For decades, outdoor lighting has been powered by traditional light bulbs, usually halogen-style lamps, as they favoured extra low-voltage power supplies and a longer life span. However, all that changed with the introduction of LED technology. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are semiconductors that convert electricity into visible light. LEDs are more energy-efficient, emit less heat and have a longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs, making them the perfect choice for outdoor lighting. Here's a look at how LED technology has changed outdoor lighting forever.
One of the most significant benefits of LEDs is that they are much more energy-efficient than traditional light bulbs. According to consumerNZ, LEDs use about 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. This means you can run your exterior garden and outdoor lights all night without worrying about energy costs. Not only will you save money on your electric bill, but you'll also save money on replacement bulbs.
Another advantage of LEDs is that they offer better lighting quality than traditional light bulbs. The light that an LED emits can be accurately controlled, including colour temperature and degree of the beam; this allows you to achieve very accurate lighting effects to meet the desired outcome. It also allows for more diversity in colour rendering, meaning that you can make greens or reds pop under the lighting to accentuate certain features or plants using different colour LED chips.
Another significant benefit of LEDs is that they are more durable than traditional light bulbs. LEDs are made with rigid, heat-resistant materials that can withstand the elements. There is no filament in an LED, so they are much for tolerant of knocks and vibrations. Using LED lamps means you won't have to worry about replacing your outdoor lights as often as you would with traditional light bulbs.
Finally, LEDs are much more energy efficient and produce less heat. This means you can expect a much longer life out of the fitting. With incandescent and halogen lamps, the heat generated causes the metal fitting to expand; after expansion and contraction every day over some time, the seals begin to break down, and glass lenses can show signs of cracking or fogging. Fitting degradation is no longer an issue for LED fittings as the expansion and contraction of the fittings are minimal, and there is no intense heat being applied to the rubber seals. This new technology allows manufacturers to provide up to 10-year warranties on their garden and outdoor lights, which would not be possible with traditional fittings.
