The Pros and Cons of LED Lights

Chances are you’ve heard of LED light bulbs before and probably have some throughout your home. But what exactly are LED light bulbs, and are they beneficial to human health? We break down the pros and cons for you.

What are LED lights?

LED bulbs, which stands for “light-emitting diode,” are one of the most energy-efficient bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, they’re about 90% more efficient.

What are the pros of LED lights?

As mentioned above, LEDs are much more energy-efficient than a standard incandescent bulb. They also last much longer and don’t burn out, but instead they experience “lumen depreciation” where the brightness of the bulb will fade over time. The typical LED bulb has a lifespan of about 10,000 to 50,000 hours of use.

They also emit little to no heat, which means they can be left on for a long time and not be hot to the touch. This also reduces the potential fire hazard of your light bulbs.

LEDs are excellent at directional light, meaning they’d be good for targeted lighting such as recessed kitchen lighting or in the bathroom over a mirror. As some may prefer a bulb that emits light in all directions, the technology for LEDs is constantly changing to adapt to the desire for a more diffused bulb that emits 360 degrees of light.

What are the cons of LED lights?

LED lights provide some major benefits, however, there are some drawbacks. First, they’re not always dimmer compatible. This is due to an incompatibility between the light bulb, fixture, and dimmer switch. Be sure to research for an LED bulb that’s dimmer compatible, and rated as having low flicker.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of LED light bulbs is that they emit more blue light than incandescent bulbs, which are more on the red end of the spectrum. Blue light can cause a disruption in your circadian rhythm, negatively affect your ability to fall asleep and the quality of your sleep. If you have many LED lights in your bedroom, this can become an issue for getting healthy sleep.

What are the different types of LED lights?

Standard LEDs

• Standard LEDs are used in any rooms throughout the house and can be used in flush mount and semi-flush mount fixtures.

Recessed or Can LEDs

• These are used in recessed lighting sockets usually located on the ceiling for down lighting.

Globe LEDs

• Globe LEDs are a good option for spaces you’d want to project light in all areas, such as vanities or pendant lights.

Decorative/Accent LEDs

• They also make LEDs in a variety of different decorative styles, such as Edison light bulbs and track lighting.

Are LEDs expensive?

LEDs used to be on the pricier side, but as time has gone on, they’ve come down in cost. While they may cost more than incandescent bulbs, due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan, they’ll pay off in the long run compared to other bulbs.

How do I choose the right LED lights?

When it comes to choosing the right LED bulbs, Brilli has a range of bulbs to choose from for each room of the house. For rooms that are used more frequently in the daytime, the Charge Up collection is a good option. These bulbs have the right amount of blue light for focus and clarity throughout the day and will help you feel more energized. All Brilli lighting also has a flicker percent of less than 1% and is dimmer-compatible.

For the evening use, turn to the Wind Down collection. These bulbs are specifically designed to imitate the warm, soft light of sunset. They also contain only 0.83% blue light, making it easier to fall asleep at night.

By using these bulbs, you can better regulate your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is regulated by light and uses it to inform your body when to wake up and feel alert and when to feel tired and sleep. By using the right light at the right time, your circadian rhythm will be more aligned.

If you’re looking for an adjustable LED fixture, the Get in Sync collection offers a low-flicker option to stay energized and alert during the day, and rested and relaxed at night.