LED lighting: pros and cons
LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through a number of advantages. Long service life, safety or energy efficiency are just some of them. Is it worth opting for this solution? Read the article about the advantages as well as the disadvantages of this solution.
Pros of LED solutions
Long service life
LED bulbs can last up to 50 times longer than their classic counterparts. They offer up to 50,000 hours of operation. Their on/off cycles reach up to 25,000 times. These properties make them more economical and sustainable. Mercury and other harmful substances are not used in the production of LEDs, which also has a positive impact on the environment.
If you are concerned about long service life, choose LEDs that are pre-installed in the luminaires. A Kanlux RIFA LED ceiling light or Kanlux ASTEN LED IP44 wall luminaire will work well. This is due to the design of the power supply, in a small bulb it is much simpler and in a luminaire it is more complex, better stabilised. But do not worry, screw-in light sources - commonly referred to as LED bulbs - do not differ from them in terms of durability (up to 50,000 hours). However, bear in mind when buying that sometimes it is better to pay extra and buy a new bulb from a manufacturer that has been on the market for many years, specialises in lighting technology, and has researched and tested its products. By buying a trustworthy product you will save time, as you will not have to file a complaint about it, and money, as you will buy it once and the product will serve you for a long time.
Pros of LED solutions
Safety
A standard bulb produces 80% heat and 20% light from the energy it consumes. LEDs work in opposite proportions. For this reason, they are safer and more commonly used in areas where excessive heat would be hazardous or inadvisable near textiles (beds, lamps with lampshades), on furniture, or in places where we want it to be cooler (larders, cold rooms).
In a domestic setting, it is advisable to install LEDs in lamps where there is direct access (e.g. on a desk) and we can come into contact with the lamp by accident, and near natural materials (linen, wood, paper).
"LED lighting is a frequent choice of our customers. They opt for them mainly because of their energy efficiency and long service life. In addition, they are impressed by the aesthetics. For example, LED strips look great in profiles and covered with diffusing shades, and the use of different colours of light adds variety to the interior," says ... from Kanlux.
Pros of LED solutions
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the main reasons for choosing LEDs. They use less energy than traditional lighting (the LED XLED EX model uses 15 times less energy and provides the same amount of light as a traditional incandescent 60W bulb), so they are an ideal choice if you want to reduce your electricity costs. All thanks to the fact that LEDs emit very little heat and the energy they consume is converted into light.
The savings can be as much as several tens of PLN per month. The exact amount depends on the bulbs previously used, their wattage and the number of lamps in the house.
See also: Four ways to lower your energy bill
Pros of LED solutions
Colour and intensity of the light
LED technology makes it possible to vary the colour of the light. For instance, LED strips that can be installed under the ceiling or next to cabinets are popular. In the kitchen and wardrobe, opt for a cold colour, such as 6000K, which will not distort the colours and will give you a burst of energy. In the bedroom, definitely let a warm colour prevail, as it is conducive to relaxation (from 1800-2500 Kelvin), while in the living room and bathroom, lights with a neutral white colour (i.e. around 4000K) will work well.
In addition to this, the short time it takes for the LED to reach full luminous efficiency is another advantage. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED reaches full power as soon as it is switched on.
Pros of LED solutions
Durability
LED bulbs do not contain fragile elements (like the familiar rods in a traditional incandescent bulb). Light shocks and impacts will not affect their service life. Durability is linked to both safety and long service life. Therefore, even without additional shades (which also provide some protection for the regular bulbs), they are safe and, in addition, decorative in their own right, as in the LED ST64 A model.
Cons of LED solutions
Purchase costs
Most people perceive their cost as a disadvantage. However, it must be taken into account that this is a one-off expense and, in the long run, is more cost-effective. Traditional incandescent bulbs can be used for up to 2,000 hours, while LEDs last up to 25 times longer, besides they lower electricity bills, so are they really more expensive? Try to take advantage of price promotions or buy LED multipacks.
Cons of LED solutions
Temperature influence
Although LEDs are a safe and cost-effective option, they are sensitive to high temperatures. This means that they may start to become less luminous in these conditions. It is worth remembering that these are extremes that do not occur when it comes to use in a house or flat. To avoid such situations outdoors, take care first and foremost of the IP rating of the lighting you want to install on the façade or in the garden - the minimum is IP40. Then it is certain that freezing water will not get into the lamp and cause an unpleasant surprise. Also, do not let any fallen leaves remain on the luminaires and do not allow your lamps to grow moss (as this may happen in autumn). Proper ventilation is important for LEDs just as it was important for standard incandescent bulbs.
