LED Downlights – A Hot Trend in Architectural Lighting

With advancements in lighting technology, LED downlighting is an exciting option for architects and builders today. More people are becoming aware of the numerous benefits of choosing LED downlighting, and how it brings a modern dimension to home and office lighting. There is no doubt that a well-placed LED downlight can create a sophisticated, elegant and highly customized look in commercial or residential buildings. They excel at highlighting architectural features of interest, while drawing attention away from less exciting elements. LED downlights are widely used in bedrooms, sitting rooms, reception areas, display cases, cabinets, offices, art displays, bars, hotels and lobbies.

So why are LEDs becoming so popular in architectural lighting applications? With near perfect lighting effects, LED downlights depict an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. Add a dimmable function, and they not only adjust light output to fit any desired mood, but also conserve energy and lengthen the LED lifespan in the process. Beyond mere aesthetics, the inherent attributes of LEDs and their resultant benefits make them an ideal candidate for downlighting. 

• Lifespan: LED downlights are ultra-durable with a lifetime of over 35,000 hours (average), which is roughly equivalent to a lifespan of 20-25 years with normal usage.
  
• Temperature: LED downlights produce less heat than traditional lights, increasing safety by minimizing fire risk.
• Energy Efficiency: With high efficacy of LEDs and a long lifetime, LED downlights can save 70% on energy bills when replacing conventional recessed lights and incandescent lights.
• Maintenance: LEDs do not require much maintenance inherent with frequent lamp replacements. The low operating temperature of LEDs helps reduce air conditioning and maintenance costs as well, saving money long term.
• Color: LEDs for lighting applications have been designed to achieve a warm, white light that ranges > 90 on the color rendering index (CRI), and are described as “eye comfortable”. This light brings out the details of the decor, subtly improving aesthetics and mood.
• Safety and health: LEDs emit no ultraviolet rays or toxic substances (mercury). There are no environmental hazards to be concerned with when disposing LEDs either; heightening the overall “green” aspect of any space. Moreover, the lack of Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet rays emitted by LEDs means the light is healthier and less harsh, putting inhabitants at ease.

While some might balk at the slightly higher price of LED downlights, such amounts can be recovered relatively quickly since consumers are assured of significant energy saving over the lifespan of the product. LED users will enjoy excellent quality of light for their home or building, at a more affordable monthly power rate.

Increasingly, more professional manufacturers and suppliers of LED down lights have emerged. Now one can choose the right LED downlights with affordable prices and guaranteed quality for not only commercial applications but residential lighting as well. Contact Norlux today for a consultation on your LED lighting project.