Part8: How to choose LEDs wisely

Due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan, LEDs occupy an increasingly important position in the modern lighting market.
However, there are many LEDs on the market, and many people may be confused as to which one is best.
This time, we will explain the points to consider when choosing LEDs and the benefits of choosing ecological lighting.

Advantages of LED

The benefits of LEDs include not only energy savings and increased energy efficiency, but also other features.
For example, LEDs have low heat generation, which reduces the risk of fire.
It also has the effect of reducing light pollution to the surrounding environment by suppressing unnecessary scattering of light.

When choosing LEDs, consider the balance between initial investment and long-term benefits.
LEDs may have a higher initial cost, but this can be offset by reduced running costs due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
In addition to economic considerations, it is also important to contribute to the environment and enjoy a comfortable lighting environment.

How to choose LEDs wisely

How to choose the best LED is to consider brightness, color temperature, energy efficiency, lifespan, design, functionality, etc.
Choose the right LED for your lighting needs and usage environment.
This makes it possible to create a comfortable lighting environment while simultaneously improving energy efficiency and contributing to the environment.

Also, pay attention to reliability and quality.
It is important to select products from reliable manufacturers and check their reputation.
Quality LEDs provide stable performance and long lifespan, giving you a long-term return on your investment.

Tips on how to choose wisely

[Appropriate selection of brightness]

LEDs are a popular, efficient and long-lasting lighting option.
However, brightness is an important factor when choosing the right LED.
Brightness is generally expressed as illuminance (lumens [lm]) [*], and the higher the lumen value, the brighter the light is emitted.
It is important to choose the appropriate brightness depending on the purpose of use, so consider the required lumen value depending on the purpose and location of the lighting.

[*] Illuminance (lumens [lm]): The amount of energy emitted from a light source that is perceived as light by the human eye.

[Color temperature selection]

When choosing LEDs, you need to pay attention not only to brightness, but also to color temperature.
Color temperature is an indicator of the warmth or coldness of the color of the light, and has a great impact on the atmosphere of the lighting.

Color temperature is an important element in creating the atmosphere of a space through lighting.
It is expressed as a number called Kelvin (K). Warm colors (2700 Kelvin to 3000 Kelvin) create a soft and calming atmosphere and are suitable for relaxing spaces.
In contrast, higher Kelvin values are closer to a pale, neutral white color (5000K-6500K), which is suitable for work or areas that require concentration.
For this reason, bright, clear daylight-white light is often used in offices and schools.

Color temperature also affects visual comfort.
By choosing the optimal color temperature according to individual activities and environments, you can reduce visual fatigue and improve concentration.
For example, light that is close to sunlight and gentle on the eyes is suitable for reading and working, reducing eye strain.

Additionally, light with a specific color temperature can enhance the color of an object or change the way the color of the object appears.
For example, warm lighting highlights warm colors such as wood and skin.
In living rooms and bedrooms, warm light creates a relaxing atmosphere.

[Design]

Lighting becomes part of the interior space, so design compatibility is important.
LEDs come in a variety of shapes and designs, and you can choose one that matches your interior and lighting design.
Choose a lighting design that matches the style and theme of your interior.
A modern space is best suited for a simple, sophisticated design, while a classic atmosphere is best suited for lighting with decorative elements.
Lighting has a huge impact on the mood and style of a room, so design considerations are essential when making smart LED choices.

[Functionality]

Choose the lighting function depending on the purpose of use.
For example, movable lights are useful for focusing light on specific areas and adjusting the illumination angle.
Additionally, sensor-equipped lights increase convenience by detecting the presence of a person and turning on automatically.

Recently, an increasing number of LEDs have built-in smart functions.
Equipped with convenient functions such as cooperation with smart home systems and voice control, LEDs improve the convenience of daily life.

[Presence or absence of dimming function]

One of the important points when choosing an LED is whether it has a dimming function.
Dimmable LEDs offer adjustable brightness, increasing lighting flexibility and convenience.

