Fluorescent lights have been around since the 1920s, and they’ve made an enormous impact on the way we use and think about light in our homes and offices. But what you may not know is that they’re about to be replaced by something better. Over the past ten years, LED lights have risen to prominence, and there are several reasons why you should upgrade your fluorescent lighting with LEDs. Here are just a few of them.
LEDs Do Not Emit UV Light
Not only does LED lighting last longer than fluorescent lights, but it also contains no ultraviolet light. Fluorescent lights are notorious for causing skin irritations when in close proximity to people. The absence of UV rays in LEDs makes them ideal for office environments where employees are required to sit at desks all day or work under fluorescent light. You can ensure your employees are working in a well-lit environment without causing any harm by switching to LED lighting.
Low-Voltage
LED lights operate on a low voltage, saving you from dangerous electrical shock and preventing your lights from overheating. They’re perfect for high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas where it might be difficult to change a light bulb since you won’t need any kind of ladder or fixture. They also last longer than fluorescent lighting. LED lighting is rated for up to 100,000 hours—that’s about 22 years if you use them three hours a day! The lifespan of a fluorescent bulb is closer to 8,000 hours.
LED Lights Do Not Contain Mercury
LED lights don’t contain mercury, which is commonly found in fluorescent bulbs. If you break one, you won’t be in danger. There are also no disposal issues when it comes to LED lights. It doesn’t matter how much they burn out or stop working because they don’t need special disposal methods as fluorescent lights do. You can throw them away without having to worry about toxic chemicals leaking into your soil and water supply when you toss them into landfills.
LED Lights Are More Durable
LED lights have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lights do, which means you won’t have to replace them as often. Some LED fixtures can last up to 100,000 hours before they need replacing. They’re also able to withstand environmental damage better than most other light sources. While they still require a bit of care and maintenance, LEDs do hold up better over time. This factor makes them a better option for professional offices or ones that receive a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis.
High and Low Temperatures Make Fluorescent Lighting Simply Inefficient
While fluorescent lights are generally more efficient than incandescent bulbs, they’re less efficient at high and low temperatures. When temperatures get extremely hot or cold, fluorescent lights must use a significant amount of power to maintain stability, which can make them particularly inefficient. In places where there is a lot of temperature fluctuation (like areas near large bodies of water), LED lighting is often a better choice because it doesn’t use energy to keep itself stable. While they may cost more initially, LED lights save money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring less maintenance.
Fluorescent Bulbs Do Not Produce Directional Light
Fluorescent bulbs aren’t very bright, and their light output is highly directional. On the other hand, LED lights are very bright and much more omnidirectional; they distribute light evenly throughout a room. Additionally, because fluorescent bulbs burn cold (which isn’t good for your skin) and radiate UV rays, LEDs are overall healthier than fluorescent bulbs.
