LED
For ALR...
When the LED craze began, ALR was extremely cautious about immediately entering this market. We did not want to compromise projects by using a new product still in the introductory stage. At that time, the LED market was struggling with issues such as lack of optional color temperatures, low color rendering indexes (CRIs), flickering, pulsing or other questionable dimming.
As manufacturers began to address the quirks of LEDs, ALR tentatively began incorporating this type of product, and now, the majority of our sales are LED. Our success with LEDs can be attributed to thorough testing before utilizing this option. Products used with the Vantage control systems are routinely advance tested for compatibility. We also suggest that our clients avoid purchasing replacement lamps (bulbs) until they have been tested with existing dimmers.
ALR also restricts our product choices to those made by manufacturers with a proven track record. Companies such as Tokistar, Cooper Lighting, WAC, Modern Forms, and Tech Lighting have done significant research and testing, and therefore provide more reliable LEDs. As additional product becomes available, ALR will continue to test their dependability in order to expand our offerings.
Facts...
LED History 101
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been used for years, primarily in the electronics industry for circuit board mounted indicator lights. Increases in brightness, lower production costs and also the availability of a variety of colors have led to the successful use of LEDs in replacing incandescent lamps found in architectural and commercial applications as well as those that are industrial.
Energy Efficiency
With a traditional incandescent light bulb, 98% of the energy used is lost as heat instead of light. LED light bulbs emit very little heat.This saves a lot of energy, as over 80% can be converted into making light instead of heat.
Lifetime
LED's lose their brightness very slowly, not instantaneously like an incandescent light bulb. So, a published 50,000 life actually means that after approximately 50,000 hours of usage, you can expect your LED light to lose 30% of its original brightness. It may take years after that to lose another 30%.
Durability
Having no filament or tube helps to make an LED exceptionally durable. They also resist the effects of heat and cold much better than incandescent or fluorescent lights.
Size Matters
Another great benefit to LED lighting, unlike other types of lighting, is there are fewer restrictions on size. They can be as small as 2mm or less which makes it possible to use them in places you could not use an ordinary bulb or lighting source. This opens up many doors of opportunity to light places never lit before.
Cool
LEDs produce only around 3.4 btu's per hour, compared to 85 btu's per hour with incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs get hot and contribute to inefficient heat build-up in a room; this needs to be compensated by running the air conditioning harder, thus increasing cooling costs.
(Note: facts are resourced from the Modern Forms website.)