Save with a simple switch to LED

One of the simplest ways to cut energy consumption and bring down your power bill is by switching to LED lighting.  The bulbs are more affordable than ever and it’s a smart move given they use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent lighting, and last 15 times longer too. While cutting power costs is obviously a big incentive, there are many benefits that LED lighting brings. Here are a few of them to help you decide if you should make the switch.

LED’s are better for our planet

Estimates suggest that almost half of our carbon footprint is due to electricity and about a quarter of that is from lighting alone. LED bulbs are more energy efficient and eco-friendly than other types of bulbs, operating at 80-90% efficiency compared to the 20% efficiency of incandescent bulbs. This is because they don’t waste energy on heat, like incandescent bulbs which get extremely hot. LED bulbs are also recyclable and don’t contain any toxic chemicals like mercury. Plus, one LED bulb can save the production of 25 standard bulbs -  so you’ll reduce contamination to our environment and landfills.

15-year life-span

LEDs have an average lifespan of 15,000 hours, which is 10 times longer than standard incandescent lights. This means you won’t have to worry about changing your light bulbs for the next 15 years. They also reach their full brightness instantly. LED bulbs are far more durable as they are made from stronger materials, meaning less money and effort in maintaining your lightbulbs. 

Lighting for every occasion

LED bulbs create a perfect light quality for every occasion. They come in a range of tones to suit different areas of your house and are flicker free. Warm white light, like this Philips LED bulb, creates a cosy atmosphere and is perfect for lighting your bedroom and living areas. Cool white bulbs, such as this Number 8 LED bulb, are better used for illuminating your kitchen and bathroom. Or if you’d like to keep it simple and cover all areas with one bulb, a cool daylight like this Philips bulb is ideal. There is even a fun RGB multi-colour LED to liven up the kids room or for entertaining.

The range of LED bulbs available is ever growing, with speciality bulbs that add interest and tie in with your interior décor like this Mercator fancy filament globe, this Orbit bud light, or this Philips clear Filament bulb.

For even more customisation you could create a wireless lighting system that allows you to change your light colour from your smartphone. Check out the Philips Hue LED starter kit, the HUE LED light strip and HUE bridge. 

Vibrant natural colours and better light distribution 

LED bulbs produce better light quality than traditional lights. Philips LED bulbs have a colour rendering index of over 80 (a scale measuring how a lightbulb reproduces colour compared to daylight), meaning their colours are vibrant, crisp and natural. They also have better quality of light distribution. LEDs focus light in one direction as opposed to other types of lighting which waste energy by emitting light in all directions. This means they often illuminate areas where light isn’t required (such as the ceiling).

Mitre 10 stocks a range of LED lights that work in your existing light fittings, so making the switch really is as easy as ‘changing a light bulb’. To check out our LED lighting options, visit your local Mitre 10 or Mitre 10 MEGA, or browse online here.