The technological age has created a divided mindset in society.

Many people tend to fall into the category of thinking that whatever the newest advance is must be the best choice. Other individuals question this train of thought, and have concerns about unfamiliar or untested innovations. In the world of lighting, this also holds true, and while private residences and businesses are finding benefit in switching to LED lights, others may question the reasoning behind the need for change. While research has certainly helped to make better and more efficient bulbs, the technology behind LED light has been in use for over 50 years. Testing and study of LED technology has generated some illuminating realizations.

When comparing LEDs with other forms of lighting, there are a number of aspects where LEDs are superior. Some of the top areas where this newer lighting has proven itself through testing and time include:

• Lifetime – Most people are aware of the fact that LEDs do not burn out as quickly as incandescent and even fluorescent bulbs. However, people are not always aware of how this information translates into a real world scenario. An LED bulb that is left on constantly would take 11 years to run down. Under normal usage, this would mean that the average human being would only have to replace the bulb three times within his or her own lifespan.
• Cost of living – LED lights are extremely efficient when it comes to operation. Not only do they use less energy to run, they also produce less energy while they are in use. Regular bulbs require four times more power to stay lit, and also produce far more heat when they are burning. This can increase power bills in two ways, and cause an uncomfortable living and working environment.
• Safety of living – Both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs have some extreme impacts on the environment. While traditional bulbs are just a super heated piece of metal in a vacuum, they do produce enough heat to change the warmth of a room. This can become an issue for the environment in terms of thermal radiation, but also in terms of resources that are used to produce and combat the extra energy. Fluorescent bulbs may be a cooler light, but they use chemical reactions that rely on toxic chemicals within the bulb. LEDs use electrical mechanics to produce light, and are far safer for the environment both with operation and with production.
• Toughness – Most people are aware that fluorescent and incandescent bulbs need to be handled with care. Fluorescent tubes are made of extremely thin glass and pressurized gasses, so they shatter easily just from being moved around or changed. Incandescent bulbs can not only shatter, but the thin filament can also break from being jostled. LED bulbs use a thicker glass and do not have any delicate components.
• UV free – Another safety and environment benefit to LED bulbs is that they do not emit any UV light. This part of the light spectrum can be extremely harmful to organic materials, including food, paper goods, and especially humans.
• Versatility – LED lights are also able to be directed, unlike other lighting which is omindirectional. This means that the light can be focused and manipulated to become more pleasing to the eye, and also to enhance the atmosphere of a space.
• Temperature tolerant – Since LEDs are digital lighting they are not influenced by overly hot or cold temperature the same way that fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are. This allows LEDs to be used and stay running in a number of extreme environments, both indoors and out.
• Immediate light – When a person turns the switch on an LED bulb, the area is instantly illuminated. This is because as soon as the electrical connection is made, the bulb powers on or off. With traditional lighting, there is a warm up and cool down period, which means that the light happens over time. This can be unsafe for many environments, and can cause extra power drain.