Very low continuing operating costs - LED lights consume about 1/6th the electrical power of their traditional incandescent and halogen equivalents, for the same light output.
Infrequent replacement - LED emitters, the small part that creates the light, are very durable, and won’t burn out the way traditional bulbs do.
They are “instant on”. Some other energy-efficient lights still take a few minutes to reach full luminescence.
Dimmability - the latest generation of LED lights are dimmable - they work effectively with existing switches and dimmers.
Spectrum - LEDs are available in a variety of color temperatures - the balance of colors that make a light seem warm, or hot, or even blue.
Cons:
While LED technology is well-established, not all manufacturers and brands have established track records. An LED “bulb” contains other electronic components in addition to the light emitting diode. They are more likely to fail than the LED itself - we don’t know how long they will last.
Some LED lights aren’t attractive, if they’re visible in a recessed ceiling can or other fixture that exposes the bulb. Most people stop noticing this very soon.
The color temperature is constant. Some owners like the fact that a conventional bulb becomes “warmer” when it’s dimmed - it adds to the ambience in the evening. LED’s don’t work that way - a daylight-balanced LED will have the same cool, daylight temperature when it’s dimmed.
In many homeowners’ and builders’ eyes, the pros considerably outweigh the cons. The initial purchase cost should continue to drop, and as energy prices continue to rise, the operating advantages will become more important.
They consume a fraction of the electricity even when manufacturing and shipping are considered. (Less expensive)
Their higher energy efficiency means that LEDs will pay for the extra purchase cost in a short time span.
Long life if used in a suitable environment, saving future maintenance and cost. (Less polluting)
Produce little heat, and contain no hazardous chemicals to be released if they are broken. (Safer)
LEDs have useful versatility because they can create both white and colored lights.
Faster switching time and less likely to be damaged by on off cycles.
Cons:
They often require special adapters and converters to power them.
Over time, illuminating LEDs with a poor design may begin flickering, changing color, becoming dim and providing uneven light. (Avoid this by choosing LEDs with an Energy Star raiting)
Not all LED bulbs are dimmable.
Quality / color of the light isn't always as good as incandescent or halogen lights, but is getting better.
As you consider lighting in your home, visit the Energy Star website for a comprehensive analysis of LED lighting. http://www.energystar.gov/
Pros: LEDs cost is dropping so they don’t break the bank like in recent years LEDs run a much lower wattage so more can be installed on existing circuits, sometimes keeping job costs low for the end user LEDs being instant start , can be used for more types of lighting where a delay is a concern Because of they’re popularity, you now can often get good deals at local suppliers Cons: Still more expensive to purchase then conventional lighting LEDs are more sensitive to power quality. If you live in an area with frequent surges and or a building with “dirty power” your LEDs may flicker on without being at least slightly dimmed. If you purchase multiples of certain pre manufactured LED fixtures in the future when you do have to replace them, you may not be able to find the exact models anymore. I suggest to buy extras.
The cost of LED has continued to become more competitive with traditional fixtures. LED fixtures have a higher light output reducing the number of fixtures offsetting potential first cost of fixturing the building.
New LED technology allows for the mixing of diodes to provide natural color renditions. They are also dimmable and with the variety of applications far more flexible than traditional fixtures.
