LED (light-emitting diode) lighting offers multiple benefits and is one of the most energy-efficient lighting options available today. While incandescent light and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) must use reflection to direct light (resulting in a broad wash of light), the LED emits light in a specific direction making it the ideal choice for downlighting and other outdoor lighting tasks and can even be used on a dimmer when creating lighting effects for an outdoor living space.
Longer Lifespan
LED lighting offers a significantly longer lifespan than incandescent or CFL lighting. LEDs typically offer a lifespan or operational life of about 50,000 hours or almost 14 years if the LEDs are run for 10 hours daily. Outdoor lighting that turns on at dark and off at dawn generally is lit for about 8 hours. CFLs have an average lifespan of 10,000 to 15,000 hours compared to the 50,000 hours of LEDs.
LED = Less Heat
LEDs emit almost no heat. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that an incandescent bulb releases 90 percent of its energy as heat, while the CFL can emit as much as 80 percent of its energy as heat.
Eco-Friendly
An eco-friendly choice for outdoor lighting, the LED contains no mercury or lead. It does not emit UV or infrared light. LEDs also offer less wasted energy than even CFLs. A 16.5-watt LED bulb equals a 20-watt CFL bulb. The same 16.5-watt LED bulb also equals a 75-watt incandescent bulb, which is a significant energy saving.
Cold-Resistant, and More
Ideal for outdoor usage, the LED bulb operates not only efficiently but effectively even in cold temperatures. The blue-white color of the LED bulb makes it the perfect choice for illuminating outdoor space and creating the moonlit effect when downlighting a tree or other landscaping features. In addition, the LED also is resistant to vibrations and shocks, an important feature when choosing bulbs for outdoor lighting that may be exposed to strong winds and other elements.
Versatile
LED bulbs can be used as replacements for many different lighting fixtures. Replace inefficient bulbs in outdoor area lights, spotlights, and decorative sconces with LED bulbs for long-lasting lighting.
