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A first time buyers guide to LED lights

Mitch Avatar By: Mitch | Last updated October 19, 2022

led sign lit up


Introduction to the article: what are LED lights?

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of settings, and they are praised for their energy efficiency and longevity. However, many people still don't know much about LED lights, and this article will provide a basic introduction to LED lights.

So what do these three letters actually mean and what does it do? LED stands for light emitting diode. LEDs are semiconductor devices that convert electricity into light. One of the most significant advantages of LED lights is that they are very energy efficient. In fact, they use about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

While we love the chance to save money, find better products, and learn how to do cool diy led projects, we wanted to really dive in and learn as much about LED lights as we can.... so we can share that info with you.  So keep on reading our article, as we found out the good, the bad... and really there wasn't anything too ugly about LED lights but thought we would throw that in there. 

How do LED lights work?

First things first, let's get down to the basics now that we kind of know what LEDs are we can take a look at how they work.

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are the newest technology in lighting. LEDs are semiconductors that emit light when an electric current passes through them. LEDs are much more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and last up to 50 times longer.

How do LED lights work? LEDs are made of a material that contains electrons. When electricity is applied, it causes the electrons to move around inside the material. As the electrons move, they bump into other atoms and release energy in the form of photons, which is what we see as light.

LEDs are efficient because they convert almost all their electricity into light. On the other hand, incandescent bulbs convert less than 10% of their electricity into light while the rest is released as heat.

Advantages of LED lights

If you're looking to switch to LED lights, you're making a wise choice. LED lights are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Here are some other advantages of LED lights:

LED lights emit very little heat, so they're much cooler to the touch than incandescent bulbs. This makes them safer to use and helps to cut down on air conditioning costs in the summer.

LEDs are also more durable than traditional light bulbs, and they can withstand being turned on and off frequently and are not as sensitive to temperature changes. This means you can use them in a broader range of applications, both indoors and out.

What are the ranges of LED light colors?

Warm white LEDs have a color temperature of 2700-3000K. This is the closest match to traditional incandescent bulbs and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Cool white LEDs have a color temperature of 4000-5000K. This brighter, more intense light is perfect for task lighting and creating an energetic atmosphere.

Blue LEDs have a color temperature of 6000-8000K. This is the coolest LED light, and it can create a calming effect or add some drama to a room.

Disadvantages of LED lights

Homeowners considering switching to LED lights may want to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. While LED lights have many advantages, several disadvantages should be considered.

One of the biggest disadvantages of LED lights is the upfront cost. LEDs are more expensive than traditional light bulbs but last much longer. Homeowners who decide to switch to LEDs may need to budget for higher initial investment.

Another disadvantage of LED lights is that they can produce a harsh, bright light. This can be beneficial in some situations, but it can also be a nuisance. Some homeowners find that LED lights are too bright for comfortable indoor use.

One thing to keep in mind is that  LED lights are not compatible with all dimmer switches. So if you are looking for a type of lighting option that can be turned up and down easily then maybe LED lights might not be for you. We have found options in products that they just reduce the number of lights that are on to reduce the amount of light, versus turning down the input of each individual diode. 

Is it hard to do DIY projects with LED lights?

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular for both indoor and outdoor use. Many people use them because they are energy efficient and long-lasting. While LED lights have many benefits, some people find them challenging to work with when doing DIY projects.

One of the main reasons why LED lights can be difficult to work with is because they require a different type of wiring than traditional light bulbs, making installing them challenging. Additionally, LED lights produce a lot of heat, making it difficult to solder or attach them to surfaces without damaging the materials.

Despite the challenges, many people enjoy working with LED lights because they offer a unique look and feel that cannot be achieved with other types of lighting.

Can you learn to solder LED lights easily?

You can now find LED lights in various applications, from flashlights to automotive headlights. While the price of LEDs has decreased in recent years, they're still not as cheap as traditional incandescent bulbs, and this has caused many people to wonder if it's worth the investment to learn how to solder LED lights.

The good news is that soldering LED lights are actually pretty easy. You'll need a few basic supplies, including a soldering iron, some solder, and some heat-shrink tubing. You'll also need a few LEDs. Once you have all your supplies, simply follow the instructions with your LEDs.

If you're not interested in learning how to solder LED lights, plenty of options are still available. You can buy pre-wired LEDs, which are ready to be installed into your project.

Are LED outdoor camping lights a good option for a trip?

Whether you're an amateur camper or a professional adventurer, one thing is for sure – you need a good light source. And when it comes to lights, there are two main types: outdoor camping lights and normal ones. But which one is better?

Outdoor camping lights are designed to be used in, you guessed it, the outdoors. They're usually more durable and weather-resistant than standard lights, making them ideal for camping trips. Plus, they often come with extra features like a built-in compass or solar power charging. We have done several LED camping light reviews to find out which is the best, so make sure you check them out. We found the quality , both in terms of actual light output and amount of light output, to be unmatched when you compare LED camping lights to regular flashlights.

Conclusion

As the world progresses, so does technology. One area that has seen significant advancements is lighting. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular as they are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs. If you're in the market for LED lights, here is a buyer's guide to help you make the best purchase.

When it comes to LED lights, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind, and hopefully, this article has helped out with... shedding some light... on LEDs for you. Just in case you wanted a quick rundown, here it is:

First, consider the purpose of the light - whether it be for general lighting, accent lighting, or task lighting.

Next, take into account the color temperature of the light. LED lights come in various colors, from cool white to warm white.

Lastly, think about the beam angle of the light - how wide or narrow do you want the beam to be?

In conclusion, LED lights are a great option for DIY projects at home. They are energy-efficient and long-lasting, which makes them a cost-effective option in the long run. Plus, they emit little heat so that you can avoid any potential fire hazards. So the next time you're looking for a lighting option for your home project, make sure you check out LED lights.

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