LEDs: Fun Facts About Light Emitting Diodes You Should Know

A LED, also known as a light-emitting diode, is a device that uses a semiconductor to create light when current passes through it. LED light bulbs are the most energy efficient bulbs on the market because they don’t give off a lot of heat. They incorporate a heat sink that absorbs heat, so the bulb won’t “burn out” or overheat, which explains why LEDs are longer lasting than their counterparts (incandescents and CFLs). 

Let’s explore some more fun and interesting facts about LEDs so you can become familiar with this ever-changing technology that is dominating the lighting industry around the world.

Fun Facts About LEDs (That You May Not Have Know)

• Invented by Nick Holonyak Jr. in 1962 while working for GE.
• LEDs emit light in a specific direction with small lenses, using light and energy in a more efficient way in certain applications, than if light and heat were dispersed in all different directions (like incandescents and CFL bulbs).
• By 2030, about 75% of lighting sales will be LEDs.
• Completely switching over to LED lights over the next 20 years could save the U.S. $250 billion in energy costs.
• Light-emitting diodes are the size of a flake of black pepper.
• It takes a blue light-emitting diode with the addition of a phosphor to create the infamous white LED light.
• Many LED light bulbs have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
• 32,256 LED lights are used to light up the Times Square Ball in New York on New Year’s Eve.
• LED technology is still changing today, meaning our LED light bulbs in 5 years are likely to be better performing, and even more energy efficient.
• LED bulbs are measured in Lumens (amount of light output), not Watts (amount of energy). A LED light bulb that is 800 Lumens is equivalent to an incandescent 60 watt bulb.
• LED bulbs contain no mercury and are UV-free.

Sources:

https://www.ge.com/reports/2017-earth-day-7-electric-facts-didnt-know-potential-leds/

https://energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting

https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-li/times-square-ball

http://www.kichler.com/style-guide/learn-about-led/7-myths-of-led.aspx

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money