Let the light shine on LED myths and facts
One of my resolutions for the new year is to tame my monthly hydro bill. I’ve already stated by purchasing LED light bulbs at the Barrhaven Home Depot store – and guess what, they work very well and use just a fraction of the electricity that normal bulbs consume. I even found a 3 way LED light bulb for my favorite reading lamp. The following article helps shed some light (no pun intended) on some of the myths that surround LED lighting.
(NC) It’s time to set the record straight. As the Canadian government continues to transition out incandescent light bulbs, take a moment to get to know the facts about the wide array of energy efficient lighting options available. According to experts in the lighting department at The Home Depot Canada, these myths are heard most often in store.
Myth #1: There’s no selection.
Fact: There are light-emitting diodes, better known as LEDs, for every need, including many household appliances, indoor flood lighting, decorative bulbs (chandeliers) and outdoor fixtures. LED bulbs can also be as small as 2 millimetres, making them ideal for fitting into hard-to-reach and compact areas.
Myth #2: They produce bright blue and blasting light.
Fact: Colour temperature describes the visual warmth or coolness of a light source. LED lights are available in a wide range from a bright light or a mellow glow making them suitable for any room. LEDs also offer dimming and colour changing abilities – whether you want to create a natural atmosphere in the kitchen or elegant, ambient lighting in your dining room.
Myth #3: They are too expensive.
Fact: LEDs have an incredibly long life, with each bulb lasting an average of 25,000 hours (or approximately 22 years of use), compared to the lifespan of an incandescent light bulb, which is approximately 1,000 hours. Based on lifespan and typical electrical usage, an incandescent light bulb will cost homeowners about $8.00 per year to run, while an LED bulb comes in at only $1.75.
Myth #4: They are hard to find in stores.
Fact: Retailers across the country (like The Home Depot) carry hundreds of LED products to meet all your household lighting needs. With well-known brands including Cree and Philips, the bulbs are widely available. Additionally, many areas have rebate programs that will ensure the lights are available at a reasonable cost.
Myth #5: Switching to LEDs requires changing existing fixtures.
Fact: LEDs currently on the market are designed to fit all types of existing sockets. They work in standard bases that are common with incandescent and halogen installations. In most cases, they are the same size, if not slightly smaller, than the bulbs they replace and do not pose any difficulties when making the switch.
More information is available at in-store locations or online at www.homedepot.ca.
