For many years, residential and commercial properties made use of fluorescent lighting. Often abbreviated to LFLs, linear fluorescent lights have many benefits. They have a long light span, they’re efficient at what they do, and they output a good quality of light. In fact, newer models of fluorescent lighting even have better energy efficiency than the old models many of us had in our homes growing up. Why, then, have so many businesses and homes made the switch to LED lighting? Let’s take a look at the benefits of LED lighting to understand why.
They’re Potentially Shatterproof
When installing fluorescent lighting, most installers – especially in commercial spaces – had to either make use of a tube guard or order specifically shatterproof lamps. Both of these options were expensive, but they had to be done for health and safety reasons. LED lighting doesn’t require these additions as the majority of LED tubes are designed with a shatterproof coating. Take a look at the tubes on the Any Lamp website and you’ll understand what we mean. These tubes are shatterproof and suitable for a number of different installations, including schools, offices, and garages.
They Work Well With Controls
While fluorescent lighting can be linked up to control systems, many users find that the bulbs burn out much quicker when used in this way, even when common occupancy sensors are integrated. However, because the life span of LED lighting is not dependant on how often they are turned on or off, they do not struggle with the same problem. LED lights can be hooked up to all different kinds of control systems without any usage issues being present.
They Don’t Contain Mercury
Fluorescent lighting makes use of mercury in order to work. While this isn’t a problem while the lighting works as intended, it does make disposing of them more difficult, and potentially an environmental hazard if they break. LED lighting doesn’t require mercury to function. This makes them one of the greenest options on the market.
Directional Lighting is Possible
Directional light can be achieved with LEDs. What this means is that you can illuminate a specific space or thing. Fluorescent lighting is unable to do this, instead only providing multi-directional lighting. Not only is this not ideal for certain rooms or areas – the kitchen, for example – but it also usually means that light is wasted.
They Can Be Dimmable
Finally, LED lights can be dimmable, which is ideal for spaces such as the living room where you want to achieve different atmospheres as the day goes on. Some fluorescent lighting systems are able to do this as well, but it’s much rarer and also more expensive. Some users of fluorescent dimmable lights also find that they perform poorly.
As you can see, while fluorescent lighting had its reasons for being popular back in the day, nowadays LED is almost always a better option for both commercial and residential properties. If you haven’t made the switch already, now is a great time to do so.
