LED lighting is very different from other lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs and CFLs. Key differences include the following:
- Light Output: LEDs are a lighting marvel – Technological advancements continue to improve the lumen output for each watt of consumed electricity – In other words, the light output of LEDs continues to increase while the energy consumption remains unchanged
- Direction: LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light – This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many uses such as recessed downlights and task lighting – With other types of lighting, the light must be reflected to the desired direction and more than half of the light may never leave the fixture
- Heat: LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat, and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat – During the summer, heat generated from lighting causes the air conditioner to run longer