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Converting to LED

Converting to LED

Converting to LED

When making the change to LED lighting there are a few steps you must take in order to achieve the right lighting at the right cost for your home.

Step 1- What lights are on?

Work out what lights are on, in other words determine which lights are on the most and use that as a starting point by replacing these lights first, as this will allow you to maximise your savings.

Step Two- How much light is needed?

Light is measured in lumens, but this is too complicated to work out every time you buy a bulb. So as rough guide, if you want the equivalent of an 'old school' 100w light bulb, go for 10w, 60w – 6w, 40w – 4w roughly a 10% rule. For spotlights, replace a 50w GU10 with a 4w LED bulb.

Step 3- Which colour?
Light temperature (colour) is measured in Kelvin (K), the lower the number, the warmer the light. For example 3000K is less warm, and then as you go up the light becomes cooler and whiter – anything approaching 5000k will be nearly blue. Sometimes these are called 'warm white' or 'cool white'. So, depending on your preference, check the packet to make sure have the right colour for you.

Step 4 -Do you want to dim your lights?
You will have to pay a little more for dimmable bulbs, but they are available across the range. Look for the 'dimmable' symbol on the packet. Just a word of warning – occasionally, because LED lights use so little energy, you may need to change your dimmer switches too.

Step 5- What fitting do you need?
You will have a range of light bulbs in your home with different fittings – just make sure you match the fitting to the one you are buying. The best way to do this is to take the old bulb along with you. If you are replacing down-lights or spotlights, take one out (when it is cold and switched off) and see if it has 'pegs' or 'pins'. If it has pegs, this is mains voltage (a GU10 fitting) and is no problem to change. If it has pins, this is low voltage lighting and is a little more complicated. You may need some advice from a professional as to which bulbs will work in your home.

Remember

Finally, when you are changing your lighting, think of it like re-decorating a room, where you would buy a paint tester pot to see if you like the colour first before you paint the whole room. When you are investing in new bulbs, buy one first to see if you like it before you replace the rest. And remember, most places will exchange the bulb if it is the wrong one for you.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/28/led-lights-information