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Date: 22.02.10
The thing about LED lighting technology is that most of us know its is the way ahead. Problem is – we are not really sure how to use it properly … yet. LED’s are spreading across our world like an luminous rash heralding a new age of energy efficient lighting that once they are fitted can be forgotten. Once only seen as little lights on your stereo – seemingly they can now be used to uplight 80m high buildings! But can we trust them to really be a replacement of other tried and tested lamp technology?
Why would we use an LED source, say in a downlight?
Colour: LED’s can at last now match the same colour rendering of our beloved incandescent GLS lamp.
Longevity: usually quoted as 50,000 hours which is over 11 years if you leave the lights on for 12 hours everyday.
Low maintenance: No lamp changing and when they begin to fade after a decade or so, manufacturers are now beginning to make the LED replaceable in the fitting.
Energy efficiency: Very highly efficient saving huge amounts of energy and running costs; the fittings pay for themselves even compared to compact fluorescents – the only current alternative to GLS lamps
True directional light: Halogen lamps reflect varying degrees of beam (flood etc) but they loose efficiency in the process. LED’s can now have lenses to focus and direct the light and effectively control the beam.
Robust: Solid state lighting (which LED’s are) have no filament to burn out and can handle tough conditions.
Dimmable: LED’s can be dimmed but the colour remains the same. If you want to mimic an incandescent source and enjoy a warmer glow as you you dim you will be disappointed! However – if you want the same colour of light but with a lower intensity – then it is smiles all round!
Environmental: With some fittings made from 85% recycled aluminium and 100% recyclable in addition to their efficiency, they have a very low carbon footprint. Additionally, unlike compact fluorescent lamps they contain no mercury.
Small: Dimensionally smaller and more compact that ordinary compact fluorescents.
… to name a few.
Go to www.houseoforange.co.uk for more information and LED fittings we recommend. Our next email will suggest downlights that we have tested and have confidence in proposing as true replacements for halogen and compact fluorescent fittings. We’ll also reveal our criteria for selecting a fitting.
Back soon!
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