Lighting the Way with LEDs
Switching to LED lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy use and lower your environmental impact. Discover how LEDs bring both efficiency and versatility, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future in lighting.
What are LEDs?
An LED, or light-emitting diode, is a small-but-mighty source of light that’s reshaped the way we illuminate our spaces.
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use filaments to produce light, or halogen bulbs that rely on gas and a filament, LEDs operate using electroluminescence (more on that in the next section!). They produce the same or greater light output while using a fraction of the energy required by these older technologies. Without a filament (the component that glows hot inside a bulb), LEDs don’t waste energy as heat - making them much more efficient. Their design keeps them cool to the touch, consumes less power, and ensures they last for years.
Today, most bulbs on the market are LEDs, offering a wide range of options to suit every home, from dimmable and colour-changing to classic shapes and modern forms.
From red to radiant
LEDs didn’t appear overnight. Their journey began in the early 20th century, when scientists discovered electroluminescence - the emission of light from a material when an electric current passes through it. This phenomenon occurs in certain semiconductors, materials that allow electricity to flow under specific conditions.
By the 1960s, LEDs debuted in basic red hues, using gallium arsenide phosphide semiconductors to light up small indicator lights in products like calculators. The breakthrough came in the 1990s with the development of gallium nitride, which enabled high-brightness blue and white LEDs. This innovation broadened their applications, making them suitable for general lighting and displays.
Fast-forward and we’ve seen incredible advancements in technology, leading to the bright, full-spectrum LEDs we use today.
Sustainable lighting with LEDs
LEDs are packed with benefits that leave traditional lighting in the dark. They provide the same brightness as conventional bulbs but at much lower wattages, drastically reducing energy consumption and costs. By using less energy, LEDs help decrease greenhouse gas emissions tied to power generation, with a single LED potentially saving hundreds of kilograms of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, LEDs are built to last, minimising waste and reducing the number of bulbs sent to landfills. They’re also mercury-free, making disposal safer and reducing environmental hazards. The efficiency and versatility of LEDs reduce the overall number of light fixtures needed, especially in larger projects, and their filament-free design means they handle shocks and vibrations better than traditional bulbs.
IC4-rated LEDs are specially designed for insulation-covered ceilings and maintain a consistently safe temperature. Insulation materials can be installed directly over the fixture, enhancing energy efficiency and overall thermal performance.
Choosing LEDs not only saves money - it’s a choice for a greener, more sustainable future.
LEDs in action
LEDs are a versatile and energy-efficient choice for any room in the home. In living rooms and bedrooms, the soft glow from an LED wall lamp or feature pendant creates a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Dimmable options let you adjust the brightness to suit any mood or occasion. Harness smart LEDs to change the colour of the lighting for even more customisation.
Downlights provide bright, even illumination and are common in areas that need more light, like kitchens and bathrooms. Stylish pendant LEDs also add function and flair above dining tables or kitchen islands. For task and accent lighting, LEDs have a variety of applications such as highlighting artwork, providing illumination at your desk, or to brighten your kitchen countertops. In outdoor areas, waterproof LED fittings light up paths, gardens and patios, creating a welcoming space while standing up to mother nature.
No matter the space, LEDs provide the perfect balance of beauty and practicality with unlimited design potential. All Amphis lights feature built-in LEDs or support LED bulbs, offering flexibility, longevity and energy savings. Discover the latest in LED innovation here.