Whether you are looking to light a new home, remodel the lighting in your current home, or simply replace a few stray bulbs, LEDs are the way to go. These modern lights are growing in popularity, and it is easy to see why. They make your home safer and lower your monthly energy bill without lowering the lights.
Why LEDs
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lights outshine other options in more ways than one. They use less energy to give off equal or greater amounts of light, lowering the energy bill. Most LEDs give off very little heat, making them less of a fire hazard and safer to touch. Traditional incandescent lights release about 90% of their energy in the form of heat, which explains their notorious finger-burning surfaces. Also, unlike CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights), they do not contain mercury, which can be hazardous and must be disposed of properly. LEDs can simply be thrown away in a regular trashcan. Finally, their lifetime far exceeds that of other lights. LED lights do have a higher upfront cost; however, because of their energy efficiency and longevity, you save more in the long run.
Replacement
A good first step in switching to LEDs is to make a list of how many bulbs and/or fixtures you want to replace and what their specs are before heading to the store. Be sure to check old bulbs for their base size. This way, you will know exactly what LEDs in the store will work for a particular fixture. Sometimes light fixtures require a lightbulb to have a minimum amount of watts in order for it to work. If new LEDs will not meet that requirement because they do not use enough watts, then you will have to replace the fixture. In most cases however, you should be able to find an LED to fit your needs. When you put a new LED in, avoid putting it into a completely enclosed light fixture. This could trap what little heat the bulb gives off and potentially lower its lifespan. Once the new lights are in, be sure not to throw away any fluorescents in the garbage. You can contact our local waste collection agency to find out more about proper disposal. Many local hardware stores also offer in-store recycling for the hazardous material.
The Right Kind of Light
Not all LED lights are the same. There are options for lumens, light temperatures, dimmers and colors. The lumens of a bulb can be found on its packaging. This quality determines how bright or how soft the light will be. More lumens mean a brighter light. A light with fewer lumens may work well in places like living rooms or backyard lounge areas to create a cozier feel for guests while a light with more lumens may work better in more private areas, such as storage rooms or bathrooms. Lights also have temperatures, referring to their color, measured in Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin, the cooler the color of the light is. This will have a bluer or whiter tone. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the color is. This light will look more yellow or orange. If you want dimmable lights, make sure to double check the LED packaging for this feature. LEDs also come in a variety of colors like red, blue, green, purple and more. Some can even change colors remotely. Whatever preferences you have, thinking about what kind of light you want in different areas beforehand allows you to really customize the atmosphere you want to create in your home.
Switching to LED lighting is a simple step you can take to save energy and money and improve your home at the same time. Even if you only decide to switch out a few lights at a time, making the transition is worth it. LEDs will bring a high level of efficiency and light quality that will make a visible difference in your home. 
Jamie Soto
Home & Yard Magazine
