LED Desk Lamp Pros and Cons
A LED desk lamp can save you money on electricity while also preserving energy. LED, or Light-Emitting Diode, bulbs are increasingly popular due to their long life and eco-friendliness. Studies hypothesize that complete conversion to LED lights could decrease carbon dioxide emissions from electric power used for lighting by up to 50% in just over 20 years. Consider switching the bulbs in your home.
Pros
LED lights, while costing more up front than incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs, save the consumer money over time. Why? LED lights last longer—up to 60,000 hours, which is 10 to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Furthermore, they consume less energy than their incandescent counterparts, whether electric or battery-powered. Even leaving an LED lamp on day and night consumes less energy than leaving on incandescent lamps for an hour. LED lamps have very low heat emissions which can help save costs on cooling.
Cons
The light produced by LED lamps tends to be a cooler, harsher light, mimicking the same light emitted by fluorescent bulbs. Furthermore, to get the same brightness as an incandescent light bulb, you have to use multiple LED lights, which can be bulky and awkward for desk lamps. Lastly, LED light advertisers often twist their marketing around to make the consumer think the product is more energy-efficient or eco-friendly than it really is. While this isn’t necessarily a mark against LED lights, consumers must be aware of marketing schemes. To avoid getting ‘had’ by marketers, buy only Energy Star certified LED lights.
LED lights in the home can be beneficial, especially when saving money is a priority. However, because LED lights emit a harsher light, using them overhead in your house—like they do in Buckingham Palace—can create a cooler, harsher environment that is less homey and looks more like a doctor’s’ office. Lamps are the best place to use LED bulbs. The crispness of the cool light is great for the desk, creating a clear environment for the reader and writer.
