Three Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to LEDs

As the winter approaches, the days grow shorter and darker, making everyone turn on their lights a little earlier each day in the evening. Keeping those lights on slightly longer each night can begin to add up. If you haven’t made the switch to LEDs from incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs, we have a handful of reasons below that may persuade you to update your lighting. And if you’re looking for even more reasons, be sure to check out our interactive Lighting e-Book! It provides all the details on the benefits of ENERGY STAR^® certified LEDs, beyond just brightening your home. So, let’s get started. Here are three key reasons why it makes sense to upgrade to LED bulbs.

1. LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting.

LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting option on the market. These bulbs require significantly less energy to provide the same brightness as traditional incandescent bulbs, and require less energy than even compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. For instance, an LED designed to replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb may require only 9 watts, meaning it uses 85% less energy! LEDs also have a longer lifetime – ENERGY STAR certified LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For you, this means less time spent changing light bulbs and less money spent on buying replacement bulbs.

However, it is always important to remember that not all LEDs are created equal. Keep an eye out for LEDs that are marked as ENERGY STAR certified. Non-certified LEDs may be listed as cheaper at the store but sometimes have lives as short as 2,000 hours, only twice the lifetime of regular incandescent bulbs. ENERGY STAR certified LEDs can last more than 20 times longer than those incandescent bulbs, so you’re ultimately saving money when you choose the longer-lasting ENERGY STAR certified models.

2. LEDs are a safer choice.

LEDs are safer for your family and the environment. For the best durability, LEDs are the top choice for bulbs. Made from rigid plastic instead of glass, LEDs are shatter proof! No worries if an LED slips out of your hand – you won’t be sweeping up little shards of glass moments later. If a bulb does somehow break, you also won’t have to worry about mercury exposure, since LEDs are mercury-free.

Also gone are the days of burning your fingers on a hot light bulb. With LEDs producing 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs, the fear of getting burned is yesteryear’s worry. This is another attribute of the higher energy efficiency of LEDs – there is limited energy wasted as heat and more energy directed at producing light.

LEDs are not only safer for your home and loved ones, but they are also safer for the planet. Using less energy and having extensive lifespans means LEDs don’t have to be changed nearly as often as traditional light bulbs. Less frequent changing of light bulbs means fewer light bulbs going into landfills.

3. LEDs come in a variety of versatile and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Versatility matters in today’s lighting industry. With different tastes and styles, it is great knowing that you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for function and design, or vice versa. There are several types of LED bulbs and fixtures designed for a variety of purposes.

Whether you need to create some ambience with dimmed lighting, brighten a workspace at a desk for homework or an at-home office, showcase art, install task lighting under cabinets above cooking stations, or light up outdoor spaces – there is an array of energy-efficient LED lighting options available.

Of course, these different areas around the house require distinct types of lighting, and that’s why it’s important to pay attention to the key features of the bulb you purchase – including its size, style, brightness, color temperature, and whether it’s suitable for outdoor use. For instance, color temperature, measured on the Kelvin scale, is particularly important for creating the ambience you want in your home. Most people prefer warm light, between 2,700 Kelvin and 3,000 Kelvin, for bedrooms and living rooms; meanwhile, a cool white light around 3,500 Kelvin to 4,100 Kelvin may be more complementary to a room with a lot of white or a bathroom with stainless steel accents. Before you shop, check out our easy-to-follow lighting guide to make sure you find the right bulb for your home.

We’ve already pointed out three reasons why upgrading to LEDs is a great idea: these bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, they’re safe for your family and the environment, and they come in a variety of styles to meet your lighting needs without sacrificing functionality or design. But, if you still need more reasons, our Lighting e-Book is full of them! Check it out to learn more about the advantages of ENERGY STAR certified LEDs. Then head over to our online storefront or visit your local retailer to find great discounts on LED bulbs and fixtures, courtesy of the Sponsors of Mass Save^®.