The Pros and Cons of Using LED Grow Lights

Opinions about LED grow lights differ from person to person. Some say LED lights will never become popular with most members of the population. Of course, many of those same people have a personal interest in seeing other technologies thrive, like HID lighting, for example. Representatives who deal in LED fixtures argue they are much better for the environment than traditional lighting sources. This article will discuss the various advantages and disadvantages associated with using LED grow lights.

Starting with Advantages

1. LED lights require less energy to operate and they can be tuned to emit colors in a specific spectrum. Plants do not use green light, so this spectrum is eliminated when the lights are used for growing. Most light fixtures produce light in every spectrum. This means they require more energy but that energy is ultimately wasted.

2. LED lights burn cooler than their HID counter parts. HID fixtures can get so hot they can actually spark a fire. Electrical energy heats the filament until it emits light. LED lamps do not have filaments and do not produce a lot of heat.

3. LED lights have a longevity that surpasses high-intensity discharge units and most other types of lighting fixtures. Many HID lights will burn for 20,000 hours while many LED lights are rated for around 50,000 hours of use.

You can plug an LED light directly into your wall outlet. 

4. An LED fixture is easier to install. The user simply plugs it into the nearest wall socket with an ordinary electrical cord. HID lights need a small generator, called a ballast, to stay lit.

Cons

1. Regardless of all the hype, LED grow lights are not exactly perfect. For one thing, they cost more to purchase in the first place. This pain should be alleviated somewhat by knowing your electric bills to run the equipment will be extremely low. There is even more good news because manufacturers are constantly making advancements in technology that are slowly bringing the costs down.

2. Unlike other types of lighting sources, individual LED bulbs cannot be replaced. While the lights will burn for tens of thousands of hours, when the light burns out, the entire unit must be replaced. Obviously, this will not happen too often but when it does, you should be prepared to take action.

This basic information should give anyone the background they need to go out and decide whether LED grow lights are the best choice for them.