What to Look for When Choosing the Right LED Downlight
LED downlights have undoubtedly become the go-to choice for homeowners and businesses looking for better, brighter, and more energy-efficient lighting solutions. With so many different types of LED downlights on the market, picking the right bulb to replace your CFL or halogen can be a challenge. If you're looking to swap out your existing recessed lights for LEDs like the ones we offer at LiquidLEDs, here are some things to look out for.
Wattage -- LED downlights require very little energy to produce the same brightness as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. For example, a standard halogen downlight would need to consume 50 watts of electricity to produce the same level of light as a 5 to 10 watt LED downlight, and most downlights even produce more light.
Beam Angle -- The beam angle, or beam spread, refers to the width of the light that a bulb emits from the ceiling. Most downlights have narrower beam angles than other bulbs because they are meant to emit light in one direction, and they can also be used as a group to illuminate large spaces.
Color Temperature -- Choosing a specific color temperature for your downlight comes down to preference and the intended use of the downlight. Some people prefer cool bulbs in task-oriented spaces, such as laundry rooms or kitchens. On the other hand, warm bulbs are best suited for living rooms and bedrooms because they are more relaxing. It is best to stick to one color per space, as mixing colors will only create an unpleasant effect and irritate the eyes.
Dimming feature - If you want to directly control the brightness or dimness of the bulb, you can install a dimmer. A dimmer allows you to make the bulb as bright as you want, or dim it down to the desired light output. This is a perfect feature for a bedroom.