Dimmable LEDs allow you to adjust the brightness, giving you more flexibility in your lighting environment.
By choosing dimmable LEDs, you can adjust the brightness to suit your preferences and specific environment.

[Energy saving and energy efficiency]

LEDs are extremely energy efficient compared to traditional lighting fixtures, providing bright light using less electricity.
Choosing energy-efficient products can help reduce your power consumption and save money.

[Focus on reliability and quality]

You can rest assured that you choose LEDs from quality brands and manufacturers.
Reliable brands are committed to quality control and product warranties to ensure that your LEDs stand the test of time.
Choosing reliable and quality LEDs will give you long-term benefits and peace of mind.

[Long life and reliability]

The longer the lifespan [*] and the higher the reliability, the better the quality of the LED.
Long-life LEDs provide illumination for a longer period of time and can reduce the frequency of replacement and maintenance.
Choosing from a trusted brand or manufacturer means we are committed to quality control and product warranties.

[Safety and compliance with standards]

Quality LEDs are guaranteed to meet safety standards and standards.
LEDs that meet safety standards can be used with confidence as they minimize risks such as overheating and electrical leakage.
By choosing reliable products, you can ensure safety at home and at work.

[*] Lifespan: When lit under the conditions specified by the lighting equipment manufacturer, the total lighting time until the LED module stops lighting, or the total lighting time until the total luminous flux falls to 70% of the value measured at the beginning of lighting. Whichever shorter time is estimated.

[Environment and uses of LED]

When choosing a smart LED, it is very important to consider the environment in which it will be used and its intended use.
LEDs are designed for different environments and applications, and you need to choose the right LED for optimal effectiveness.
Below, we will introduce points to consider when considering the environment and purpose of use.

[Indoor or outdoor]

The first thing to consider is the environment in which the LED will be used.
Special features may be required for specific environments or applications.
Indoor and outdoor lighting have different requirements.
Indoors, it is important to choose LEDs that match the brightness and atmosphere of the room.
On the other hand, outdoors, weather resistance and waterproofness are required.
Therefore, it is necessary to select the necessary functions according to the usage environment and purpose.

[Brightness that suits the purpose]

The required brightness varies depending on the application.
For example, bright, uniform light is required in offices, schools, and factory environments, while soft lighting or specific effects may be desired for decorative purposes.
Choose the brightness appropriately depending on the location and purpose of use.

[Design and Integrity]

Lighting also influences the design of interiors and buildings.
Especially in residential spaces and commercial facilities, it is important that lighting harmonizes with the interior.
Consider the design, shape, and mounting method of the LED to ensure its integration with the environment.
Simple and stylish LED lighting makes a beautiful accent in many places.

summary

Choosing LEDs wisely requires considering factors such as brightness, color temperature, dimming and toning capabilities, reliability and quality, design and functionality, and energy efficiency.
A well-balanced selection of these elements can create a comfortable lighting environment, reduce power consumption, provide economic benefits, and contribute to the environment.

It is important to choose more sustainable lighting solutions by choosing reliable and high-quality LEDs, paying attention to design and functionality, and focusing on energy efficiency.
Make the final choice based on your needs and preferences for your home or office, and enjoy making effective use of lighting.




Written by: BARREL Editorial Department
Supervised by: Yuki Oe (Lecturer, Department of Lifestyle Design, Faculty of Human Culture, University of Shiga Prefecture)
Lecturer at the University of Shiga Prefecture, Faculty of Human Culture (Department of Lifestyle Design).
She specializes in architectural environments, light environments, lighting environments, and color environments.
She is a member of the Architectural Institute of Japan/Illumination Institute of Japan.
After completing her doctoral course at Nara Women's University Graduate School of Humanities, she worked in technology planning at Sharp.
She worked as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science and as a part-time lecturer at Osaka Jonan Women's Junior College before reaching her current position.