Buying Guide for LED Lighting

The first light-emitting diode was invented in 1962, yet LEDs did not become a popular choice for homeowners and contractors until the 21st century. LED is an energy-efficient lighting solution that provides high-quality illumination for less than traditional bulbs. Before buying LEDs, what should you know?

Switch to LED Bulbs!

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Why to Choose LED Bulbs

How often do you change light bulbs? When you make the switch to LEDs, you won’t have to worry about this arduous task for years to come. According to the US Department of Energy, good quality LED bulbs can last anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 hours. If you have the lights on for an average of 8 hours a day, the bulbs will last for 10 to 17 years!

LED bulbs are also 80 percent more efficient than incandescent and 40 percent more efficient than CFL bulbs. When your five most frequently used light bulbs are replaced with ENERGY STAR rated LEDs, you can save about $75 a year on energy costs.

Features of LED Bulbs

When shopping for LED bulbs, there are several factors to consider that will influence your lighting experience:

  • Color Temperature: This term refers to how warm or cool a light appears. Color temperature is measured from 1,000 to 10,000 on the Kelvin scale. Our LED bulb inventory has 2700K and 3000K bulbs; these “warmer” color temperatures do not emit the blue tint commonly associated with LEDs.
  • Dimmability: This modern feature is very popular for homeowners who want to set the ambiance. If you already have dimmer switches in your home, make sure the LED bulb is compatible. You may have to replace the dimmers to prevent flickering and low output.
  • Lumens: The amount of light produced by LED bulbs is measured in lumens, rather than watts. An LED bulb may measure only 4 watts but that coverts to more than 220 lumens. The greater the lumens-to-watts ratio, the more energy-efficient the bulb is.

LED Bulb Shapes

When you visit one of our showrooms, you may be overwhelmed by the display of different LED bulbs. However, each shape and size has a specific purpose. Some common shapes include:

  • Standard: Resembles a traditional bulb; light is dispersed at a wide angle.
  • Flood: Wide top and narrow bottom; concentrated light used for exterior applications.
  • Globe: Large sphere shape; light is produced in all directions.
  • Candle: Resembles a candle flame; used for accent lighting.

Our lighting experts are on-hand to help you find the right LED bulb for your unique application. We can show you how each light bulb would function in a particular setting, whether you’re looking to update the lamps in your bedroom or the dining room chandelier.

Bring one of your current light bulbs to our Hartford or Southington location and we’ll be happy to steer you in the right direction for an LED replacement.

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