Category Archives: LED Lighting

How To Choose the Best LED Lighting

LED light bulbs are widely available, and the cost is coming down. Light Emitting Diodes lights require less power, last longer, and are available in several colors.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LED LIGHTING

  • Select a light bulb with the correct fitting: The two light bulb fittings that are standard across the world are the bayonet and Edison screw. The bayonet is mainly used in the UK, while the Edison screw is used in Europe and America for domestic lighting. Although both types are for domestic purposes, neither has an advantage over the other. However, the bayonet does not shake loose under vibration, though this is no big problem for domestic lighting.
  • Choose a bulb with the right brightness and lighting color: The light from dissimilar bulbs is different. Some bulbs produce colder, whiter light, while others have a warm light. The color of the light from a bulb is measured as the light temperature on a Kelvin scale. It is referred to as the light’s color temperature. Technically speaking, the light color temperature is measured in the temperature of a black body that emits light of color akin to the source. The color temperature of Light Emitting Diode bulbs is usually written in the box. A warm white light around 2700k is ideal for most domestic rooms.
  • Choose a bulb with the appropriate CRI: The color rendering index (CRI) is a measure of the quality of light that correctly represents the various colors of articles illuminated by it. The CRI varies from zero to 100%. The higher the color rendering index, the more the color rendering ability. Lighting sources with an index of between 85 and 90 are good at color rendering. Traditional halogen and incandescent light bulbs have a good CRI of over 90 percent. CFLs and LED lights have a CRI of below 90 percent, which is just acceptable.
  • Select non-dimmable or dimmable: During the incandescent lamp’s days, it was easy to dim light lamps — all would dim. Light-emitting diode lights are either dimmable or non-dimmable. If you need an LED bulb that dims, it is vital to check if it is dimmable since LED lamps operate differently from other forms of the bulb; Their circuit is made slightly differently if they are to dim.
  • Select a good quality bulb: Before purchasing a LED light bulb, you should look for a dependable manufacturer and not just the low-priced one. The best Light Emitting Diodes bulbs switch in instantaneously, while others take a few seconds to light after applying the power. Moreover, reliable manufacturers ensure that the output of these light bulbs does reduce with time.
  • All in all, it would help to contact a residential electrical contractor to guide you in deciding on the best LED bulb for your particular situation.

    Benefits of LED Lighting

    When considering lighting repair in Alexandria, VA, it may be advantageous to consider using LED light bulbs and other types of LED lighting to replace old incandescent bulbs. The technology has come quite far in recent years, and these days you may be surprised at the lighting solutions that are available. Here are some of the benefits of LED lighting.

    Longevity

    Some of the first light bulbs ever invented were made to last 100 years in the right conditions. Somewhere along the way to modern times, the light bulb lost its longevity—but it may be gaining some of it back thanks to the invention of LED bulbs. LED lighting, which stands for light-emitting diode, is one of the most durable types of lighting. In fact, LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. That means you will spend less time and money on lighting maintenance in Alexandria, VA.

    Energy saving

    LED is one of the most efficient types of lighting available. It uses 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, and some types are even Energy Star-rated products. This energy savings is not only good for your bank account, but it’s also good for the planet. It’s estimated that if widespread use of LEDs catches on in the United States by 2027, it could save approximately as much energy as that of the output of 44 large power plants. At today’s energy prices, that equates to a savings of $30 billion overall.

    Placement versatility

    One of the most impressive things about LED lighting is its versatility. LEDs are small components that emit a lot of light, so they can be used in many nontraditional settings. For example, LED lighting strips can be installed under kitchen cabinets for extra illumination. Another idea is to install an LED lighting strip behind a headboard in a bedroom for a unique look.

    Color

    Another cool thing about LED lighting is its ability to change color. With incandescent bulbs, the only way to change color was to have a different color of glass around the lighting element. But with LEDs, it’s possible to set the color to match your mood at any given moment or to have them continuously change color in a programmable pattern.

    Less heat

    Something that is often glossed over in regard to incandescent lighting is the amount of heat it generates. These bulbs release 90 percent of their energy as heat, and only 10 percent as light. This is why an incandescent light bulb feels hot to the touch when it’s on or just after it’s been turned off. In comparison, LEDs emit very little heat and can be handled when they are turned on with no problem. All that energy being released as light rather than heat also helps you save on your monthly energy bills.

    If you’re considering LED lighting for your home, contact Walsh Electric today for great customer service from the top residential electrical contractor in Alexandria, VA. We have over 30 years of experience and know how to get the job done right.