Short Guide to Choosing LED Lights

After 134 years, the incandescent light bulb has finally outlived its usefulness. Incandescent bulbs are disappearing from store shelves in the US and many more will be gone within a few months. For those of us who forgot to hoard light bulbs, what are we to do the next time we are left in the dark?  As we put to bed our old favorites, 60 and 40 watt bulbs, it is time to look to the future and make the best replacement choices for ourselves and the environment. That look to the future is filled with hints and mentions of LED lighting and the recent advances that have made it into a truly viable solution to our lighting dilemma.

Choose a combination of task and decorative LED lighting for the bathroom. For covered fixtures, check the heat dissipation properties of the bulb

But the world of LED lighting can be a new and foreign place that confuses and even frightens some. It is time to crack the LED lighting code and make the change, like it or not. This short guide should set the record straight and provide the tools to make comfortably informed and responsible lighting choices that light the room at least as well, if not better than before.

Check heat rating for bathroom lighting
When shopping for LED light bulbs for covered fixtures, be sure to check the bulb’s heat performance rating. Nearly all LED light bulbs have some sort of heat dissipating device built in; simply find one with great heat removal properties and it’s all good. Not to mention, it will be a long time before the ladder has to be dragged into the bathroom to change that light bulb again. That may even be a task that the next owner has to deal with, it could be that long.

Check Kelvin numbers for lighting’s warmth and coolness
The Kelvin number associated with lighting is an indicator of what color the light appears to be. Incandescent bulbs generally have a Kelvin number between 2700 and 2900K. Just find an LED bulb that indicates that it runs in that range and that’s it, the bedroom will have the same lighting atmosphere that it did in the past.

Consider choosing bulbs with a higher Kelvin rating, and cooler, whiter, color range for reading lamps. Whiter light is easier to read by, but be cautious about overkill; too white light can cause eye strain and be more uncomfortable than too warm a light color. There is no need to worry about kid room lighting either. LED bulbs are built to be tough and will handle Junior’s abuse and indoor football practice far better than any old bulb ever could.

When choosing LED lighting for living areas, use the Kelvin number on the bulb to guide you regarding warmth or coolness of the light’s color. Cooler, whiter light is better for reading, while warmer light can be more atmospheric.

The LED options for main living spaces are almost infinite, just as they are with traditional lighting— only much better, with many more choices. Remember to pay attention to the Kelvin rating and keep warm lights where you want them and cool white lighting in fixtures around task areas like reading lamps and the kitchen. Also keep in mind that spotlights should be aimed away from reflective surfaces like TV screens to prevent annoying glare.

While you’re at it, go ahead and make some quick and easy upgrades. LED under-cabinet lighting has become as easy to use as Christmas lights and adds a much needed task lighting and decorative appeal in busy kitchen areas.

Now armed with the lowdown on LED lighting for the home, it is time to go shopping and select the light bulbs that will possibly be the last ones ever purchased on that credit card in your pocket. And remember; don’t be afraid to buy what you want even if it costs a bit more. This seriously could be one of the last times you buy a light bulb for that particular fixture. Choose wisely.

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