The answer is yes, you should replace recessed lighting with LED. LED lights are more energy-efficient, durable, and versatile than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. They also offer better light quality, color options, and dimming capabilities. In this article, we will explain why LED lights are the best choice for recessed lighting, how to choose the right LED bulbs for your needs, and how to install them in your existing fixtures.
Recessed lighting, also known as can lights or downlights, are fixtures that are installed in the ceiling and provide focused or ambient illumination. They are commonly used in kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and other areas where you want to create a cozy and elegant atmosphere. However, recessed lighting can also consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat, especially if you use incandescent or halogen bulbs. These bulbs have a short lifespan, require frequent replacement, and can pose a fire hazard if they overheat.
LED lights, on the other hand, have many advantages over traditional bulbs for recessed lighting. Here are some of the benefits of LED lights:
Energy efficiency: LED lights use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and up to 50% less than halogen bulbs. This means you can save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 12-watt LED bulb can save you about $75 over the bulb’s lifetime.
Durability: LED lights last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and up to 10 times longer than halogen bulbs. This means you don’t have to worry about changing your bulbs frequently and dealing with the hassle and cost of buying new ones. LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours, which is equivalent to 17 years if you use them for 8 hours a day.
Versatility: LED lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and brightness levels. You can choose from different color temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool white, to suit your mood and preference. You can also choose from different beam angles, ranging from narrow to wide, to control how much light is spread. Some LED lights are also dimmable, which means you can adjust the light intensity to create different effects and ambiance.
Light quality: LED lights produce high-quality light that is bright, clear, and consistent. They do not flicker, buzz, or hum like some traditional bulbs. They also do not emit ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) radiation, which can damage your eyes, skin, and furniture. LED lights have a high color rendering index (CRI), which measures how accurately they show the true colors of objects. A high CRI means that the colors you see under LED lights are more natural and vivid.
How to Choose the Right LED Bulbs for Recessed Lighting
If you want to replace your recessed lighting with LED, you need to consider some factors before buying the LED bulbs. Here are some of the things you need to look for:
Size: The size of the LED bulb depends on the size of your recessed fixture. You need to measure the diameter of the opening of your fixture and the height of the space above the ceiling. You can use a ruler or a tape measure to do this. The LED bulb should fit snugly into the opening and not protrude above the ceiling. You can also check the label of your existing bulb to see what size it is. The most common sizes for recessed lighting are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches.
Type: The type of the LED bulb depends on the type of your recessed fixture. There are two main types of LED bulbs for recessed lighting: retrofit and integrated. Retrofit LED bulbs are designed to replace your existing bulbs and work with your existing fixtures. They have a standard base that screws into the socket and a trim that covers the opening. Integrated LED bulbs are designed to replace your entire fixture and come with a built-in driver and a connector. They have a sleek and modern look and do not require a separate trim.
Wattage: The wattage of the LED bulb depends on the brightness level you want. You need to check the label of your existing bulb to see how many watts it uses. You can then use a conversion chart to find the equivalent wattage for LED. For example, if your existing bulb uses 60 watts, you can replace it with a 12-watt LED bulb. The wattage of the LED bulb should not exceed the maximum wattage of your fixture, which is usually indicated on a sticker inside the fixture.
Lumens: The lumens of the LED bulb depend on the amount of light you want. Lumens measure the amount of light that a bulb produces, regardless of the wattage. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. You need to check the label of your existing bulb to see how many lumens it produces. You can then use a conversion chart to find the equivalent lumens for LED. For example, if your existing bulb produces 800 lumens, you can replace it with a 12-watt LED bulb that produces 800 lumens. The lumens of the LED bulb should match or exceed the lumens of your existing bulb, depending on your preference.
Color temperature: The color temperature of the LED bulb depends on the color of light you want. Color temperature measures the warmth or coolness of light, measured in kelvins (K). The lower the kelvins, the warmer the light. The higher the kelvins, the cooler the light. You need to check the label of your existing bulb to see what color temperature it has. You can then use a conversion chart to find the equivalent color temperature for LED. For example, if your existing bulb has a color temperature of 2700K, which is warm white, you can replace it with a 12-watt LED bulb that has a color temperature of 2700K. The color temperature of the LED bulb should match or complement the color temperature of your existing bulb, depending on your preference.
Dimmability: The dimmability of the LED bulb depends on whether you want to control the light intensity. Dimmable LED bulbs allow you to adjust the brightness level of the light using a dimmer switch. Not all LED bulbs are dimmable, so you need to check the label of the LED bulb to see if it is compatible with your dimmer switch. You also need to check the label of your dimmer switch to see if it is compatible with LED bulbs. Some dimmer switches may require a minimum load or a specific type of LED bulb to work properly. If you are not sure, you can consult an electrician or a lighting expert for advice.
How to Install LED Bulbs for Recessed Lighting
If you have decided to replace your recessed lighting with LED, you need to follow some steps to install the LED bulbs. Here are some of the steps you need to take:
Turn off the power: Before you start, you need to turn off the power to the circuit that controls your recessed lighting. You can do this by flipping the switch on the breaker box or the fuse box. You can also use a voltage tester to make sure there is no electricity flowing to the fixture.
Remove the old bulb: Next, you need to remove the old bulb from the fixture. You can do this by unscrewing the bulb from the socket or by pulling the bulb out of the connector. You can also remove the trim from the fixture if you are using a retrofit LED bulb. You should wear gloves and eye protection when handling the old bulb, as it may be hot or broken.
Install the new bulb: Then, you need to install the new LED bulb into the fixture. You can do this by screwing the bulb into the socket or by pushing the bulb into the connector. You can also attach the trim to the fixture if you are using a retrofit LED bulb. You should make sure the bulb is securely in place and aligned with the opening of the fixture.
Turn on the power: Finally, you need to turn on the power to the circuit that controls your recessed lighting. You can do this by flipping the switch on the breaker box or the fuse box. You can also use a voltage tester to make sure there is electricity flowing to the fixture. You can then test the LED bulb by turning on the switch or the dimmer switch. You can also adjust the brightness level and the color temperature of the LED bulb to your liking.
Replacing recessed lighting with LED is a smart and easy way to improve your home’s lighting. LED lights are more energy-efficient, durable, and versatile than traditional bulbs. They also offer better light quality, color options, and dimming capabilities. You can choose the right LED bulbs for your needs by considering the size, type, wattage, lumens, color temperature, and dimmability of the bulbs. You can also install the LED bulbs yourself by following some simple steps. By switching to LED, you can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and enhance your home’s ambiance.
