CFL Bulb

Consider These Tips Before Upgrading to LEDs

Light bulb

In the past few years, LEDs have become the go-to for energy efficient light bulbs and can help you save money on your energy bill. Here are a few things to think about before installing LEDs in your home or business:

Think About Disposal

Depending on what kind of bulbs are currently installed in your light fixtures, proper disposal practices can range from simply throwing the old bulb in the trash to taking it to a recycling facility.

  • Standard incandescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs can be thrown away in your normal household trash bin. Because these have fine wires inside of them, they can’t be included with your traditional recycling.
  • Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) were extremely popular before LEDs became more cost-effective. These contain minor amounts of mercury which, though completely safe for users, can’t be thrown away or traditionally recycled. Instead, these bulbs need to be taken to your local recycling facility or drop-off point.
  • Fluorescent tube lighting, like CFLs, also contain minor amounts of mercury and need to be taken to your local recycling facility or drop-off point.
CFL Bulb
CFL Bulb
Incandescent Bulb
Incandescent Bulb
Halogen Bulb
Halogen Bulb

Consider Your Lighting Needs

Two big differences between LED lights and traditional lights are the light color and light direction. Traditional incandescent bulbs shed light on almost everything around them. LEDs, on the other hand, are directional, meaning the different styles of LED bulbs shed light in different ways and are fit for different purposes.

LEDs also come in a variety of colors, from the warm hue typically associated with incandescent bulbs to cool, white light that can be ideal for workspaces. Think about how you want the room to look and feel, as well as what you plan to be doing in the space, before choosing a bulb.

Brightness is Measured in Lumens, Not Watts

With traditional light bulbs, the level of brightness is associated with the bulb wattage – the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. Because LED lights draw less energy, they have a lower wattage (which saves you money), so it’s important to look at the lumens (which measure the brightness each bulb emits) when deciding which LED to get.

LumensConverter Infographic

Credit: The Lightbulb Company

Not All Light Fixtures are LED-Compatible

LED lights don’t get hot like traditional lights because they have a built-in heat sink to disperse the heat energy. Some traditional light fixtures don’t accommodate for this style of bulb, so it’s important to consult an electrician when deciding whether or not to install LED bulbs into your fixtures.

If you’re thinking of installing LEDs in your home or business, call Mister Sparky® of San Antonio at (210) 899-2430 to schedule an appointment.