Top 6 Factors to Look At While Choosing LED Lights

LED lights are fast replacing incandescent, HID and fluorescent lights in almost every area, whether in residential or in commercial or industrial establishments, due to higher energy savings, more illumination and other benefits. LED lights are a great choice for saving energy, improving lighting quality, and reducing environmental impact. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing, such as wattage, luminosity, guarantee, features, base type, and certifications. Here are 6 important factors that you should look at while trying to choose LED lights.

1. Wattage

Wattage is the amount of energy that a light bulb consumes. LED lights are much more efficient than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which means they produce more light with less power. For example, an LED bulb with 8 watts can produce the same brightness as an incandescent bulb with 60 watts. You should look for the wattage that matches your lighting needs and preferences. You can save money and energy by choosing a lower wattage bulb that provides enough light for your purpose.

2. Lumens

. It is expressed in lumens (lm), which indicate the brightness of the light. You should look for the lumen output that matches or exceeds your existing bulb. For example, if you want to replace a 400-watt metal halide bulb, you need between 12,000 and 18,000 lumens of LED light. You can find a fixture in this range or visit our. There you will see bulbs of 100 watts, 120 watts or 150 watts. These are all common replacements for this wattage.

3. Warranty 

Guarantee is the warranty or assurance that a light bulb will last for a certain period of time or perform as expected. LED lights are very durable and long-lasting, but they may still fail or malfunction due to various reasons. You should look for a light bulb that comes with a guarantee from the manufacturer or the seller. This will ensure that you can get a replacement or a refund if you encounter any problem with your LED light. Be sure they have a phone number and can be easily reached. Having a long warranty is no good if they don't honor it or you cant reach them.

4. Features 

Features are the additional characteristics or functions that a light bulb may have. Some of the features that you may want to look for in an LED light are:

• Heat capacity: This is the ability of a light bulb to withstand high temperatures and dissipate heat. LED lights generate less heat than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, but they still need proper cooling to maintain their performance and lifespan. You should look for a light bulb that has a low heat capacity and a good heat sink design.
• Dimming capability: This is the ability of a light bulb to adjust its brightness according to your preference or mood. LED lights can be dimmed with compatible dimmers or controllers, which can also save energy and extend their lifespan. You should look for a light bulb that has a dimming capability and is compatible with your existing dimmer or controller.
• Color temperature: This is the color of the light that a bulb emits. It is measured in Kelvin (K) and ranges from warm white (2700K-3000K) to cool white (5000K-5700K). The color temperature you choose depends on your personal preference and the application. For indoor use, such as in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, you may want a warm white or a neutral white color temperature. For outdoor use, such as in parking lots, streets, or garages, you may want a cool white color temperature.

5. Base size & Voltage

Base type is the shape and size of the socket that a light bulb fits into. LED lights come in different base types, such as E26 (standard), E39 (mogul), GU10 (pin), MR16 (spot), etc. You should look for a base type that matches your existing socket or fixture. If you are not sure about your base type, you can measure the diameter of your socket or check the label on your existing bulb.

6. Certifications

Certifications are the approvals or accreditations that a light bulb has received from independent organizations or agencies that verify its quality, safety, performance, and compliance with standards and regulations. LED lights may have different certifications depending on their product type and market region. Some of the common certifications for LED lights are:

• UL: This stands for Underwriters Laboratories, which is the most recognized safety testing and evaluation agency in the United States. It is an independent, non-profit, and professional organization that provides public safety testing for products and componentshttps://www.ul.com/services/certification. UL certification means that a product has met UL's safety standards and requirements.
• DLC: This stands for DesignLights Consortium, which is an organization that promotes energy efficiency and quality in commercial LED lighting solutions. It is composed of utility companies, regional energy efficiency organizations, manufacturers, lighting designers, and government entities. DLC certification means that a product has met DLC's technical requirements and performance criteria.

You should look for LED lights that have UL certification for safety and DLC certification for energy efficiency and quality. These certifications will also help you qualify for rebates and incentives from utility companies and government agencies. You can search for UL certified products on the UL Certification Database certification and DLC certified products on the DLC Qualified Products Lists.

References:

https://www.ul.com/services/certification

https://www.ejet.com/what-is-ul-certification/

Welcome! We’re glad to see you’re curious about using LED bulbs in your home. LED lights are the most energy-efficient light bulbs available. Although they’re more expensive up front, they have a longer life and save you more money on your energy bill than other bulbs. Plus, they come in an almost endless variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to fit all your home lighting needs.

With so many options, choosing the right LED can be overwhelming—different types of LEDs have different uses. In this guide, we’ll work together to choose the best LED lighting option for you.

