Upgrading lighting can save you money and enhance the ambiance of your home. LED lighting is one option that provides several benefits. It’s an eco-friendly switch that produces fewer carbon emissions than incandescent varieties. LED bulbs also come in different sizes, colors, brightness levels and shapes, making them a versatile option for all your fixtures.

What Is LED Lighting?

LED lighting uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a method of illumination. They convert most of their energy into light instead of heat, making them an incredibly efficient option. They also last a long time, approximately tens of thousands of hours. This is a switch that many people are making for the lamps and fixtures in their homes. You can purchase LED bulbs, but there are also fixtures that have LED lights built into their design. LED lights are also often used for streetlights and holiday decorations.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

An LED light consumes approximately 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb. Older bulbs tend to lose energy because of the generation of heat. LED lights don’t waste as much energy, resulting in a significant decrease in your electricity bill each month.

You can investigate different rebates and incentives that may be available when you upgrade your home’s lighting to use LEDs. These may be available through light manufacturers, utility companies and government agencies. They can help offset the cost of making the switch, since LED versions usually have a higher price point than older options.

LED Light Lifespan

A typical incandescent lightbulb has a lifespan of approximately 1,000 hours. A compact fluorescent light bulb lasts around 10,000 hours. LED lights provide the best longevity at approximately 50,000 hours or more. This means you save money by not having to replace your lights as often, and you also won’t be faced with the inconvenience of having to do so.

Protecting the Environment

LED lights not only produce fewer carbon emissions, but they are also made from eco-friendly materials. They don’t contain mercury, which is common in compact fluorescent lights. Because they have a longer lifespan, this reduces waste in landfills as well as the use of packaging materials.

Taking Advantage of Versatility

If you have a variety of fixtures in your home, each of which uses a different type of bulb, LED options are versatile. You can choose from different shades of white and yellow light as well as brightness levels and bulb shapes. You can use this type of light for indoor and outdoor fixtures, workspaces, living spaces and as part of your holiday décor.

LED Light Safety

Because an LED light operates at a lower temperature than other options, it reduces the risk of a fire or burns. They are generally very resistant to breaking as well, making them ideal for homes with pets and young children.

Smart LED Lighting

There are smart LED lights that can connect to your other smart devices, such as Google Home, Alexa and your smart thermostat. You can turn them on and off, control their brightness and even change their color using your smart device or voice commands.

Comfort and Wellness

Having control over the brightness and hue of your LED lights can support your well-being. You won’t notice LED lights flickering like fluorescent bulbs do, preventing the resulting headaches and eye strain. You can also customize your LED lighting to natural light cycles, helping you wind down before bed and remain productive during the day. LED lights also produce fewer UV emissions.

Boosting the Value of Your Property

If you’re planning on selling your home soon, upgrading to LED lights can be a marketing point. They increase home efficiency and can make a home feel cozy and inviting.

Immediate Light

Some bulbs take a few minutes to warm up, remaining relatively dim at first. LED lights are at their full brightness when you turn them on, providing you with immediate light.

Choosing LED Lighting

When it comes time to picking LED lighting, there are some factors to consider.

Bulb Brightness

The brightness of LED bulbs is measured using lumens. Lumens represent the total amount of visible light that is given off by a bulb or fixture. The higher the lumens rating, the brighter the light. LED lights that are approximately 800 to 1,000 lumens are the equivalent of an incandescent bulb that is between 60 and 75 watts. Areas of your home that require a lot of light, such as an office or kitchen, should have bulbs that are 1,000 lumens or higher. You can choose a dimmable LED bulb if you have the appropriate switches installed.

Color

There are LED bulbs that come with a remote so that you can change their color. There are also options for warm white, cool white, yellow and daylight equivalent. Color temperature is measured using Kelvin. Warm white bulbs generally have a rating of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin. Cool white bulbs have a rating of 3,500 to 4,000 Kelvin.

The bulb itself may be clear or have an opaque finish. If it’s clear, different styles of filament are used. Looped, spiral and zigzag varieties are available, each providing a different style.

Bulb Size and Shape

If you have a fixture that hides its bulbs, you probably don’t care about their shape. Modern fixtures often have clear covers, allowing you to choose stylish bulbs. Size will matter, so you can replace a shade or cover without the bulb showing.

LED A19 bulbs are pear-shaped and have a diameter of approximately 2.375 inches. This was a typical shape for incandescent bulbs, but they are now made as LEDs.

BR/PAR bulbs have a flat top design and are usually used for recessed lighting and spotlights. They produce a wide beam of light that covers large areas.

There are other decorative LED bulbs that have unique shapes like candles or Edison bulbs. They look unique in outdoor fixtures, on string lights and for chandeliers.

Considering Energy Efficiency

LED lights that have an Energy Star certification will help minimize the amount of energy your home uses, reducing your monthly bill. They may also last longer, eliminating frequent light changes. Most LED bulbs advertise a lifespan of between 25,000 and 50,000 hours of use.

Taking into Account Compatibility

Dimmer switches require specific dimming LED bulbs. If you need a bulb for a smart device, you likely need an LED bulb with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

Choose LED bulbs that are rated for indoor or outdoor use. Waterproof versions are usually waterproof and resistant to fluctuating temperature and inclement weather.

Upgrading your lighting to LED options is simple with the help of HR Phoenix. There are many different styles to choose from, each providing an exceptional amount of brightness that is practical for every room of your home. Our team of electrical installation service experts can also take care of new wiring for fixtures and repair any existing electrical issues that may be causing flickering or dimming lights. Contact HR Phoenix in Richland Hills, TX to schedule an appointment today.

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