Although it may seem like a simple task, buying led bulbs can be a bit more complex than you think. The tonality of light, power, equivalence, cap, hours of life, CRI. Many terms escape us regarding traditional incandescent bulbs. We explain how to buy led bulbs and not die trying.
Characteristics of a led bulb
As we mentioned before, many characteristics individualize each LED bulb, we are going to explain them one by one. Let’s start with the tonality of the light.
Tonality of light
In the old days, with incandescent bulbs, there wasn’t much of a choice. All the bulbs were warm between 2700K and 3200K according to the manufacturer, that is, a yellow light.
Currently, there are many variations, but they can be grouped into three:
Warm light 2700-3200K
The classic light, that of a lifetime. Warm light-led bulbs mimic incandescent bulbs. The most relaxing light shade, recommended for:
- quieter areas of the home, such as the dining room, bedrooms, office
- for classic environments
- dark color wall hues
Daylight or neutral 4000-4500K
A more technical, purer, and whiter type of light. Offers more clarity in work environments. Ideal for:
- Kitchens
- Toilets
- Public transit areas
- Offices and offices
Cold light 5000-6400K
This type of led bulb is required for spaces where maximum clarity is required. This tone is not usually recommended due to the excessive aggressiveness of white, but in very modern environments or for decoration purposes they are truly attractive. Other uses:
- Labels
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Very technical spaces
- Spaces with modern aesthetics
- Lighting of large public spaces
Power and equivalence in led bulbs
The LED bulbs consume 80% less than traditional bulbs. The approximate wattage you should multiply your bulb by is x10. That is, if you buy a 10W led bulb, the approximate light will be a 100W incandescent bulb.
Clarification regarding the equivalence in led bulbs
Although the quick calculation to know the equivalence, would be to multiply by 10, it depends on the manufacturer and, above all, on the lumens. For example, a traditional 60W incandescent light bulb has approximately 600 lumens. Therefore, an equivalent led bulb would be 6W or those lumens.
Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the same, the lumens can vary substantially. Here is one of the reasons for the variety of prices for the same type of led bulb.
Socket / lamp holder
Who said narrow thread and wide thread and it’s over? There are many different bushings on the market. Nowadays, no substitute for a LED bulb is available, so the lamp holder is not a problem.
Hours of life
Here is another of the great dilemmas. A few years ago, when LED bulbs began to be marketed, in general, they had a life of 50,000 hours.
Today, the market rules and the life hours have decreased to 25,000 hours in a bulb of acceptable quality. Of course, we can find very cheap light bulbs with 6,000 hours of life. An economical solution, but very little respect for the environment.
Conclusions to buy a led bulb
The amount of light is important. Keep in mind that in places of stay, it is advisable to have the right amount of light, without overdoing it.
The tonality of the light is equally important. Try installing warm light led bulbs in bedrooms and living rooms. It will create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
The consumption of led bulbs compared to halogen and incandescent bulbs are much lower, do not worry so much about consumption and take a look at the lumens to buy the correct bulb.
The price is a good claim but look at the life span. From 15,000 – 20,000 hours we can find many models of bulbs that will allow you to forget when was the last time you changed it.
Remember to take your burned-out bulbs to a clean point, LED bulbs are also recycled, don’t throw them away.
J C Lighting 