When halogen lamps were first deployed into large scale commercial use in the mid 20th century, they were quite a novelty, powering homes and cities around the world. However, they also draw a lot of electricity leading to the hefty monthly power bills.
For most people, the mention of LED lighting conjures the image of dim and cold lighting that totally ruined the ambiance in most building interiors. This is why the initial LED lighting uptake was quite slow. As wasteful as they were, halogen-based lamps were still a superior product and produced brilliant and warm lighting.
While the memories of those initial experiences still persist, there has been considerable improvement over the years. Today you can find high quality LED lamps that closely match the performance standards that you would find in the halogen lamps. You can choose from a vast product line and different types of lamps that come in varying colours, brightness and with varied fittings among other desirable properties. Today’s LED lamps provide a more delightful experience with the added benefit of the energy efficiency and cost savings.
Over the past few years, there has been a lot of innovation in the lighting market. Most of the innovations has focused on developing more powerful LED lamps that are extremely energy efficient. Many homeowners are now transitioning to LED lighting but the tough part is how to make the conversion from halogen based to LED-based lighting in your buildings.
Converting from Halogen to LED Lighting
If you still have your old halogen lamps, now is the time to discard or recycle them and begin transitioning to an LED-powered green lighting future. The compact fluorescent lamps should never be disposed of in the general waste as they contain mercury.
The energy savings that you will unlock by adopting LED lighting is immense. You also reduce your carbon footprint through energy savings and the reduction in the industrial usage of the embedded carbon used in manufacturing the old halogen lamps.
Getting started
Before you go out shopping for LED lamps, take stock of the lights in your building that are generally on most of the time. These gobble the most energy and contribute to your hideously expensive energy bills. They will therefore need replacing first in order to make the most of your energy savings.
How much lighting will you need?
This has everything to do with the brightness. The old school halogen lamps are often rated 40 watts, 50 watts, 60 watts or 100 watts etc. However, you will have to look for an equivalent in LED lamp specifications. Use the “10% rule”. If you are replacing a 100 watt halogen lamp, the equivalent in LED that you will require is a 10 watt lamp.
What colour will you need?
This depends on what kind of ambiance you wish to create in your spaces and in the outdoors. Colour in electrical lamps is rated in terms of Kelvin. The lower the number of Kelvins, the warmer the lighting. The higher you go, the cooler the light becomes. Look at the packaging to choose the right colour for your LED lamps.
Do you need dimmable LED lights?
One of the beauties of LED lamps is the possibility of designing some cute functionalities into the lamps or lighting. For example, you can find dimmable LED lights that allow you to vary the brightness and intensity of lighting. The dimmable lights are also available across a very good range. Talk to your electrician to also change the switches to allow for the dimmable function.
Do you have the right fittings?
LED lights can be installed with a broad array of lighting fittings so when making a purchase ensure that you purchase your lights with the right fittings. Contact an electrical electrician for advice on the right kinds of LED lights that will be suited for your home.
Now that you have converted your halogen lighting to an LED-powered wonder, sit back and bask in the glow of beautiful, cost-efficient and energy efficient LED lighting.