Christmas is just around the corner. Have you started decorating for the holidays? Lighting is an important interior design element. It can enhance color palettes and highlight décor pieces. With the right shade and intensity, you can create an illusion of space with the right condo lighting.
For your Christmas lights and other lighting needs, consider using light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Preliminary info about lighting for condo
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Before exploring the wonders of LEDs, let’s have an overview on how to choose the right lighting products for your condo home. The important things you should know about a bulb are printed on the label. There you’d find the brightness measured in lumens. If you’re replacing a 100-watt incandescent light, you’d need a bulb with 1,600 lumens. The label also indicates the estimated yearly energy cost, the lifespan, and the light appearance measured from warm to cool.
What are LEDs?
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According to the US Department of Energy, LED is “one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technologies.” The agency projects that widespread use of LED bulbs could result to energy savings equivalent to more than $30 billion (based on current energy prices) by 2027.
The first LEDs were invented by Nick Holonyak, Jr. in 1962. To develop a more energy efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs, Holonyak used a semiconductor to convert electricity to light. The light source of LEDs are the size of a speck of pepper and they emit very little heat. Incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat. Moreover, LEDs contain no mercury and emit light in a specific direction.
The advantages of using LEDs
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LEDs complement eco-efficient condo living in various ways. These bulbs can last more than 25 times longer than fluorescent bulbs. No need to replace your lighting for three years even if your LEDs are running 24/7. LEDs can reduce energy consumption by more than 80% as it wastes little amount of heat. These lights can replace 75-watt incandescent bulbs. Moreover, LEDs are deemed safer than traditional bulbs. Organic LEDs (OLEDs), the latest in LED technology, offer better efficiency, better lumen maintenance, and better color quality.
How safe are LEDs?
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There have been reports that the latest line of LED lights can cause eye damage. While this may be true for high-powered lights, LEDs are still generally the safest lighting options. LEDs emit less ultraviolet radiation compared to fluorescent bulbs, incandescents, and even Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Since LEDs use minimal heat, it’s safer to handle and less likely to cause a fire. You don’t need to worry about poisoning yourself when LEDs break by accident. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs don’t contain mercury.
Are there disadvantages in using LEDs?
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Nothing is perfect, not even LEDs. These bulbs tend to be more expensive than traditional lights. LEDs are quite small, thus a large space may need several bulbs. Blue light LEDs can cause light pollution and eye damage when light-sensitive people are exposed for a long period of time. Moreover, LEDs are sensitive to extreme heat. When buying LEDs, be cautious with the brand and specification. Cheap LED bulbs tend to overheat.
A wide menu of LED products
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More people are shifting from fluorescent bulbs to LEDs, thanks to the latter’s energy-saving and eco-friendly features. LEDs are used in various sectors of the society from households to commercial establishments. LEDs power street lights and other outdoor areas, modular lighting, and task lighting. LEDs are also used in refrigerated case lighting. Recessed downlights, which cut downlight wattage by at least 75%, are common in both residential homes and offices. LEDs are also used in TVs, display cases, and electronic gadgets.
LED lights for your Christmas decoration
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Are you considering unique condo lighting ideas for the holidays? LED decorative lighting is your best option! You don’t have to worry about setting your Christmas tree on fire because LEDs are much cooler than conventional incandescent bulbs. There’s a low to zero risk of combustion. Since LEDs are made of epoxy lenses, they are sturdier than glass bulbs. Thus, it’s easier to maintain them as outdoor decorations. These lights are also easy to install. More than 20 strings of LEDs can be connected together without overloading a socket. Finally, though LEDs can be a bit more costly, they last longer. You may use the same bulbs for several yuletide seasons.
How to use LEDs to decorate your condo?
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You can incorporate LEDs into your condo design by playing with forms and shapes. Using a wire, you can create the skeleton of your LED snowflake decoration. LED bulbs come in various colors. Check out the home depot for red or green starlight spheres. You can also make your own hanging light sphere using coils and warm white LEDs. LED bulbs are perfect for light show trees. You can go for white, blue or multicolored bulbs. Other décors you should try are lighted topiary animals and illuminated plants.
LEDs and CFLs
LEDs are not the only lighting technology you should look into. You may have heard about energy-efficient CFLs. LEDs, as wonderful as they are, are not suitable for some purposes. Most LEDs, which are directional, are not fit for reading. CFLs offer a solution: they appear like incandescent bulbs but uses minimal energy like LEDs. CFLs are also cheaper than LEDs and its lighting quality is closer to what we’re all used to. However, unlike CFLs, LEDs are mercury-free, making them still the safest lighting product in the market.
The yuletide season is nearly here. You can expect major roads and business districts to display beautifully decorated with stars, snowflakes and other Christmas motifs. Households will also soon be busy installing Christmas trees and large outdoor decors. Decorating for the holidays is a good opportunity to bond with family and friends. In your condo community, you can exchange design ideas with your neighbors or even offer to help out. Remember that more than the lights and decorations, Christmas is all about building relationships and kindness.