When CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent) hit the market, everyone hated them. Although these bulbs were energy-efficient, they weren’t high-quality. LED lights have changed this perception. LED lights lead the energy-efficient lighting market, and rightly so. They use much less energy, cost significantly less (in due course), and are highly efficient.
But, you can’t switch from incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient LED lights without knowing some key details. Not all LED bulbs are made the same. The right energy-saving LED light bulb should last for at least 35,000 hours. Even if you use the light for 6-7 hours per day every day of the year – it can last for 20 years.
What factors will determine how long your high-power LED lights last? Let’s explore the four most important factors –
1. DIMMABLE OR NOT?
Some LEDs change their Correlated Color Temperatures (CCT) as they dim. Modern-day LED bulbs or lighting systems are rated for dimming. But, not all LED lights are dimmable. Dimming LEDs require extra electronic components. That’s why dimmable LEDs are costlier. Low-priced LED lightbulbs don’t dim because they’re cheaper.
Why should you invest in separate dimming systems? Because they are cheap. A 400W dimmer can easily run four 10-Watt LED lamps. Plus, a high-quality dimming system will save you a lot of energy costs. It will also make sure your LED bulbs last longer. So, always make sure the LED light bulbs or lighting systems you purchase are marked ‘dimmable.’
2. BRIGHTNESS
The brightness of LED lights is measured in Lumens. The higher your bulb’s Lumen output, the brighter it is. LED lights only consume 15 watts (maximum) to produce 800 lumens. In contrast, an incandescent bulb will require 60 watts of energy to produce the same amount.
How bright should your LED lights be? It’s simple, check the energy consumption ratings of your incandescent bulbs. Use this chart to appropriately replace your incandescent light bulbs without disturbing your room’s brightness levels. –
- A 40-watt incandescent bulb will have a lumen output of 450. LED bulbs with watt ranges between 9-13 watts will be equally bright.
- A 60-watt incandescent bulb will have a lumen output of 800. LED bulbs with watt ranges between 13-15 watts will be equally bright.
- A 75-watt incandescent bulb will have a lumen output of 1100. LED bulbs with watt ranges between 18-25 watts will be equally bright.
- A 100-watt incandescent bulb will have a lumen output of 1600. LED bulbs with watt ranges between 23-30 watts will be equally bright.
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3. COLOR TEMPERATURE
Color Temperature is the measure of the color/s your LED light bulbs produce. On the high end of the color temperature scale is blue. There’s white in the middle, and on the end of the spectrum, there’s yellow. Pick LED bulbs that suit your application. For example –
A high-tier LED light that produces white to bluish light can improve your alertness. But, the same high-tier LED light will interfere with your sleep as white and blue light exposure isn’t good for relaxation.
Your LED light bulb’s color temperature will affect your mood and body. That’s why it’s better to pick LED lights that produce white to bluish light only for workrooms or living rooms. Pick LED lights that produce yellowish light (a.k.a. low color temperature rating) for bedrooms.
4. EXTERNAL FACTORS
Here’s a roundup of some external factors that will affect the performance of your LED lights –
Type of Application
LED light manufacturers design different types of bulbs and lighting systems for different types of applications. A lamp specifically designed for home use won’t serve well in a commercial area and vice versa. But, commercial lighting systems come with additional safety features. Commercial LED light sellers can even customize their products to meet specific user needs. All these perks come with additional costs. So, make sure you’re shopping for the right category of LED products.
Location of Installation
The temperature of the location where you install your LED bulb will influence its lifespan. LED bulbs that are installed in enclosed fixtures often experience sudden surges in their ambient temperatures. These surges impact the chip and the driver of the LED bulbs. That’s why users must always install their LED lights in spacious areas. Or else, the heat coming out of the bulbs won’t dissipate, and the bulbs won’t cool on time.
Fitting
What light fitting are you replacing? Does the fitting have an old-school screw base? Or, does it have a GU10 base with a ‘push and twist’ type of fitting? Check these details before buying LED light bulbs. Make sure the LED bulbs you purchase are installation-friendly.
Exact Savings Requirement
Do you have a precise savings requirement? Assess your current electrical spending. See how much power (Watts) you currently spend. See how much energy savings each LED light bulb promises. For example, a high-quality Chint LED LIGHT is guaranteed to provide 80% energy savings. After a few months of using LED lights, track your energy bills and savings!
