BY I.M. LYTEMAN
There is a lot of misinformation out there about LED lighting. Let’s take a few moments to dispel these common myths:
Myth #1: LEDs don’t last that long
In fact, LEDs last far longer than the average incandescent bulbs ever did. LED technology is measured differently than the old light bulb. LEDs are tested and rated for lumen maintenance – how long they will maintain up to 70% of their original total light output. Our LEDs maintain their color for years at normal use – they have an L70 rating of 50,000 hours.
Myth #2: Switching to LEDs costs too much
While premium LEDs can be a little more expensive to install than traditional lighting, they quickly provide tremendous energy savings. LEDs only use about a fifth of the electricity that an incandescent bulb of similar brightness would use. That energy savings results in lower electricity costs that compound with time, and because LEDs last longer than other types of lighting, replacement costs are lower, too.
Myth #3: LEDs offer poor light quality
LEDs actually offer superior light quality – which can be tightly controlled through the use of dimmers or DMX control systems. The quality of an LED light source can be (and is!) measured in lots of ways. Our products are produced in our own factories, then rigorously tested for color temperature, color rendering and color consistency.
Myth #4: LEDs aren’t bright enough
Simply put, they are. You can choose LEDs that glow with the warmth of candlelight, but you can also choose LEDs that replicate natural daylight, far outshining the incandescent bulb. The beauty of modern LEDs is that light has become so easy to control.
Myth #5: LEDs are too bright
LEDs come in varying shades of white color temperature and often offer simple dimmer functions. With DMX controls, you can even program your LEDs to mimic circadian rhythms. So while you can get the brightest LEDs out there, know that LEDs that are too bright most often aren’t being utilized correctly. Premium architectural LED systems use specific types of LEDs, channels, lenses and controllers that soften and manage light output.
Myth #6: LEDs hurt your eyes
An LED is not a laser – proper use makes LED technology as safe as any other artificial light source. Premium architectural lighting utilizes diffusers or lenses that can customize the color temperature of white LEDs, providing great reading light and rendering true colors in any setting.
Myth #7: LEDs are dangerous
LEDs don’t contain any lead, mercury or other toxic material. They work with a recyclable phosphor. They give off far less heat than old-fashioned light bulbs. And because they operate at a lower DC voltage than traditional lighting and don’t emit UV radiation, LEDs are generally considered a much safer option than most other manmade light sources.
