How to Buy LED Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best LED lighting

Overview

This LED lighting buying guide offers readers an in-depth look into the different types of LED lighting available, from wattage and color temperature to brightness and features, to help make an informed decision when choosing the best LED lighting product for their needs. We provide the latest research and insights into the various types of LED lighting products, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and provide expert tips and tricks on how to maximize efficiency and performance. With this guide, you'll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best LED lighting product for your needs.

Key features

  1. Light Output (Lumens): The amount of light output in lumens is an important factor to consider when buying a LED lighting system. How much light is needed to achieve the desired effect?
  2. Color Temperature: Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and describes the hue of the light. Warm lighting gives off a soft yellow hue whereas cool lighting has a blue tint.
  3. Beam Angle: The beam angle refers to the angle of the light that is emitted from the LED light. A narrow beam angle produces a focused light while a wider beam angle will create a larger area of light.
  4. Efficiency: LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency. How efficient is the LED lighting system compared to other types of lighting?
  5. Cost: Cost is an important consideration when buying any LED lighting system. How much will the LED lighting system cost, both upfront and in the long run?
  6. Durability: LED lighting has a longer lifespan than traditional lighting. How long will the LED lighting system last?

See the most popular LED lighting on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Energy Efficiency: LED lighting requires significantly less energy than traditional lighting, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact.
  • Long Life: LEDs have a much longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs, typically lasting over 25,000 hours.
  • High Quality Light: LED lights are available in a wide range of colors and temperatures, so you can choose a lighting solution that meets your needs.
  • Safety: LED lights produce virtually no heat, making them a much safer option than traditional lighting.
  • Easy Installation: LED lights are easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

Cons

  • Cost: LED lighting typically costs more upfront than traditional lighting.
  • Light Quality: Some buyers may find the quality of light emitted by LEDs to be too bright or too harsh.
  • Color Temperature: LEDs are available in different light temperatures, so buyers must make sure they choose the correct temperature for their needs.
  • UV Emissions: LEDs emit UV radiation, which can be damaging to skin and eyes if not shielded properly.
  • Glare: Excessive glare, typically caused by having too many LEDs in a given area, can cause discomfort for people in the area.
  • Cooling: LEDs can generate a significant amount of heat, so they must be installed with the proper cooling systems to ensure they last longer.

Best alternatives

  1. Fluorescent Lighting - A type of lighting that uses a gas-discharge lamp which produces light by fluorescence.
  2. Incandescent Lighting - Lighting that works by passing an electric current through a thin wire called a filament.
  3. Halogen Lighting - Lighting that uses halogen gas to create more efficient light than incandescent lighting.
  4. Sodium Lighting - A type of lighting that uses sodium gas to create an orange-yellow light.
  5. Compact Fluorescent Lighting - A type of fluorescent light that is designed to be used in small spaces.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bulbs – LED bulbs utilize light emitting diodes to produce light.
  • Fixtures – LED fixtures are the metal housing that contain LED lights.
  • Strip Lights – Long, flexible LED lights that are ideal for use in tight spaces.
  • Tubular Lights – Tubular LED lights are great for adding decorative lighting in a room.
  • Ceiling Lights – These are lights that are designed to be mounted on the ceiling.
  • Wall Lights – These are lights that are designed to be mounted on the wall.
  • Spotlights – Spotlights are used to highlight a particular area or object.
  • Rope Lights – Rope lights are flexible LED strands that are used for decorative lighting.
  • Motion Sensors – Motion sensors detect movement and can be used to trigger LED lights when motion is detected.
  • Transformer – A transformer is a device that converts the current from the power supply to the voltage needed for the LED lights.
  • Dimmers – LED dimmers switches allow you to adjust the brightness of LED lights.

Common questions

  1. What type of LED lighting do I need? The type of LED lighting you need depends on the application. Consider the size and shape of the space you need to light as well as the type of illumination you need – direct or indirect, dimmable or non-dimmable, and the color temperature of the light.
  2. What is the difference between warm and cool LED lighting? Warm LED lighting usually has a color temperature of 2700K or lower, while cool LED lighting usually has a temperature of 3000K or higher. The lower the temperature, the warmer the light, and the higher the temperature, the cooler the light.
  3. What wattage should I use when selecting LED lighting? Wattage is a measure of the amount of energy a light consumes. LED lights typically use far less wattage than traditional lighting, so you can usually select a lower wattage and still get the same level of illumination.
  4. Does LED lighting generate heat? LED lighting generates far less heat than traditional lighting, making it safer to use in enclosed or tight spaces.
  5. Are LED lights dimmable? Yes, some LED lights are dimmable, though you may need a special dimmer switch for them to work properly.
  6. How long do LED lights last? LED lights typically last much longer than traditional incandescent lights, with a lifespan of upwards of 25,000 hours or more.

Trivia

In 2017, a man in Kansas City, Kansas was arrested for stealing LED lightbulbs from a local university. The man had been stealing the lightbulbs for months, despite warnings from the university's security. Eventually, the man was finally caught in the act and taken into custody. “He was doing it so he could get money to pay his electric bills,” a police spokesperson said. The man ultimately pleaded guilty and was given a suspended sentence. Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/man-arrested-for-stealing-led-lightbulbs-to-pay-electric-bills/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.