Ever wondered if LED bulbs are really worth the switch? You’re not alone. With so much buzz around energy efficiency and sustainability, it’s no surprise that myths about LED lighting are as common as the bulbs themselves. But don’t let misinformation dim your view.
In this article, you’ll find the truth behind the most popular LED bulb myths. We’ll shed light on what’s fact and what’s fiction, so you can make informed decisions about your home lighting.
Get ready to illuminate your understanding of LED bulbs! (Pun fully intended)
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Myth 1: LEDs Give Off Harmful Blue Light
You might’ve heard concerns about LEDs emitting blue light that could potentially harm your eyes or disrupt your sleep patterns. Let’s unpack this myth and get to the facts.
LED lights do emit blue light, but it’s a common misconception that this blue light is harmful.
In reality, the amount of blue light emitted by LED bulbs is negligible compared to what you’re exposed to when outdoors or when using screens like smartphones and laptops. The blue light from the sun is far more intense and, in fact, plays a crucial role in regulating your circadian rhythm.
The idea that blue light is harmful has likely come from the fact that excessive blue light late into the evening can harm your sleep, making it both more difficult to get to sleep and potentially a lighter sleep, meaning more waking up during the night.
For those still concerned about blue light exposure (especially before bedtime), there are options available.
Many LED bulbs now come with adjustable color temperature settings. This means you can choose warmer tones in the evening, which have less blue light, to help prepare your body for sleep.
Myth 2: LEDs Burn Out Faster
LED light bulbs have garnered a reputation for being long-lasting and energy-efficient, yet some believe LEDs burn out faster than traditional bulbs. This is another myth that warrants a closer look.
LED bulbs have an impressive lifespan, often cited as lasting up to 25,000 hours or more. This dwarfs the average lifespan of incandescent bulbs, which hovers around 1,000 hours.
We talk about this more in our post all about how long LED bulbs last here.
Even CFLs, considered a step up from incandescent bulbs in terms of efficiency, only last about 8,000 hours. But there’s more to the story than just numbers – durability is another factor working in LEDs’ favor.
LED bulbs are more resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts. They don’t contain fragile filaments or glass components that easily shatter – unlike their incandescent and CFL counterparts.
It’s also important to understand what “burn out” means for an LED bulb.
LEDs typically don’t burn out in the traditional sense; they experience lumen depreciation, gradually dimming over time rather than failing abruptly. This is a stark contrast to the obvious ‘burn out’ effect seen in incandescent bulbs.
Moreover, the “end of life” for an LED bulb is reached when it dims to around 70% of its original brightness, a process that happens so gradually you’re unlikely to notice the decrease in light output.
Below is a comparison of average lifespans for different bulb types:
| Bulb Type | Average Lifespan (hours) |
| Incandescent | 1,000 |
| CFL | 8,000 |
| LED | 25,000+ |
So, while it’s crucial to look for quality when purchasing LED bulbs – focusing on reputable brands and checking for warranties – you can rest assured that with proper usage and handling, LEDs are unlikely to let you down with premature failure.
Myth 3: LEDs are Not Compatible with Dimmer Switches
You’ve probably heard the myth that LED bulbs aren’t compatible with dimmer switches, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
However, not all LEDs are created equal, and there’s a bit more nuance to the compatibility than with traditional incandescent bulbs.
Firstly, ensure the LED bulbs you purchase are labeled as dimmable. Non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer circuit can cause operational issues, so you’ll want to avoid that mistake. We talk more about using dimmable LED bulbs on a dimmer circuit here.
Dimmable LEDs are specifically designed to work with dimmable circuits – aka circuits with a dimmer switch.
The technology in dimmable LED bulbs allows them to adjust their output, giving you the ability to create the perfect ambiance in any room. However, to avoid the annoyance of flickering or a shortened bulb lifespan, pairing your dimmable LEDs with the right dimmer switch is crucial.
When shopping, you’ll also want to consider the minimum load of the dimmer switch. Some dimmers require a minimum electrical load to function correctly, which may be higher than the low wattage of LED bulbs.
- Look for dimmer switches with a low minimum load.
Don’t let outdated information dim your view on the flexibility of LED lighting. With a little research and the right equipment, you’ll find that dimmable LED bulbs are highly versatile, energy-efficient, and fully capable of setting the perfect tone in your space.
Myth 4: LED Bulbs are More Expensive than Traditional Lighting
When shopping for light bulbs, you might get sticker shock when comparing LED bulbs to traditional incandescent options.
The initial price of LED bulbs is indeed higher; however, that’s only part of the story. To truly understand the costs, you need to consider the long-term savings that LEDs provide.
LED bulbs consume less power than their incandescent counterparts, which means that they are cheaper to run over time. The average LED bulb uses about 75-80% less energy.
Furthermore, LEDs have a much longer lifespan. Where a traditional incandescent bulb may last for 1,000 to 2,000 hours, an LED can last up to 25,000 hours or more. We spoke about this earlier. This durability means you’ll buy LEDs much less frequently, saving money in the long run.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
To clarify the cost benefits, here’s a breakdown comparing LED bulbs to incandescent bulbs over time:
| Light Bulb Type | Average Lifespan (hours) | Energy Use (watts) | Approximate Cost Over 25,000 Hours |
| Incandescent | 1,500 | 60 | $375 |
| LED | 25,000 | 14 | $85 |
These figures consider the cost of purchasing the necessary number of bulbs and the average electricity cost of 12 cents per kWh. It’s evident that while the upfront cost of an LED may be higher, the total cost of ownership is significantly less.
Remember that as the technology improves and becomes more widespread, the price tag on LED bulbs is steadily dropping.
Moving away from initial costs, let’s explore another aspect often overlooked: the environmental impact of your lighting choices.
LEDs not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint with lower energy consumption. This ties in with the broader range of benefits beyond just cost—you’re choosing a product that’s better for the environment and your wallet in the long run.
Closing Remarks
You’ve now seen the light when it comes to LED bulb myths (I’m loving the puns today!).
By choosing LEDs, you’re not only cutting down on your energy bills but also investing in a solution that benefits the planet. Remember, the upfront cost is just a part of the story. It’s the long-term savings and eco-friendliness that make LEDs a bright choice for your lighting needs.
So, with the myths debunked, what are you waiting for? Get your LED bulbs today!
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