Samuel Samson, CEO of Moda Light in Cape Coral, Fla., disagrees with this assessment. Samson says Moda, which only manufactures LED fixtures, develops products that are every bit as consistent as incandescents and more energy efficient than CFLs. The fixtures “use only a small amount of electricity, last in excess of 50,000 hours, and are maintenance-free,” Samson says. One of the company’s 15-watt recessed products is brighter than five 50-watt halogen bulbs, he claims.
Despite the long list of positive attributes, LED has limitations. Designers say the fixtures typically beam light in a single direction, so they are great for art or as undercabinet lighting but are not as good for general-purpose illumination unless you use a lens or reflector to spread the light. Price is also a major issue. “The biggest limitation to LED for common residential use is the cost of manufacturing due to still-limited production runs,” ToolBase reports. “Manufacturers claim production will increase considerably in the near future, further lowering prices. Currently, there is a limited number of LED fixture manufacturers, but this is changing.”
Despite cost and other issues, manufacturers are convinced that LEDs are the future of lighting. With the surging interest in energy efficiency and high-performance homes, they say, the demand for products that cost less to operate will only grow.
Cabinet Position: Design Pro is a new line of undercabinet LED lighting that saves money and energy. Featuring a thin profile that blends into cabinet design, the product offers 40,000 hours of life and is easy to install. It comes in three outputs—4-, 8-, and 12-watt—and bronze, white, and nickel finishes. Kichler Lighting. 866-558-5706. www.kichler.com.
Moda Load: The manufacturer’s LED recessed lighting has a life expectancy ranging from 30,000 hours to more than 50,000 hours at 70 percent of its original lumen output. Each light measures 3 inches and features 1- or 3-watt units. A series of downlights also is available with a black reflector. Moda Light. 239-242-6667. www.modalight.com.
Step Lightly: This new architectural collection of 12-volt LED step lights can be used for outdoor walkways, steps, decks, and patios. Offered in a variety of models and sizes, the fixtures are designed in horizontal, circular, and vertical configurations and come with louvers and frosted glass. The units shown here feature a cast aluminum housing and measure 5 inches or 7.5 inches wide and 3 inches thick. Orbit/Evergreen. 800-906-7248. www.orbitelectric.com.
Recess Appointment: The Halo downlighting product line now includes an LED version. Designed for new or retrofit construction, the module delivers over 600 lumens or about the same light output as a 65-watt BR30 lamp or an 18-watt compact fluorescent bulb and will provide up to 50,000 hours of life (or more than 20 years when used six hours a day). Cooper Lighting. 770-486-4800. www.cooperlighting.com.
Mood Lighting: The Ambiance Lx LED lighting system is designed for undercabinet or architectural cove applications. Unlike traditional lighting that produces illumination in every direction, the system is efficient at directing light where it’s needed. The low-voltage product offers 1.2 watts per socket and will provide 50,000 hours of life. Sea Gull Lighting. 800- 347-5483. www.seagulllighting.com.