A light bulb is a light bulb, right? Well, not today. And if you don’t know the differences, you may not be lighting up your home in the best possible way. You may also be consuming more energy than necessary, paying more for the light you get.
If you’ve considered LED lights for your home’s interior, but aren’t quite sure if they’re right for you, what are some of the things you need to know?
What is the difference between LED and CFL?
Not all bulbs are the same, and it can get confusing. For the most part, incandescent bulbs of more than 40 watts have all but disappeared today, banned by statute in 2014. Compact fluorescents are the “curly” ones that seem to take a while to “warm up” to full strength. They operate like familiar commercial fluorescent bulbs, producing light when current travels from one end to the other in a gas-filled tube. Residential bulbs commonly have a twisted shape. LED bulbs produce light that tends to be clear, white and bright when electrical current passes through the filament, and they come in a variety of different sizes and shapes for different uses.
LED bulbs emit a better quality of light, but until recently they were considered specialty bulbs and too expensive for widespread use. However, newer LED bulbs are viable alternatives, because they consume as little as half the energy of CFLs, provide bright, targeted light, and last longer.
Is LED light more energy efficient?
CFLs consume between 25 and 35% less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs, but Energy Star rated residential LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. The answer is a resounding YES!
Do LED bulbs really last longer?
Although LED bulbs cost substantially more than other types of bulbs, their long lifespan makes them cost effective over the long term. Again, if quality of light is as important as energy savings, LED bulbs are a clear winner. They do burn out, however, and the life of a particular bulb may be shorter than average if it’s placed in an enclosed space or a location where the heat cannot be dissipated efficiently. Look for bulbs specially designed for in-cabinet uses or for tight spaces.
Why is it measured in lumens rather than watts?
Lumens measure the brightness of light; watts define how much energy is required to produce a specific level of brightness. For comparison purposes, the familiar 100-watt incandescent bulb was rated at about 1100 lumens. A 450-lumen LED is roughly the equivalent of a 40-watt incandescent. It’s important to remember that brighter light requires more energy to produce, no matter what type of bulb is used to produce it.
Is there warm light and soft light available?
LED bulbs are available with distinct “color temperatures,” from bright white to the warmer yellow or pink tones of incandescent lighting. Popular tones are labeled warm white or soft white; remember, too, that the lumen rating or brightness will have an effect on the light.
Are LED bulbs and lamps compatible with dimmers?
Many are, but if dimming your light is a priority, it is always wise to check. When replacing bulbs in an existing fixture, the bulb may not always be compatible with an existing dimmer.
Isn’t LED lighting only for contemporary homes?
Absolutely not. You can replace bulbs in any standard lighting fixture, including recessed cans and decorative string lights, with LED bulbs. In all cases, you’ll be saving energy and gaining a long-lasting, reliable source of light.
Are LED bulbs available for low-voltage lighting?
The short answer is yes. Low-voltage LED lighting is fast becoming the norm for uses such as kitchen under-cabinet task lighting, specialty lighting and even Christmas tree lights.
If you have additional questions about lighting options, why not contact us at Aterra Designs. We’re serious about helping you light up your home in the best, most energy-efficient and cost-effective ways possible!