In the year 1994, millennials witnessed the most spectacular invention that even bagged a Nobel price. The invention of ultra-bright LEDs by Shuji Nakamura was and still is the most significant advancement in the field of electrical bulbs. 

LED bulbs have been lighting up the world in the most energy-efficient way since the last 2.5 decades. They consume 80% lesser energy and last up to 25 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. It is safe to say that LED bulbs are the ideal lighting solution in the present times. For, now is when the world experiences the need for strict energy conservation.

Read on to know why LEDs are one of the best lighting solutions and how they’ve been striving and thriving in a world of constant changes and amendments.

In the year 2007, Congress adopted strict efficiency standards set up by the Department Of Energy (DOE) for lighting devices. The law states that for any lighting fixture to be eligible for sale should put out at least 45 lumens of capacity per watt. Any lighting fixtures that provide less than the set capacity were not to be sold in the market. 

Governments changed, yet the law was there to promote the use of LED technology. However, the federal government has now revised the rules. At present, the rules offer the traditional lighting systems an exemption that will allow merchants to continue selling in-efficient lighting fixtures even when efficient options are available. 

On the law that is in effect from 1 January 2020, America will not be able to replace 50% of the incandescent bulbs in the household as well as commercial sockets. Failing to rollback will lead us to major power loss in times when we must be prioritizing energy conservation by using LEDs that use much less energy.

The reconsideration of efficiency standards happened with the thought of protecting consumer’s choice. The idea was to ensure that the American people do not pay the price for unnecessary overregulation imposed by the federal government.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

At the end of 2019, DOE blocked a measure that was designed to promote more efficient light bulbs. The argument was that the policy could be too expensive for many consumers. After DOS’s roll-back on 29th December 2019, the traditional lighting technology will continue to sell in many states, but not in California. 

California Electrical Commission (CEC)has once again adopted the efficiency standards set by the DOE without any changes. This action sparks a lot of enthusiasm in between communities that support the LED technology. As of now, the DOE stands with the amendments in the standards after having overlooked a joint letter written by leaders of 37 utility companies.

To understand why we must make the shift towards and promote the use of LED lighting fixtures, one must know the benefits of LEDs. Believing in something gets more accessible and relevant when you learn specific facts that evoke a positive feeling. 

LED Technology Helps mitigate Climate Changes

LED bulbs have several environmental benefits. The significant benefits include, but do not limit to:

Reduced Carbon Footprints

The LED bulbs are ecologically sound. These bulbs help reduce our carbon footprint by a third of what their incandescent counterparts do. The manufacturing of LEDs does not involve the use of toxic elements like mercury, and they last longer, which makes them better and smarter alternatives when saving the environment is a  priority. 

Recyclable

LED bulbs use materials that are easy to recycle. The fact that they can be recycled means that these bulbs do not exert pressure on the raw material availability, which in turn is beneficial for the environment. 

Energy-Efficient

LEDs provide the same lumen output as their incandescent counterparts upon consuming much lesser electricity. An LED bulb of 6-7 watts will put out 400-500 lumens in comparison with the 40 watts incandescent bulb that will provide the same output. 

There are obvious health benefits that come along with the use of LEDs

No UV Emissions

During initial years the red LEDs could not put out white lights because of the absence of the UV spectrum. Nonetheless, LED bulbs still do not emit UV radiation, yet, they now provide bright white light. The production of white LEDs involves the use of phosphorous coated blue LEDs.  It is no brainer that UV emissions have adverse effects on an individual’s health. Thus, you can consider LED bulbs safe over the incandescent ones!

 Controllability

Not everyone prefers working under the exposure of extra-bright lights. It is also not defined for different people to feel comfortable under similar lighting conditions. Photo-allergic people and individuals who suffer from migraines find LED lights with a dimmable LED bulb better than any other traditional bulbs.

LED Lights Allow Easy and Flexible Use

LEDs are Durable

LED bulbs feature resilient materials. There is no metal filament in these bulbs that will disrupt in time, the body of these is also made in robust materials. Hence, these bulbs can withstand rough handling, tossing around, and even minor-falls!

LEDs Offer Design Flexibility

LED bulbs are available in a variety of designs. From tubes to Edison style bulbs, name design, and there’s an LED that flaunts it to perfection!

No Start Time

Unlike the traditional CFLs, LED bulbs light up as soon as you turn the switch on. LEDs allow us to enjoy perfect lighting without having to go through the irritating flickering that associates with CFLs. 

Low- Voltage Working

These bubs need lesser power to put out ample lighting. LED bulbs that work on as small as the 1-watt power supply are available, and they provide excellent light. 

Work At Low-Temperatures 

Unlike CFLs and incandescent bulbs, LEDs can function at shallow temperatures. Many variants will work at temperatures up to -50°C.

Efficient Lighting Is The Promise For A Better Future

The federal government policies do not go hand-in-hand with state policies. This leads us to states like California, that are still fighting to help LEDs become mainstream. The efforts of individuals and communities are of equal importance. We must realize that America needs a lot of power to run from dusk till dawn. Saving some energy by using efficient lighting systems is a small yet significant step that we can take towards protecting our environment.