Cons of LED solutions
Low colour rendering index
It probably will not be apparent at first glance, but not all LED bulbs are yet capable of producing light that does not distort colours. Fortunately, technology is at such a high level that a solution to this problem is at hand and it is only a matter of time when the standard will be maintained in every case. In some Kanlux iQ-LED models, the index reaches values above 97, which is an excellent result. However, always check the index before making a purchase (from 0 to 100, the higher the better); the minimum is 80, so do not fall for false products. The colour of the paint on the wall, too strong, orange make-up - by keeping an eye on this parameter you will avoid such surprises.
You will probably also like: Four reasons to choose lighting with light intensity and colour adjustment options
Cons of LED solutions
Visible diodes
For some this is a big advantage and for others a disadvantage. The lack of diffusion can be disruptive, especially when it comes to auxiliary lighting such as standing lamps. Before choosing light bulbs for the whole house, it is a good idea to test whether a particular type of light will be suitable. The answer lies in LED filament bulbs, which feature LEDs that are spread out on rods and shine evenly in all directions. Instead of glass surfaces, you can also choose a milky bubble or frosted glass to diffuse the light. There is also an increasing number of decorative solutions with COB LEDs, i.e. LEDs that shine over their entire length.
LED lighting is one of the best solutions on the market. Long service life, safety or energy efficiency are features that convince customers to choose them. Even if we take into account the one-off higher cost, it is a good investment, because of their high quality. It is difficult to find traditional solutions in homes any more, and the LED lighting has also convinced many people in workplaces, cafés, hotels and production halls.
Other articles
Christmas is the time when it is worth taking care of a unique atmosphere not only at home but also outside....
Christmas is a special time full of warmth and joy. The right lighting plays a key role in creating a...
When talking about modern lighting, we think of solutions that not only illuminate a space but give it...
Lighting plays a key role in interior design. The right light source can significantly impact the atmosphere...
Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design, especially in small spaces. Rooms with limited square...
One of the key elements in the design of a baby's room is the lighting. The light should be gentle with...
When autumn comes, the days grow shorter and we are more likely to spend our evenings in the comfort...
Autumn is around the corner and it's the perfect time for long evenings with a book. Whether you're immersed...
Coworking spaces are environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams can work in a collaborative...
Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting mental and physical well-being and...
LED lighting is also a great choice for the kitchen … Why? Apart from its energy efficiency, it has...
Lighting not only impacts comfort but is also crucial for safety. Choosing the right lamps and modern...
One of the simple yet effective ways to reduce household energy consumption is to use energy-efficient...
Since LED light began to revolutionise the lighting industry, fresh, innovative applications for this...
The garden is a place where we spend more and more time. Spring and summer are conducive to relaxing...
The right lighting around the barbecue area can make evening gatherings with friends even more enjoyable....
LED lighting is increasingly popular thanks to its energy efficiency, long life and wide range of applications....
LED lighting for the garden is a solution that combines efficiency, durability and a wide range of...
Lighting plays a significant role in an energy audit. It is one of the key areas that can improve the...
Spring is often a time of change, of new beginnings. It is the ideal time to refresh interiors and introduce...
Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...
Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....
Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...
Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...
Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...
Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...
Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...
What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...
Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...
Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...
An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...
Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...
Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...
We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...
A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...
Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...
Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...
In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...
Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...
Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...
In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...
You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...
Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....
Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...
LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...
A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...
Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...
Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...
Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...
Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...
Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...
You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...
September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...
LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...
LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...
When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...
Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...
Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...
Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...
Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....
If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...
The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...
The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...
Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...
How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...
Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...
Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...
All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...
Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...
Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...
When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...
It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...
When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...
The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...
Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...
Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...
A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....
Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...
The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...
Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...
When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...
In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...
LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....
A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...
LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...
Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...
How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...
Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...
Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...
how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...
The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....
Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...
Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...
LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...
After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...
The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...
Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...
A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...
We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...
This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....
We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...
What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...
140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...
In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...
When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...
In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...
In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...
Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...
Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...
The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....
LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...