View source for LED light bulb

[[Category:Done 2018-04-30]]
[[File:LED bulbs.jpg|framed|Figure 1. LED light bulbs.<ref>From https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LED_bulbs_2012.jpg</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>LED bulbs consist of [[light emitting diode]]s designed and manufactured as lighting fixtures (see Figure 1). These devices use a [[semiconductor]] to turn [[electricity]] into [[light]].</onlyinclude> As opposed to [[incandescent light bulb]]s, LEDs do not emit light by using a filament that glows when an [[electric current]] is applied, which makes LEDs much more [[energy]]-efficient than traditional [[light bulb]]s since there is much less energy lost as [[heat]].

==Disadvantages==
The most obvious disadvantage of LED lighting is that the immediate cost of purchasing LED bulbs is significantly higher than that of [[incandescent light bulb]]s. Although the price of LEDs has decreased over time, they are still more expensive to purchase than the traditional options.<ref>''Concerns about LED Light Bulbs'' [Online]. Available:http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/led-light-bulb3.htm</ref> Another disadvantage has to do with the Color Rendering Index (CRI) of LEDs. The CRI is a value on a scale from 1 to 100 that measures how accurately light sources render color realistically. Incandescent bulbs have a CRI value above 95.<ref>''What is color rendering index?'' [Online]. Available:http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightinganswers/lightsources/whatisColorRenderingIndex.asp</ref> Although LEDs can achieve CRI values in the 90s, such bulbs tend to be particularly expensive. However, most LED bulbs readily achieve CRI values in the 80s, and higher CRI values are generally not required except in places like art galleries.<ref>''What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?'' [Online]. Available:http://www.topbulb.com/color-rendering-index</ref> It is also important to note that there is doubt about the accuracy of the Color Rendering Index in evaluating LED bulbs.<ref>''LED Basics'' [Online]. Available:http://energy.gov/eere/ssl/led-basics</ref>

==Advantages==
The primary advantages of LED lighting is its superior lifespan and efficiency. LEDs use at least 75% less [[energy]] and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. LEDs also stay much cooler than [[CFL light bulb]]s and incandescent bulbs. Additionally, they are much more durable than incandescent bulbs as they are made with epoxy lenses rather than glass.<ref>''LED Lighting'' [Online]. Available:http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/led-lighting</ref> Finally, LED light bulbs are significantly cheaper than incandescent bulbs when the energy costs for running the bulb are factored in, since the higher upfront cost of purchasing LED lighting is offset by its incredible [[energy efficiency]].<ref>''Everything you need to know about LED light bulbs'' [Online]. Available:http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a10104/everything-you-need-to-know-about-led-light-bulbs-16542040/</ref>

== For Further Reading ==
For further information please see the related pages below:
*[[Incandescent light bulb]]
*[[CFL light bulb]]
*[[Lighting]]
*[[Access to non-solid fuel]]
* Or explore a [[Special:Random| random page!]]


==References==
{{reflist}}[[Category:Uploaded]]