LED lighting has been used for more than forty years, but has only recently become widely used in residential lighting. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a semiconductor that converts electricity into light, rather than a filament or neon gas that is used in normal lights. Recent advances in LED light technology have made LED lighting almost ten times more energy efficient than normal incandescent light bulbs with the same amount of light output. Old fashioned incandescent light bulbs are extremely wasteful, using up over 90 percent of the energy flowing through them as heat. This is a huge waste that can be avoided with the use of more resource friendly LED lights.
LED Lighting Makes Good Sense
LED lights are cool running; therefore far less energy is converted to inefficient heat. Maintenance costs are shockingly low, due to the typical long life span of an LED, which will last up to a hundred times longer than a standard incandescent bulb, and at least ten times longer than a fluorescent tube. LED lights are far more durable than other lighting sources, as they are resistant to temperature changes, shock and vibration- making them ideal for use in outdoor lighting and high traffic areas. LED lighting makes good economical and ecological sense.
In the past, the biggest limitation to LED lights being used for regular, everyday residential use was the initial cost of installing new LED lighting or replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with newer LED units. However, new trends in more ecological and economical choices for builder and homeowners have increased production of LED lighting, and helped bring the cost of installation down to more reasonable level, making LED lighting more accessible for those who wish to benefit from its myriad uses.
LED Strip Lighting Uses and Applications
LED lights are available in an array of sizes and shapes, but perhaps the most useful and unique design is the LED strip light. LED Strip Lights offer energy efficient and clever solutions to under-cabinet and accent lighting. Display lighting becomes easier with the use of LED light strips behind or around items. Because of their ability to send out higher levels of light from much smaller bulbs, LED strips can become virtually invisible, leaving only the lighted object on display instead of a distracting light fixture.
LED strip lights are flexible and can be trimmed to virtually any length. Many LED light strips come equipped with an adhesive backing, making them easily mounted in any are, such as under cabinets or shelving. The LED strip light’s slim profile makes it especially discreet and easy to tuck into small places for dramatic results.
Selecting a Good Product
The rise in popularity of LED strip lighting has caused many companies to produce them, but not all adhere to standards that make them appropriate to purchase. There are a few things to note when purchasing strip lighting, to be sure you’re getting the product you can purchase. Look for end caps on the outside ends of the strip that are screwed on, not attached with glue. Make certain that the LED strips you consider have a heat insulated aluminum panel on the outside of the wires inside the strip, rather than the wires being unprotected inside the cases of inferior strips. Buying the best light strips that you can afford to buy will ensure a long life from your investment.
Creative Uses of Strip Lighting
LED light strips can be used in any number of ways, making them far more creatively flexible than the standard light bulb. Light strips are available in flexible and rigid strips. When placing strip lighting under or above cabinets, under shelving or along display cases, consider using rigid strip for stability and ease of installation. In places where weather proofing and water exposure are a concern, use the flexible tubing available, which wraps around and completely protects the LED bulbs. Fully submersible LED light strips are even available to use under water in swimming pools, decorative ponds and landscaping. The possibilities are as endless as your creative ideas.
Commercial Uses for LED Strip Lighting
LED light strips are especially economical and useful in commercial designs. Low cost of maintenance and east of installation make choosing LED lighting over conventional lighting just good sense. While the initial cost of installation might be higher than other lighting sources, energy savings in the long run will more than make up the difference and will eventually save money. Creative use of LED strip lighting in displays and office settings can make a dramatic difference with very little effort, making it ideal for use in offices and showrooms.
Ecological and “green” living are trends that consumers are aware of and look for when choosing where to spend their money. Using energy efficient and resource saving building supplies such as LED lighting can improve a company’s image with its customer base, as well as draw in a completely different type of consumer- one that’s savvy and thoughtful about where they spend their money. Something as simple as using LED light strips can show a more thoughtful approach to leaving a smaller footprint and using limited resources.
With its unlimited uses and resource friendly energy profile, LED lighting is by far the best choice for any lighting needs. The ease of use and installation, as well as creative possibilities make LED strip lighting especially easy to use and install. Using a more economical and earth friendly product can increase a company’s reputation. Household use of LED strip lighting is fun and easy, with uses far beyond the typical under cabinet lighting options. Whether using rigid or flexible tubing, white or colorful lighting, indoor or outdoor, LED strip lighting can be used anywhere you need to illuminate your world.
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