Best uses for LED bulbs around the house

The first thing to consider when choosing an LED is where it will be used in your home. LED lights are a great addition across the whole house, but you may desire a unique style or capability from your bulb depending on the room. Some LEDs can add a crisp, clear light to a home office, such as with our refresh™ HD LED Bulb, or some can add a warmer light to bedrooms and living rooms, like with our relax™ HD LED Bulb. To keep with your home’s decor,  Vintage LED bulbs adds a timeless accent with maximum efficiency. LED color-changing lights offer an energy-efficient way to experiment with your style. LED strip lights and wireless LED strip lights work well under cabinets, behind the TV, or along baseboards for customizable ambient lighting. LEDs make stunning yet subtle recessed lights, brilliant spotlights for art and fireplaces, or perfectly customizable reading lamps. They’re also useful for lighting an outdoor walkway or adding extra light in hard-to-reach places. In addition, our LED Grow Light provides the necessary rays to keep houseplants and in-home gardens thriving.

LED bulb shapes and sizes

LED bulbs come in four primary categories: A-shape, reflectors, decorative, and specialty. A-shape LEDs are the most common type and are frequently used throughout the home. When you think of a light bulb, you typically picture an A-shape bulb. Reflectors are often used for outdoor lighting; you’ve probably heard them referred to as flood or spotlights. They’re conical in shape and cast a more defined beam. Decorative LEDs are a stunning addition to wall sconces, chandeliers, or other exposed-bulb fixtures. They’re often smaller to fit within fixtures, but also come in a variety of larger globes or vintage style shapes to complement any home décor style.

From watts to lumens

If you’ll be using LEDs to replace incandescent or halogen bulbs, it’s important to understand the difference between a watt and a lumen. Watts are a measure of energy consumption. Lumens are a measure of the amount of light produced, where a higher number of lumens indicates a brighter bulb. A bulb’s efficiency is measured in lumens per watt, which describes how much energy it takes to produce one lumen of light. Incandescent bulbs only produce around 15 lumens/watt, while LEDs produce a whopping 75-100 lumens/watt, making them six times more efficient.

To replace an incandescent with an LED, we’ll use that 6:1 ratio. So, if you’re looking to swap a 60-watt bulb, just divide the wattage by 6 to find the equivalent LED. In this case, 60 divided by 6 is 10. So, a 10-watt LED will successfully replace your old bulb.

Warm and cool LEDs

LEDs have diverse capabilities, including a customizable tone. Tone refers to the color quality of light, which is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower Kelvin light, between about 1000 and 4000K, is qualified as “warm light” and has an amber quality to it. Higher Kelvin light, which is anything above 7000K has a blue quality. The range between 4000—7000 Kelvin is relatively neutral in tone. In rooms where you’d like to relax, a warmer tone helps set a cozy mood. In utility rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, a cooler, clearer light might be more ideal.

LED bulb dimmability and compatibility

Another aspect of LED customization is dimmability, and compatibility with your dimmer switch. Not all LEDs are compatible with every dimmer switch. The best place to look to ensure your switch and bulbs will work together is in the manufacturer spec sheet or dimmer compatibility sheet included with your bulb or switch. If you have any questions, it’s best to contact the bulb or switch manufacturer directly. They’ll have the most accurate information on your specific products.

LED retrofitting

An LED retrofit refers to the conversion of an existing fixture to accommodate an LED. This is commonly practiced with LED tube lights, strip or shop light fixtures used in work areas, troffer lights above desks and cubicles, or with outdoor vapor-tight fixtures. Retrofitting your fixtures can save energy and money, while improving lighting quality and the safety of your environment. However, retrofitting is not always possible and can limit your ability to use dimmer switches. If you’re considering retrofitting your fixtures, consult an expert electrician to discuss your options.

LED bulb lifespan

Thanks to its efficient nature, a good quality LED bulb should have a life of up to 50,000 hours. So, you’ll not only be using less power, but you won’t need to change your light bulb as often. Additionally, GE LED bulbs are ENERGY STAR certified, for lower energy bills, reduced emissions, and rebates on select products.

Recycling unwanted light bulbs

When your light bulb goes out, depending on its type, you may be able to recycle it! You can’t recycle incandescent or halogen bulbs due to their wire filaments. However, some areas have local LED recycling initiatives. You can contact your local recycling center to see if they accept LEDs or research an initiative in your area. Please be sure to recycle fluorescent tube lights, as they contain mercury that is harmful to the environment.

Together, these factors will prepare you to make the right decision when selecting LEDs for your home. LED bulbs are available at most home improvement stores, grocery stores, and lighting stores. Discover our whole selection of GE LED products on our website or contact our customer service line for more information.