You’ve seen dozens of LED lamps in the past. From traffic lights to flashlights and railway signals to billboard displays, the technology has grown rapidly in various lighting sectors, except one: your home. All that is on the verge of changing however as LED technology becomes more affordable and easier to manipulate for home illumination.

So it’s a different kind of light bulb, who cares, right? Well, you’re partly right: it is a different kind of light bulb, so to speak. However, there are distinct differences and benefits between LED technology and typical technology for homeowners and the environment. “Some chief advantages would be long life, low energy use, durability, they don’t emit UV radiation and don’t interfere with TV or radio signals,” says Jgordan Gordan, owner of Gordon’s Light and Sound and state certified electrical contractor for more than 25 years.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the technology behind the lighting our houses, shall we? A normal incandescent lamp (your average light bulb) creates light by running electricity through a resistive filament, heating said filament to high temperatures so it will glow, creating light. Of the energy created from the process, up to 98 percent is emitted as heat, meaning only 2 percent is actual light. A 100-watt bulb for instance produces a total of 1,700 lumens (a measure of the perceived power of light), or about 17 lumens per watt and last roughly 1,000 hours.

Other popular lighting choices are fluorescent bulbs, typical in office buildings or large chain stores. By passing electricity through mercury vapor, they produce ultraviolet light which is absorbed inside the lamp, causing it to glow. Lasting between 1,200 and 20,000 hours, the bulbs produce about 60 lumens per watt. If they break, exposure to mercury is a dangerous possibility.

Now let’s talk about LED technology. “LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It works by electroluminescence, an effect that occurs when a material emits light as an electrical current is passed through it,” says Gordon. Because no phosphors are used, there is relatively no loss in energy, making them incredibly efficient, offering more than 100 lumens from a one-watt device he says. As for lifespan, typical bulbs can last between 50,000-60,000 hours. They are also durable because there is no tube to break and safe for the environment because they contain no mercury or hazardous materials. “LEDs also put off very little heat, and that is heat that your AC doesn’t have to overcome. Because of their long lifespan, they will also have less impact to the landfill and they don’t emit UV rays.”

Of course, innovation comes with a price. “They are not in widespread use as of yet, mainly because of the cost,” says Gordon. “They are currently more expensive than conventional lighting in addition to being sensitive to heat, and while their narrow illumination pattern makes them good for task and directional lighting, it requires lenses or reflectors to widen the lighting pattern, another cost factor.” LEDs are still going through an evolution phase, so some features such as dimming may not be as advanced as traditional technology cautions Gordon. “In my experience the bulbs will dim, but only slightly before they cut completely off. So manage your expectations accordingly.”

For now, even with a limited range and higher price, Gordon recommends the technology for homeowners. “Go online and you will see all types of replacement bulbs for halogen and incandescent lamps. For track lighting they would be a great idea . Ever notice how hot track lights get?”

LED bulbs may not be widespread yet, but they may become the light of the future, helping to save you energy, money and the environment. Just may just want to remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for.”

Article by Corey Gehrold