Thinking of switching to LED light bulbs? Here’s where to begin.
LED light bulbs have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Many homeowners are transitioning to lighting their homes with these bulbs. LED light bulbs are more affordable now and offer quite a few benefits, including substantial energy savings and longevity (some bulbs can last up to 10 years).
Where to start?
LED light bulbs can be used in most light fixtures, both indoor and outdoor.
Start with the bulbs you use and replace the most – like the living room and kitchen. Replacing these bulbs first will result in greater savings and give you the most return on investment.
Focus on areas where the bulbs are left on for long periods of time, such as your porch and garage.
Color Temperature
LED light bulbs come in a wide range of colors to choose from. Identified by color temperature and measured in kelvins, lower temperature bulbs produce warm whites while higher temperatures result in cool, daylight tones.
Lumens
Lumens measure brightness and are the new version of watts. They refer to energy use – not light intensity.
Suggested bulbs for each room
- Living Room: 1,500-3,000 lumens of total brightness, 2,200-3,000K color temperature range
- Dining Room: 3,000-6,000 lumens, 2,2000-3,000K
- Kitchen: 4,000-8,000 lumens, 2,700-5,000K
- Home Office: 1,500-3,000 lumens, 2,200-3,000K
- Bathroom: 3,000-6,000 lumens, 2,200-3,000K
- Bedroom: 1,500-4,000 lumens, 2,700-3,000K
LED bulbs may not work for everything
Dimmers
Not all LEDs are compatible with traditional dimming switches. Check with the LED light bulb packaging to see if it will work with your dimmer.
Omni-Directional Light
Most bulbs only put out light in one direction, which works for most fixtures. Table lamps, however, require omni-directional LED bulbs.
Outdoor use
While most LED light bulbs will work outside, they can’t get wet and are heat sensitive. Look for bulbs rated specifically for outdoor fixture use for the best results.
Need help with more than just changing light bulbs?
If your electrical needs are more advanced than just switching out a few lightbulbs, give our electrical team a call.
