7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching to LED Lighting

Are you thinking about switching to LED lighting?

Various technology has led us to pursue more efficient lives. LED lighting is one such technology that created life-changing transformations. Whether for residential or commercial purposes, it allows us to reduce energy consumption.

One of the great things about LED lighting is that it's more affordable than other types of lights. Maintaining LED lights is also more cost-effective than incandescent or fluorescents. Convinced to switch to LED lighting?

That's great, but what now? Certain decisions can hinder people from switching to LED lighting. In this article, we show you seven mistakes to avoid when switching to an LED lighting setup.

1. Not Choosing the Right Supplier

The LED lighting industry is a booming business. Its increasing popularity led to the birth of many new LED businesses. However, not all companies offer genuine products and services.

Each manufacturer provides various levels of quality. If you want to get the best lighting solution, choose the right brand. Start by getting reviews from a trusted friend or family member.

They may be able to provide you with some good recommendations. They can also give you some insight on which brands to avoid buying from. If you're looking online, ensure to check reviews.

Check if an online provider has a website. They may be able to provide proof of certification.

2. Not Getting a Good Warranty

Making any kind of investment requires a good warranty. Whether you're buying online or from a physical store, make it a point to ask about their warranty options. When it comes to LED lighting, quality, and warranty often go hand in hand.

If a company does not offer any warranty for its products, it's better to look elsewhere. If they do, check how long the company offers their warranty. It may also do you some good to observe their customer service.

Are they helpful while tending to customers? Do they provide good information that is useful in completing your lighting solution? These are some questions you should ask yourself when choosing a company.

3. Basing Your Purchase on Watts

Relying only on wattage when choosing a company may not be effective. Wattage is the term used to define how much energy your lights will consume. Often, you can find lights with the same wattage as incandescent ones.

However, there is no clear way to convert LED wattage to incandescent or fluorescent ones. Wattage also does not equal the amount of light you get from a bulb or fixture. To avoid this mistake, base your purchase instead on LPW.

LPW, meaning lumen per watt, refers to the light source's energy efficiency. When switching to LED lighting, rely on energy efficiency to make your decisions.

4. Not Being Familiar With CRI or CTT

When switching to LED lighting, you must familiarize yourself with two terms. These are CRI and CTT.

CRI is a technical term that refers to the Color Rendering Index. With CRI, you can determine a light source's ability to render colors on a scale of one to ten. LED luminaires generally have a CRI value of 70 to 90.

However, your choice will depend on where you want to install the light source. Operating rooms and industrial kitchens utilize a CRI of 90 or higher. CRI 70 may be more ideal for outdoor installations or storage buildings.

The second technical term is CTT or Color Temperature. This indicates the color range of your light source, measure in Kelvin. If you're looking for a warm light source, opt for 1,200-2,700K.

If you're looking for a lighting solution for an office, 3,000K may satisfy your needs. Museums and galleries use 5,000K light sources.

5. Buying Without a Purpose

People often forget to consider a light source's purpose when switching to a new system. When switching to LED lighting, ensure to have its purpose in mind. Office spaces and residential homes often use different lighting.

Some lights serve ambient services to set a mood or tone for a room. Other lights help its users focus on tasks. Some examples of task lighting include shaving, cooking, reading, and sewing.

LED lights often have a focused and omnidirectional function. Other lights, like LED strip lights, serve to add some color to a room. If you're not sure what the best lighting is, ask your provider.

6. Not Keeping Light Distribution in Mind

Light distribution can change the entire mood or lighting of a room. It's essential to consider a light source's light distribution when changing your provider. LED luminaires provide a different kind of lighting than other traditional light sources.

When switching to LED lighting, pay attention to its specifications. You may find this on the packaging. Look for terms like beam angle and its type of light distribution.

Replacing an A-shaped incandescent bulb with a generic LED bulb may result in a loss of downlight. A bulb's lumen rating may also affect its lumen bounce. The way manufacturers produce their bulbs are crucial to its performance.

6. Not Keeping Light Distribution in Mind

Light distribution can change the entire mood or lighting of a room. It's essential to consider a light source's light distribution when changing your provider. LED luminaires provide a different kind of lighting than other traditional light sources.

When switching to LED lighting, pay attention to its specifications. You may find this on the packaging. Look for terms like beam angle and its type of light distribution.

Replacing an A-shaped incandescent bulb with a generic LED bulb may result in a loss of downlight. A bulb's lumen rating may also affect its lumen bounce. The way manufacturers produce their bulbs are crucial to its performance.

Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Switching to LED Lighting

Are you switching to LED lighting? Here are some things you need to consider when upgrading your lighting system. From choosing the right supplier to getting warranties, here are some mistakes to avoid.

Thank you for reading our article! Looking for some high-quality light fixtures and rope lights? Contact us today to find some great additions to your lighting solution.