Switching to LED Light Bulbs

Switching to LED Light Bulbs

Mr. Electric offers expert LED light bulp installation and Replacement in Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and all surrounding areas in the Metro Atlanta Area. Traditional incandescent light bulbs create light by running electricity through a wire filament. LED’s also use electricity, but in a much different way. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. A diode is a device that controls electrical energy, causing it to flow in one direction only. LED’s use a special kind of diode that causes atoms to release photons that fall within the visible spectrum of light. The color, heat and intensity of the LED is then determined by the specific wavelength of the bulb itself. Just a few years ago, individual LED light bulbs were very expensive, and few homeowner’s chose to have them in their light fixtures. Fortunately, recent innovations in technology and manufacturing have driven down the price significantly, rendering traditional light sources nearly obsolete. Most people have chosen to begin replacing their incandescent bulbs with new LED’s, but it can be difficult to know where to start.

Which Bulbs Should I Replace First?

While some like to swap out their bulbs all at one time to maximize the amount of energy savings, others prefer to go a bit slower to cut down on initial costs. If you choose to take the second route, we recommend replacing these bulbs first:

  • Places where lights are left on for longer periods of time, such as porch or garage lighting.
  • Bulbs that are in difficult to reach areas, because you won’t have to change them out as frequently.
  • Rooms that are used most often by everyone in the household, like the kitchen, living room or bathroom.

Common Reasons You May Need Specialty Bulbs

One significant difference between LED’s and incandescent bulbs is light direction. Conventional bulbs produce multidirectional light, whereas LED’s are made to send light only in a single direction. So, for some fixtures, you may need to get multidirectional LED lights if you desire the same effect. Also, if you use dimmers, you’ll need to be sure that your current system can function with LED’s.

Best Lighting for Individual Rooms

The aspect that causes the most distress for consumers is changing from Watts to Lumens. We have all grown up using a certain kind of measurement to determine the brightness and energy consumption of our lighting. LED’s use a different system. The number of lumens will now be the basis for deciding on the appropriate amount of light intensity. Here’s a quick guide for choosing bulbs, room by room.

Living Room

  • 1,500 to 3,000 Lumen
  • 2,200 to 3,000K Color Temperature Range

Dining Room

  • 3,000 to 6,000 Lumen
  •  2,200 to 3,000K Color Temperature Range

Kitchen

  • 4,000 to 8,000 Lumen
  • 2,700 to 5,000K Color Temperature Range

Bedroom

  • 1,500 to 4,000 Lumen
  • 2,700 to 3,000K Color Temperature Range

Bathroom

  • 4,000 to 8,000 Lumen
  • 3,000 to 5,000K Color Temperature Range

Office

  • 3,000 to 6,000 Lumen
  • 3,000 to 5,000K Color Temperature Range

Need Help Making the Switch? Call the Experts at Mr. Electric Today

Do you need help replacing or installing your LED lights? Call the expert electricians at Mr. Electric. Our highly trained and experienced technicians will be happy to help answer your questions and can help you schedule a convenient appointment.

Schedule Your Electrical Service Now!

Call or submit your request here and we'll call to confirm your appointment time. We're available until 11pm weekdays, 10pm weekends. Your Mr. Electric technician will provide an electrical repair or installation cost up front, and options if applicable.