In recent years, LED light bulbs have become a trend, with their promise of energy efficiency, savings and durability, becoming the preferred option for homes, businesses and establishments of all types. However, how sure are we that we are really saving as much as we have been led to believe with this technology.
Behind this whole trend there are a series of aspects to take into account, because the energy savings that we believe we are making are not happening and In the end, it is not translating into a real reduction in electricity bills at the end of the month.
First, it’s important to understand how LED lights work compared to traditional light bulbs. While incandescent bulbs produce light by passing electric current through a filament, generating a large amount of heat in the process, LED lights use semiconductors to convert electrical current into light, producing much less heat and being considerably more energy efficient.
However, The problem arises when users change their traditional light bulbs for LEDs and drastically increase the amount of light they use. It is common to hear stories of people who, excited by the advantages of this lighting trend, use these bulbs in their homes or businesses with excessive light intensity, thus counteracting any possible energy savings.
A study published in the journal Science Advances supports this concern, using satellite images to show that Earth’s artificially illuminated surface is increasing in luminosity and extent. This phenomenon, known as the “rebound effect,” suggests that the energy savings expected from the use of LED lights may be overshadowed by higher consumption due to the lower cost of lighting.
But that is not all. Although long life times are promised for LED bulbs, the reality is that some manufacturers do not live up to those guarantees. While recognized brands such as Philips guarantee up to 15,000 hours of effective use, Other lower quality products may fail long before reaching that figure. This calls into question the supposed long-term savings expected with the transition to LED lighting.
In addition, there is a tolerance problem in measuring the luminosity of LED bulbs. European tests allow a 10% margin of error, meaning that a bulb rated at a certain number of lumens could actually emit less light than expected. This not only misleads consumers, but can also lead them to purchase more expensive products than necessary.
First of all, it is crucial to make conscious use of lighting, avoiding excess light in our homes and workplaces. Also, when purchasing LED bulbs, It is important to research and choose quality products that meet the guarantees promised by the manufacturers.
You should also pay attention to the technical specifications of LED bulbs and not be fooled by lower prices, which can often be indicative of inferior quality.
When investing in LED lighting, it is key to consider not only the initial cost, but also the long-term cost, including energy consumption and product durability.
You have to understand that using this type of product can become a long-term savings. But the key to obtaining the benefits is in its implementation, conscious use and the complementary savings habits that we have every day. A single device will not reduce the final cost of the monthly bill.
