Led lighting strips: we see them everywhere nowadays, lighting up our homes, offices, and gardens. But do they use up a lot of electricity? In this article, we’ll delve into the mode of operation of LED strip lights, their energy consumption, and the benefits they bring. Plus, we’ll address the burning question: is it safe to leave them on all night? Let’s dive in!
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that rely on heating a tungsten filament, LED strip lights employ a different approach. They utilize a diode or semiconductor, which undergoes a modification process called doping. This alteration enables the semiconductor to possess a p-n junction with two ends. One end receives electrons, while the other contains holes that need to be filled with electrons. This interaction between electrons and holes leads to the creation of light, or photons. By ensuring the flow of electrons is unidirectional and eliminating the need for trapping, LED strip lights become highly energy efficient.
Read more: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ceiling LED Strip Lights
In contrast to incandescent bulbs, which primarily generate heat, LED strip lights devote most of their electrical energy to light production. As a result, they produce significantly less heat. This efficiency enables LED strip lights to emit the same level of brightness as incandescent bulbs while minimizing heat generation.
Let’s crunch some numbers and shed light on the electric bill impact of LED strip lights. Suppose you have a 15-foot-long LED light strips with a power rating of 1.46 watts per foot. And let’s assume the average power price in your area is $0.1059 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). With these figures, we can calculate the power consumption and cost.
To determine the wattage of your LED strip light, use this formula:
Wattage = LED power rating x LED strip length
In our case, it would be:
Wattage = 1.46 (W/ft) x 15 (ft) = 21.9 Watts (W)
To calculate the electricity consumption, multiply the wattage by the operating time of the strip light and divide the result by 1,000:
Power consumption = [Wattage x Operating Time] / 1,000
For example:
Power Consumption = [21.9 W x 12 hours] / 1,000 = 0.2628 kWh
Based on these calculations, the estimated cost for using the LED strip lights for 12 hours is about $0.03. If you leave them on for 24 hours, expect the cost to double, reaching approximately $0.06.
Apart from their energy efficiency, LED strip lights offer a multitude of other enticing benefits:
Absolutely! LED lights are safe to use in bedrooms. They generate less heat compared to conventional bulbs and adapt well to different environments.
LED strip lights have an impressive lifespan of around 50,000 hours. That’s over 17 years of continuous usage, surpassing the longevity of incandescent or fluorescent lights.
Rest assured, LED strip lights do not damage walls. Factors such as adhesive strength, climate, and surface durability play a role in wall damage, not the LED lights themselves.
LED strip lights are a highly efficient lighting option that consumes minimal electricity. They offer bright illumination, extended lifespan, and a touch of modernity. One LED bulb is equivalent to the brightness of nine conventional bulbs.
By considering the power rating and the quality of the LEDs used in the strip, you can determine the specific consumption level of your LED strip lights. Whether you want to keep your plant house warm without relying solely on electricity or simply enhance your living spaces, LED strip lights are an excellent choice.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Should you have a greenhouse, you might also be interested in learning about alternative methods to keep it warm without electricity. As always, thank you for reading!
Read more: Easy Ways to Conceal LED Strip Lights on Your Ceiling