LED lighting
Discover how LED technology transforms everyday lighting
Make the switch to LED lighting
Learn all about LED lighting for your home or your business.
What is LED lighting?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is a highly efficient, long‑lasting illumination technology that produces light when an electrical current passes through a semiconductor. Unlike incandescent or CFL bulbs, which lose much of their energy as heat, LEDs convert most of their energy directly into light. This results in dramatically reduced energy consumption, improved safety and greater durability.
Residential LED products are available in a wide range of options, including standard screw‑in bulbs, recessed downlights, under‑cabinet lighting, decorative fixtures and smart lighting systems.
Why switch to LED lighting?
Efficiency: LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, helping reduce electricity use and lower utility bills.
Long lifespan: LED bulbs typically last 15-25 times longer than traditional lighting. Their extended lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes maintenance costs.
Flexibility & convenience: LEDs are available in a wide variety of color temperatures, from warm ambient light to bright task lighting, making it easy to customize lighting throughout your home. Many products are dimmable or compatible with smart home systems for added convenience and energy management.
How to use LED lighting in your home
LEDs can replace almost any type of household lighting. For the best results:
Living areas
Choose warm white LEDs for cozy, comfortable light.
Task spaces
Use bright white or daylight-colored LEDs in kitchens, offices and workshops for greater visibility.
Accent & decorative lighting
Choose specialty LED strips, under-cabinet fixtures or decorative bulbs.
When upgrading existing fixtures, check for the correct bulb base type, wattage equivalence and any dimmer compatibility requirements. For quality and performance, choose ENERGY STAR® certified LED products. Smart LED bulbs and fixtures can also be controlled via apps, voice assistants, or lighting schedules for added convenience and efficiency.
FAQs
Do LEDs reduce energy costs?
Yes. LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and 30-50% less than many fluorescents. In commercial facilities, savings can be even greater when LEDs are paired with occupancy sensors or advanced lighting controls.
How long do LED lights last?
LEDs typically last 15,000 to 50,000 hours, depending on product quality and operating conditions. In many homes and businesses, that can equal 10-20 years of regular use, significantly reducing replacement and maintenance needs.
Do LEDs contain hazardous materials?
No. LEDs do not contain mercury and have far fewer hazardous substances than CFLs or fluorescent lamps. This makes them safer to use and easier to dispose of responsibly. LEDs can be recycled through many community recycling programs and e‑waste centers. While they contain no mercury, recycling helps recover valuable components like aluminum and electronic chips.
Why do some LEDs flicker?
Flickering is usually caused by incompatible dimmers, poor quality drivers or unstable power supply. Choosing high quality LEDs, such as those rated by ENERGY STAR or the Design Lights Consortium (DLC), using LED compatible dimmers will prevent most flicker issues.
Do LEDs work well in cold weather?
Yes. LEDs actually perform better in colder temperatures. This makes them ideal for freezers, outdoor lighting, garages and parking structures.
Are LEDs available in different colors and brightness levels?
Yes. LEDs come in a wide spectrum of color temperatures (warm, neutral, cool, daylight) and provide a broad range of brightness levels measured in lumens. Color-changing LEDs are also available for decorative use.
Can LEDs integrate with smart home/building systems?
Yes. Many LED products support smart controls, including wireless connectivity and scheduling. Commercial LEDs often include advanced control features such as wireless connectivity, occupancy sensing, and data analytics through networked lighting systems. These features help maximize energy savings and offer additional convenience and automation for homes and businesses.
Circle Graphics
Longmont
Circle Graphics needed help undertaking a facility-wide lighting upgrade for their 200,000 sq. ft. facility located in Longmont. They turned to Efficiency Works energy advising for assistance in finding the right partner and the most cost-effective way to accomplish the task.
Embassy Suites
Loveland
Embassy Suites Loveland completed multiple efficiency projects in 2020 and 2021, saving more than $57,000 per year in energy costs and substantially decreasing regular maintenance expenses.
Fossil Creek
Fort Collins
Fossil Creek Condominiums is a multifamily property with 226 units settled in Fort Collins, CO. In 2025, the property worked with an Efficiency Works energy advisor to identify upgrade opportunities that would improve energy efficiency and add value to their property throughout the residential and common spaces.
