LED Lighting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

What are LED's?

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is an exciting, rapidly evolving technology that produces light unlike ever before. LED's are small light sources that illuminate by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material.

Good LED's/ Bad LED's


Quality of LED's is of utmost importance. The marketplace is flooded with new manufactures putting out LED bulbs and fixtures. Only quality products will support the claims about the benefits of LED lighting.

High quality LED's will cost more, but if you choose the less expensive LED's they may not serve you in the most efficient way. Essentially people buy LED's because they want to do something good for the environment while saving money. If you cut corners on the initial investment (i.e. opting to buy the less expensive LED's), the return on your investment will be little or none. With the proper high quality LED's your one time investment can last 15 - 20 years!

Farrey's offers only the best LED bulbs and fixtures. BUT, if you're planning on making a one-time purchase for the next 15 - 20 years, speak to a Farrey's lighting expert. Make sure your decision is the right one. You can contact the lighting counter to speak to a technical lighting expert, (305)947-5451.

U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding the development of LED lighting in hopes to phase out less efficient forms of lighting. LED's are the future of energy saving lighting, using 90% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. LED's are not only cost reducing and energy efficient, but LED's have many other added benefits.

• LED's are more durable than incandescent and CFL bulbs, they are resistant to heat, cold, and shock. High quality LED's are made in a way that draws away heat and prevents the diodes from being damaged.
• LED's burn cooler, saving on the cost of air conditioning, and increasing safety.
• LED's are more compact in size which helps in the installation process and engineering of the light fixture.
• LED's can be dimmed. Most CFL's (compact fluorescent lights) are not dimmable, however the few that are lose quality.
• LED's are programmable to emit light in many different colors.
• LED's contain no toxic mercury.
• LED's do not require reflectors to direct the light because the light source is already inherently directional.

So whether you want lower energy bills, more effective lighting, a better environment, or you just want to avoid the hassle of having to change bulbs in hard to reach places, consider visiting the lighting counter at Farrey's for all the most current information, and the very best quality LED's.

Home applications for LED Lighting

LED's are making significant advancements in home applications. They are dimmable and can give a softer light - a great alternative to florescent lighting. They are used in home applications such as lighting strips, under cabinet lights, light bars, reading lamps, desk lamps, outdoor lighting, even crystal chandeliers. Imagine installing LED fixtures and never having to change a single bulb- they don't break, they burn much longer, and the light quality remains the same. -5X longer than fluorescent and 10x longer than incandescent bulbs.

[Featured to the right is a Crystal LED Chandelier]

Commercial Applications for LED Lighting

Over time cost savings are HUGE on the commercial application of LED lighting. A significant difference will be seen in electric bills, and maintenance costs. Convenience is also a big selling point because bulbs don't have to be changed often. LED lighting may be the best choice for refrigerated grocery cases, commercial signage, architectural lighting, retail displays, and accent or task lighting. Products with the most utility for the commercial sector include recessed down lights, surface/pendant mounted down lights, outdoor poles, outdoor step lighting, outdoor pathway lighting, and track lighting.
[Featured to the left is a recessed LED light]

Watts vs. Lumens

Using wattage to determine light output is a common mistake many make because watts have been associated with light output for hundreds of years. Actually wattage has little to do with light output and more to do with how much electricity the bulb uses. In the future you will hear the term lumens more often. Lumens are the correct measurement for light output. With the invention of energy efficient bulbs, you will begin to notice bulbs that have very low wattage and high lumens compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Meaning, they produce just as much light, if not more, while using significantly less amounts of electricity.

Farrey's Lighting and Bath has two locations serving South Florida.
1850 NE 146th Street, North Miami, FL 33181 (305) 947-5451
3000 SW 28th Lane, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (305) 445-2244