Good lighting is extremely important in every home. Proper lighting creates warm and welcoming atmosphere in your living environment. Plus, lighting is one the most crucial elements of interior design. It can add elegance and glamour to every room in your house.

You will definitely agree that each room in your home serves a different purpose. That is the main reason why the type of lighting your choose should reflect that purpose. Today, there are different types of lamps and bulbs that can be used to illuminate the house.

Fluorescent lamps have been widely used by the vast majority of homeowners. This lamp produces light by the fluorescence of a phosphor coating. The work of the bulb depends on a chemical reaction when gases and mercury vapor interact. As a result, an invisible UV light is produced.

Fluorescent lamps were invented to replace incandescent lights. No doubt, those lights were energy inefficient. They produced so much heat that they could easily burn your skin when touched. Fluorescent bulbs are thought to be an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent lamps. They remained extremely popular until LED lights were designed.

LED light bulbs are gaining huge popularity due to a wide variety of reasons. Let’s find out why LED lighting is a great choice and why it’s time to say good bye to fluorescent lamps.

LED Light Bulbs are More Energy Efficient

It’s worth mentioning that LED lights use about 20-30 percent less electric power in comparison with traditional fluorescent lamps which emit light and heat in all directions.  LED light bulbs emit light in a specific direction. Due to the fact that LED light bulbs are put on a flat surface, they emit light hemi spherically instead of spherically. This capability helps LED light lamps use energy and light more effectively.

LED Lights Have an Extended Lifespan

There is another factor that makes LED lights more effective than fluorescent ones. These lamps do not burn out. They will just dim over time. LED lights start shining less brightly because the components of the bulb wear down gradually. The vast majority of LEDs have a lifespan of 50000 hours. In fact, these bulbs can work even longer depending on their quality. Imagine, that a LED light bulb can last for more than 11 years if used for 12 hours per day.

As you can see, LED light bulbs will not need replacing for so many years. When it comes to fluorescent lamps, keep in mind that the average life of a fluorescent bulb is about 8000 -10000 hours. LED bulbs are not as much affected by on-and-off cycle in comparison with fluorescent lamps. That means that a fluorescent lamp that is turned on and off just once per day will last longer than a lamp that is used many times.

LED Lights Contain No Mercury

Today, LED light bulbs are considered to be one of the safest sources of artificial light just because these lamps contain no mercury. This chemical can be dangerous to human health and environment.

Until recently, we didn’t even realize that some bulbs we use contain poisonous gases and toxic heavy metals. It’s well-known that fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, the substance that is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women. Despite the fact that these lamps contain a small amount of mercury – about 3 or 4 milligrams, you still may worry that this toxic chemical gets into your home when the lamp is broken.

The most important thing you can do to minimize mercury exposure is to safely dispose of the broken lamp. When this unpleasant situation occurs, you should get all people and pets out of the room and let the room air out for at least 15 minutes. You should put the broken bulb into a sealable plastic container and get rid of it. Do not forget to put on gloves in order to avoid contact with the heavy metal. But if you do not want to deal with dangerous bulbs, you should definitely find an alternative.

Environmentalists agree that using LED lights at home, office or even portable devices is a much better option.

LED Lights Provide Instant Illumination and High Brightness

Have you ever noticed that fluorescent lamps need some extra time to warm up? LED lights become bright instantly, from the very moment you turn them on. Plus, these lamps produce high level or brightness and intensity.

LED Lights Do Not Get Hot

LED lights generate heat just like any other device that consumes electric power. However, these bulbs do not create heat build-up. Due to this reason, LED light bulbs are cool to the touch. In fact, you can easily unscrew a LED light bulb that has been on for many days. And you will not burn your skin. Plus, the lamps will not cause fire because they produce light in a cool way.

LED Lights Work Well In Cold Conditions

Fluorescent bulbs do not like cold weather very much. When the temperature goes down, these lamps usually need more voltage to start. And the intensity of the light they produce decreases. When it comes to LED light bulbs, they perform better by approximately 5%. That is the main reason why LED lights are a much better option for lighting required in cold storage spaces, freezers and meat lockers. The ability to work well in cold temperatures makes these lamps an ideal choice for lights in parking lots as well.

LED Lights are Cost-Effective

Despite the fact that LED light bulbs are initially more expensive than fluorescent lamps, they still can help you save money. The vast majority of LED light bulbs use about 2-17 watts of electric power. It is between 60% to 90% less in comparison with fluorescent bulbs.

You can save about $1.64 per month and $20 per year if you choose to use LED light bulbs in your home. Keep in mind that the amount of money you can save annually largely depends on different factors including the number of bulbs you use and the number of hours you use them.

All the benefits LED light bulbs possess make them really worth considering. These bulbs are the perfect choice for any of your lighting needs.