So, the first question many of you may have is what are LED lights are and what makes them special?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. LEDs are actually semiconductors (just like computer chips) that emit energy in the form of light when electricity is passed through them. They are doped or injected with certain chemicals that determine their light color. LEDs convert the majority of energy passed through them to light, as opposed to incandescent bulbs that produce light as a by-product of being heated. For this reason, LEDs are as much as 90 percent more efficient than traditional household filament light bulbs.
Components of an LED
LEDs have been widely used in as displays and indicator lights for nearly 40 years. Only recently, though, have engineers figured out how to make and mass-produce bright, white LEDs that can be used for general-purpose lighting. The high brightness and point-source characteristics of LEDs have made them the first choice for traffic lights and car tail lights, where visibility and dependability are essential.
While the brightness of LEDs made them a good alternative to HID (High Intensity Discharge), CFL (Compact Fluorescent) and incandescent bulbs for certain applications, until recently, they lacked the lumen output and optical control required for general illumination. However, advances in LED efficiency have changed that, making LED light bulbs the best choice for environmentally-friendly, cost-effective lighting. Furthermore, just as other semiconductor technology has continued to improve in efficiency even as costs have plummeted, LED technology will continue to increase in efficiency as costs fall, guaranteeing that LED lights will become the dominant for of lighting in the future.
