LED Lighting

Switching is easy & cost effective

Switching to LEDs does not mean having to replace all fixtures and fittings, most of the LED ranges now come as retrofit to match existing bayonet and screw in bulbs, so you just switch your bulb to LED. Just make sure that you replace your incandescent/fluorescent bulb with a comparable LED that will match the performance of the previous bulb. There are also options to retrofit existing overhead strip lighting too. Replacement LED tube/strip lighting bulbs are usually only wired at one end, whereas traditional strip lights are wired at both end, often with a starter. There are 2 options to convert existing light fittings to LED, one is modify the wiring by removing the ballast and starter and wiring both live and neutral to one end of fixture. Alternatively you can purchase pre-wired LED ready fittings.

LED light bulbs are more energy efficient and therefore save you money on your electricity bills, they also have a much longer life span. Price points vary hugely and they are generally the more expensive but starting prices for household bulbs (screw in & bayonet) of retrofit bulbs start as low as £2.00 and for celling strip bulbs they start at £4.00 for a 2ft 9w bulb. The expected lifespan of LED bulbs varies from 20,000 hours up to 50,000 hours. If we look at 35,000 hours this would equate to 1458 days, which is approximately 4 years. Its unlikely that you would need to leave the light on 24/7 so you could double or triple the bulb longevity to circa 10 years plus, in comparison to incandescent bulbs last up to 2,000 hours (83 days) and fluorescent light bulbs which can last up to 15,000 hours (1.5 years), these lights are often subject to other failures as well though like starter errors. LED lighting converts 95% of energy it consumes into light whereas incandescent bulbs, only use around 10% of the energy consumed to produce light. The remaining energy is expended as heat. The higher upfront costs associated with LEDs are quickly repaid through the savings made on your electricity bill.

LED lights are non-toxic and greener than other alternatives, as they don’t contain mercury, this lack of toxic materials makes LED bulbs easier to recycle. They are also less fragile that traditional bulbs as they are not made from glass.

LEDs come in many shapes, colours and designs, making them both fun, safe but they can also improve them environment around them, through reduced noise and better controls. Incandescent bulbs throw light at all angles, making directing that light difficult but LED lighting is directional, so you can better focus the light where it’s needed. They also allow for change the mood and dynamics of a room or space though controlling type of light, warm soft light for movies or bright white lights for crafting projects or study.

Get onboard… think LED when you next time you buy bulbs. Save money, time and the environment with LEDs