7 Reasons Why LEDs are Stealing the Limelight
Although already a mainstay in the interior environment, LED technology is quickly gaining ground in the great outdoors. Just as solid-state circuitry replaced vacuum tubes in TV sets, solid-state LED lighting is replacing the Edison light bulbs and variations there-of. Here’s why:
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1) LED lights can last for decades.
LED lights are solid state technology, containing no electrical filaments or gas housings to break. With no moving, fragile parts, they have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
2) LED lights will never burn out.
Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lights will never burn out. Instead, the LED diode suffers roughly only a 30 percent light depreciation over its life span. LED lights may, however, fail prematurely due to adverse environmental conditions such as moisture or heat, or from having voltages outside of their specified parameters.
3) Ninety percent of the energy consumed by LED lights goes toward the product’s main function—producing light.
The remaining 10 percent of energy is given off in heat or consumed through circuitry. Contrast this with the less efficient, resistive-style light bulbs, including halogen and xenon, where roughly ninety percent of the energy is lost due to heat, and only about 10 percent is actual usable light. A 5-watt LED fixture produces the same lumen output as the industry standard 20-watt halogen fixture.
Pictured above: Downlighting with just a 2½-watt LED warm light provides enough coverage to fill a halo of light around the base of the tree.
4) LEDs are the most efficient light source available on the market.
LED lighting systems have a higher initial cost versus standard technologies but offer a return on investment after only two years; the savings generated over the life of the system in energy, electrical components, and repair and maintenance will more than pay for the upgrade—and then some.
Energy savings: LED is extremely efficient, amounting to a 50 to 75 percent reduction in energy expenses in lighting over the life of the LED light fixture. Combine this with the savings accrued from available tax credits, and the return on investment is even quicker.
System life savings: LED lighting systems use smaller transformers, less wire, and do not typically require longer 8 or 10 gauge wire. Though this off-set does not cover the increase in system cost when using LED, the electrical savings over the life of the system will more than pay for the upgrade.
Repair/Maintenance Savings: The standard warranty of LED products currently on the market averages around 10 years; that's 10 years of never having to change and dispose of a single lamp.
5) LED lighting systems offer the same flexibility and options as standard lighting systems.
LED manufacturers are currently offering affordable products that mimic the flexibility of standard lighting systems:
Varying wattage offerings: Allow the designer to choose the right light level for the application.
Color temperature options: Range from warm white LED, matching current halogen systems, to cooler color temperatures, creating the bluer hues often used to color correct certain plants and make foliage "pop.”
Beam options: Allow the designer to exercise beam control, minimizing wasted light and only lighting the intended subject.
Pictured above: 5-watt warm white LEDs uplight the walls while 5-watt cool white LEDs are used to uplight the palo verde in the background. Not only does this technique accentuate the foliage, but the warm and cool colors provide a nice color contrast to the design.
6) LED lighting is easy to install.
Tight voltage parameters can be tricky to conform to when dealing with traditional lighting systems; unsuccessful attempts can result in insufficient heat for regenerating and replenishing the filament, an inconsistent color of light, loss of light control, and premature lamp burnout.
LED lighting is different, and can accommodate a wider range of voltage parameters—no color shifts or premature burnouts to worry about. This virtually eliminates the need for center-feeding cable runs, and allows for a much more consistent design from job to job.
7) LED lighting is safe and provides no potential hazards.
LED lights do not contain mercury, lead or gases under pressure, and do not emit UV or IR radiation. Though they offer extremely long life, they will not last forever. But when an LED does fail, there is no hazardous waste created in their disposal. LED products do not use glass, filaments, vacuum seals or chemicals. Because they are a Solid State Light, there are no moving parts that can break or leak.
Roger Ramsey serves as specialty products representative for Ewing Irrigation, specializing in water features and landscape lighting, with an emphasis on the technical and aesthetic elements of lighting design. To contact a Ewing lighting specialist in your area, click here.
Ewing offers a wide variety of lamps and lighting products with LED technology from various lighting manufacturers such as FX Luminaire, Hadco, Vista and Focus Industries.
Photos courtesy of Roger Ramsey.