Give Your Kitchen The Gift Of LED This Earth Day

How will you celebrate Earth Day on April 22? Planting a tree? Riding your bike to work? Many people search for a meaningful way to
How about reducing your ecological footprint year-round by switching to LED lighting?

“LED” stands for Light Emitting Diode, and it’s an ultra-efficient light source. In fact, the lifetime estimate for a typical LED light fixture can range from 35,000 to 60,000 hours. A typical incandescent light lasts for a measly 1,000 hours, and a compact fluorescent lamp usually peters out at about 8,000 hours. Also, LED lighting never “burns out.” The lifetime estimate is a measure of how long the LED light fixture will last until only 70% of the original light output is emitted. An LED light fixture, unlike other light sources, simply becomes progressively dimmer over the course of its lifetime.

LED lighting provides incredible light output at minimal energy usage. That means you can replace a 60-watt light with a 9-watt LED. Just think of the energy savings!
One very popular application for LED lighting is kitchen under cabinet lighting. There are a few good reasons for this.

1. LED under cabinet lights are actually cool to the touch. You will never have to worry about heat output from your lights interfering with food storage in the cabinets above, or on the countertops below. Homeowners who purchase halogen under cabinet lights, which have extremely high heat output, often have to rethink food storage when they find items spoiling early due to the light fixtures.

2. LED under cabinet lighting is available in a variety of “color temperatures.” That means you can choose between “warm white,” “cool white,” and “neutral white” light. Many homeowners prefer the warm glow of incandescent lighting. The good news is that LED can emulate that look!

3. The efficiency of an LED under cabinet light makes it perfect for the kitchen, where it is likely to be left on for long periods of time. Many homeowners use it as night lighting.

4. Unlike all other light sources, LED lights do not give off UV rays. Studies have shown that ultraviolet rays decrease nutrient levels in foods.
So, if you’re looking for an excuse to take on a kitchen home improvement project with fantastic results, mark your calendar for April 22!

Emily Widle is a blogger for online retailer Pegasus Lighting, which offers a wide variety of lighting fixtures for homes and businesses.