LED Lighting: Benefits, Selection, and Installation Guide
LED lighting has transformed home illumination. Lower energy bills, longer bulb life, and better light quality make LEDs the clear choice for modern homes. Here's what you need to know.
Why LEDs Win
Energy Efficiency
Power consumption comparison:
| Light Output | Incandescent | CFL | LED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 lumens | 40W | 9W | 4-5W |
| 800 lumens | 60W | 13W | 8-9W |
| 1100 lumens | 75W | 18W | 11-12W |
| 1600 lumens | 100W | 23W | 14-16W |
Bottom line: LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Lifespan
| Bulb Type | Typical Life |
|---|---|
| Incandescent | 1,000 hours |
| CFL | 8,000 hours |
| LED | 25,000-50,000 hours |
What this means: An LED running 3 hours daily could last 20+ years.
Heat Output
- Incandescent: 90% of energy becomes heat
- LED: Minimal heat at the bulb
Benefits: Safer to touch, less cooling load, better for enclosed fixtures.
Understanding LED Specifications
Lumens, Not Watts
Lumens measure brightness. Watts measure power consumption.
Choosing brightness: - 450 lumens: Accent lighting, bedroom lamps - 800 lumens: General purpose, reading - 1100 lumens: Task lighting, kitchens - 1600+ lumens: Bright task areas, workshops
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
| Temperature | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm white | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| 3000K | Soft white | General living spaces |
| 3500K | Neutral | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| 4000K | Cool white | Task areas, offices |
| 5000K+ | Daylight | Workshops, garages |
Tip: Match color temperature throughout connected spaces for visual consistency.
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
What it measures: How accurately colors appear under the light.
Scale: 0-100 (higher is better)
Recommendations: - 80+ CRI: Minimum for general use - 90+ CRI: Best for kitchens, bathrooms, anywhere color matters - 95+ CRI: Photography, art areas
LED Types for Different Applications
Standard A-Shape Bulbs
Use for: Table lamps, ceiling fixtures, enclosed fixtures (if rated)
Bases: E26 (standard), E12 (candelabra)
Reflector Bulbs (BR, PAR)
BR (bulged reflector): Recessed cans, track lighting
PAR (parabolic): Outdoor floods, directional lighting
Decorative Bulbs
Globe (G): Bathroom vanities, decorative fixtures
Candelabra: Chandeliers, sconces
Edison/Filament: Visible bulb fixtures, vintage aesthetic
Specialty LEDs
Tube LEDs: Fluorescent replacement (T8, T12)
Disk/wafer lights: Low-profile recessed applications
Strip lights: Under-cabinet, accent lighting
Dimming LEDs
The Challenge
Not all LEDs dim well with all dimmers.
Problems with wrong combinations: - Flickering - Buzzing - Incomplete dimming range - Lights not turning on at low settings - Premature LED failure
Solutions
Check compatibility: - Use LEDs labeled "dimmable" - Match LEDs to compatible dimmers - Use LED-rated dimmers - Check manufacturer compatibility lists
LED-rated dimmers: - Designed for LED loads - Handle lower wattages - Provide full dimming range - Eliminate most flickering issues
Replacing Existing Bulbs
Simple Swaps
Just unscrew and replace: - Table and floor lamps - Ceiling fixtures with standard sockets - Outdoor fixtures (use weather-rated LEDs)
More Complex Changes
May need electrical work: - Recessed lighting conversions - Fluorescent to LED retrofits - Dimmer switch upgrades - Under-cabinet lighting installation
Recessed Lighting Upgrades
Options
Retrofit kits: - Screw into existing socket - Replace trim and bulb together - No electrical work required
Full conversion: - Replace entire can with LED wafer - Lower profile, more modern look - Requires electrical connection changes
IC-rated considerations: - Check if existing cans are IC-rated (insulation contact) - Non-IC cans need clearance from insulation - LED generates less heat but ratings still apply
LED Integrated Fixtures
What They Are
Fixtures with LED sources built in—no replaceable bulbs.
Advantages: - Designed as a system - Often better performance - Sleeker designs possible - No bulb replacement needed for years
Considerations: - Replace entire fixture when LEDs fail - Can't upgrade just the bulb - Quality varies significantly
Smart LED Options
Features Available
- Dimming via app or voice
- Color temperature adjustment
- Full color changing (millions of colors)
- Scheduling and automation
- Motion sensing
- Integration with smart home systems
Installation
Most smart bulbs: - Screw in like regular bulbs - Require constant power (switch stays on) - Connect via WiFi or hub
Smart switches: - Replace existing switch - Work with any bulbs - Maintain physical control
Cost Savings Calculation
Example: Replacing 20 bulbs (60W equivalent):
| Factor | Incandescent | LED |
|---|---|---|
| Watts per bulb | 60W | 9W |
| Total watts | 1,200W | 180W |
| Hours/year (3/day) | 1,095 | 1,095 |
| kWh/year | 1,314 | 197 |
| Cost @ $0.12/kWh | $158 | $24 |
| Annual savings | — | $134 |
Plus: No bulb replacements for years.
Installation Services
What we can help with:
- Dimmer switch upgrades for LED compatibility
- Recessed lighting retrofits
- Under-cabinet LED installation
- Outdoor LED upgrades
- Smart switch installation
- Whole-house LED conversion planning
Contact us for LED lighting upgrades.