Since September 2009, inefficient light sources have been gradually withdrawn from European markets. As a result, the last traditional light bulbs, which until now had been used in virtually every home, are disappearing from stores. We are therefore forced to look for alternative solutions for both general and decorative lighting.
Low light bulb efficiency
Traditional light bulbs use a filament made of a tungsten coil placed on several supports. Heated to a temperature of about 2000 K, it produces electromagnetic radiation with a continuous spectrum, i.e., consisting of the entire range of visible radiation. However, it should be borne in mind that this visible light accounts for only about 10% of the radiation emitted by the bulb. Over 80% is infrared (IR) radiation, which, simply put, is heat. Therefore, the efficiency of this light source is low in relation to the electrical energy it consumes. For example, the luminous efficacy of a 75 W light bulb is only about 12 lm/W.
LED alternative
To change this state of affairs, EU law mandates the withdrawal of traditional light bulbs and their replacement with more efficient light sources. To meet these requirements, manufacturers are introducing increasingly advanced technological solutions. A good example of these are LED CITY Helios classic lamps. The diodes used in them operate on the principle of radiative recombination, i.e., an electron jumping from a higher energy level to a lower one and releasing energy in the form of radiation. This method of light production is currently considered the most efficient. For example, a replacement for a traditional 75 W light bulb – the LED CITY Helios 12 W classic lamp – is characterized by a luminous efficacy of nearly 80 lm/W, which allows for energy savings of approximately 85%. The lifespan of this lamp is 30 times longer, lasting up to 30,000 hours. The warm color of the light it emits positively influences the atmosphere of human daily functioning, facilitates relaxation, and improves comfort during rest. The aesthetic shape of the bulb allows for versatile use of the LED CITY Helios 12 W classic lamp in residential rooms without the need for enclosed fixtures.
Replacements for decorative bulbs
The search for alternative, energy-saving light sources also applies to situations where we decide to use decorative lighting. In decorative chandeliers, candle-shaped bulbs are most often used for aesthetic reasons. For example, a traditional 25 W candle bulb has a luminous efficacy of approximately 8.5 lm/W. This is not much, considering that its counterpart – the LED CITY Helios 3.5 W candle lamp – has a luminous efficacy more than eight times higher, reaching approximately 71 lm/W. The color of the light it emits is similar to that emitted by the traditional bulb, and placing high-efficiency SMD diodes under an attractive, frosted bulb allows for light to be dispersed in all directions. If we add to this that the lifespan of the LED CITY Helios 3.5 W candle lamp is up to 50 times longer than a traditional bulb (up to 50,000 hours), it can be stated with great certainty that it is a very good replacement.
