Things to Know Before Installing LED Lights in Your Home
The most efficient way of illuminating and lighting homes today is undoubtedly LED. When compared with the other lighting technologies available, such as halogen, incandescent and CFL bulbs, led light is by far the most energy saving and smart solution.
If you are considering LED lighting for your home know that shopping for led light is different than shopping for incandescent lights. Since the bulb must fit in the lamp, it is essential to look into their shapes, size and base configuration that match the bulb that is being replaced. It is also important to consider the colour and light intensity. Before you go shopping, here are things you need to know.
Lumens, Not Watts
With incandescent lights, watts is the indication of how bright the bulb will be. However, contrary to what many believe, wattage is a measurement of how much energy the bulb draws not an indication of brightness. With LEDs, a different form of measurement is used - lumens. Lumen is the real measurement of brightness provided by a light bulb, and it is the number you should look for when shopping for LEDs.
Picking the Right Colour
LED bulbs are capable of displaying an impressive colour range, from a spectrum of whites and yellows to purple and red, but you will want to look for something similar to the light that incandescents produces. Popular colours for home use include warm white or soft white, and bright white. Soft white and warm white LEDs will produce a yellow hue, close to incandescents while bright white LEDs will produce a whiter light, similar to the ones you see in retail stores.
You Will Pay More For an LED Light
Although competition has increased and LED bulbs have come down in price, you should expect to pay a little more than an incandescent. Eventually, the LED bulbs will pay off, and in the meantime, you will enjoy less heat production and longer bulb life. Keep in mind that unless you are replacing many incandescent bulbs in your house, you won't see significant savings in your electricity bill.
You Won't Have to Change Your Existing Fittings
LED lights are designed to work with existing light fittings and be used as direct replacements. It is important to ensure that any fittings being placed in bathrooms are both fire rated and waterproof and hold suitable certification to comply with relevant building regulations for bathrooms.
LEDs are Suitable for Outdoor Use
LED lights work perfectly under cold and low outdoor temperatures. Built with sturdy components, they are extremely durable and can withstand tough conditions. Simple said they are a perfect choice for outdoor light systems.
