slightly bluish, but this cast is minimal in comparison to the light shining out of your devices.
Making the Switch
If upgrading your residential or commercial lighting to LEDs is on your mind, the certified lighting professionals here at Have Lights Will Travel in Nevada are happy to answer questions or provide an estimate. The benefits of upgrading are many, both for your bottom line and the planet. Give us a call today, and let’s discuss your options.