3 Tips for Using LED Replacement Bulbs Efficiently

3 Tips for Using LED Replacement Bulbs Efficiently

In an effort to 'go green' and reduce your electric bill, you outfitted your home with fluorescent light bulbs. However, your electric bill is still enormous. What can be done to reduce this monthly income reducer?

Consider LED replacement bulbs. LED lights have come a long way since their inception as sparkly Christmas tree lights. They provide good lighting at a fraction of the electrical cost. If you are considering using LED replacement bulbs, use the following tips to ensure being right the first time.

What type of fixture to use

One of the biggest questions from consumers is confusion about whether the LED bulb will fit or not. LED bulbs are manufactured to fit standard lighting fixtures. In other words, if you can use a standard light bulb in the fixture, you will be able to use a LED replacement bulb.

In the event that you have recessed lighting in a room, purchase one LED bulb to see if it fits.

What wattage to buy

Since the wattage used by LED bulbs is so much less than halogen or fluorescent bulbs most LED manufactures have tried to make the selection as easy for the consumer as possible. Look on the package, you should see something like; 4.5W = 50W.

That tells you that the LED bulb uses 4.5 watts for an equivalent of 50 watts on a regular bulb. Just select the wattage of bulb that you want to replace.

Light or beam angle

This refers to spread of the light beam. Anything with a beam angle less 90 degrees is generally considered a spotlight bulb and should be used in the home to illuminate certain objects such as paintings or an object de art. Beam angle of greater than 90 degrees is considered s general illumination and is suitable for general room lighting.

If the beam angle is not specified on the product, ask the sales person or call the retailer for more information.

Now you are armed with the information needed to outfit your home with a truly 'green' lighting source that will greatly reduce that dreaded monthly electric bill.