The What's and How's of LED Light Bulbs
Dimmable light bulbs are awesome for setting the perfect vibe in any room. You can tweak the brightness to match your mood. Not only they would last for a long time, they're eco-friendly as well. If you're on the hunt for LED light bulbs, make sure to pick the right type and here are the details you need to know.
Different Types of Lightbulbs
When you're choosing a lightbulb shape, there are a few things to consider. Do you need the new bulb to look exactly like the old one? Some replacements are made to match perfectly, so if you're changing a spotlight, make sure to pick a spotlight-shaped bulb.
On the flip side, certain designs, like chandeliers, really shine with candle-shaped bulbs. The most common bulb shapes you'll find in homes include traditional/GLS, globe, mini globe, decorative, candle, reflector, capsule, and ST64.
Bulb Technology
• Halogen Bulbs - These turn on instantly, but they don’t last as long and can be more expensive to run compared to LED bulbs.
• LED Bulbs - LED stands for Light-Emitting Diodes, and they’re a more budget-friendly option in the long haul. LED light bulbs produce less heat and last way longer than traditional bulbs. While they might cost a bit more upfront, they’ll save you cash over time since they consume less energy. Plus, you can find dimmable versions too.
• Smart LED Bulbs - These bulbs let you control your lighting from your smartphone or with voice commands using a smart assistant. They come in a variety of colours and styles, loaded with awesome features. Just keep in mind, these are LED bulbs with a smart twist.
What to Consider When You Get LED Bulbs
Fitting/Cap
Shopping for LED bulbs is a breeze since they’re designed to fit into existing fixtures. If you’re switching from incandescent to LED, you won’t have to change your light fittings; just make sure you choose the right cap type.
Efficiency
To figure out how efficient a light bulb is, just compare its lumens to its wattage. Lumens tell you how bright the light is, while wattage shows how much energy it uses. The goal is to have lower wattage and higher lumens for better efficiency. Typically, LED bulbs give off about 80-100 lumens per watt, whereas incandescent bulbs only manage around 40-50 lumens per watt.
Rated Life
One of the best things about LED bulbs is how long they last. They usually have a lifespan of 15,000 to 30,000 hours, and some can even last up to 50,000 hours! That’s 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs, which only last about 1,000 to 2,000 hours. The longevity of LED bulbs is definitely a big plus.
Colour Temperature
The colour temperature of an LED globe indicates the kind of white light it produces. For instance, a ‘warm’ white bulb emits a softer, yellower light that’s perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, while a ‘cool’ white bulb gives off a bluer, brighter light that works well in kitchens and work areas. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and usually ranges from 2000K to 6500K. The lower the number, the warmer the light.
Colour Rendering
The colour rendering index (CRI) of a bulb indicates how well it reproduces natural colours. While you might not need to worry about this for everyday lighting, it's super important for things like photography or displays in stores and galleries. The CRI scale goes from 1 to 100, with higher numbers meaning better colour accuracy. Anything above 90 is considered top-notch.
Beam Angle
This is relevant for directional bulbs like GU10s and certain downlights or wall fixtures. The beam angle shows how wide the light beam is that a bulb produces. A smaller beam angle means a tighter light spread. For example, a 20° beam angle is quite narrow and great for spotlighting specific items, while a 120° beam angle spreads light widely, making it ideal for hallways and larger spaces.
Dimmable Lightbulbs
Dimmable lightbulbs are made to work with fixtures that have dimmer switches, making them a great choice for setting the mood in any room. They not only help create a cozy atmosphere but also save on energy costs. By lowering the lights, you can change the whole feel of a space while using less electricity. These days, you can find dimmable versions of most modern bulbs, like LEDs and halogens, but if you're using fluorescent tubes, you'll need a special dimmable ballast to get them to work.
Dimmable vs. Non-Dimmable Bulbs
In the past, dimming incandescent bulbs was a breeze. With the right switch and circuit, you could easily tweak the brightness with a compatible bulb. However, with the advent of LED technology, things have become a bit more complicated. You can still find both dimmable and non-dimmable bulbs, but getting them set up isn’t as simple as it used to be. If your system isn’t designed for dimming, you might be stuck with a fixed brightness.
