LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. A diode is a special piece of material that allows electricity to flow in only one direction. Imagine how an old-style subway turnstile works and you've got the general idea, pushing through the turnstile uses up some energy, a little bit of which is turned into light. LEDs are similar in that they are very efficient, very durable, and don't involve mercury like fluorescent lights. Below are the main benefits of LED lighting:
LED prices have been cheaper every year. LEDs have dramatically higher efficiency & lower power usage compared to incandescent lights. Their efficiency comes from a lack of wasted energy on heat, even better than fluorescent. Conventional incandescent lights waste about 90% of their power on heat output. On the contrary, LEDs produces less heat and are cool to the touch. They also have low fire risk due to the low output of infrared and ultraviolet. LEDs long life will save on your electric and maintenance bills, if used in a suitable environment. They are more rugged, there is normally no glass to break and no filament to damage via vibration, so you won’t have to replace your LEDs often.
BONUS LED FACTS:
Most residential and commercial LED manufacturers boast a 50,000 hours lamp life on average, with newer models reaching up to 100,000 hours. Check out how the below usage rates affect the lifespan of your LED bulb: