Call Now
Cropped Sitlers Led Logo1
Ledzone Png

Electrician Portal

5 Issues You Run Into When Upgrading to LEDs

Hear from our experts on Everything LED Lighting

Making the switch to LEDs is usually a seamless process, if you avoid these five common lighting issues! LEDs are capable of replacing any light bulb. Yet, if you are looking to create a better lighting scheme or produce a specific atmosphere with your lighting, it is important to keep the following five things in mind.

Light Distribution

The traditional lighting you currently have in your home gives off light at nearly every angle, even where it is not needed. LEDs are designed to be directional, which means you shine the light where you need it. Yet, certain applications call for more omnidirectional lighting.

If you are replacing an A-shaped incandescent light, you may want to look for more omnidirectional LED options. Area lighting and wall packs use directional lighting best, as they are placed high up and shine the majority of their light straight down where it is needed. When purchasing LED lighting, be sure to speak with your consultant about the specific application, environment and purpose of the light to find the right fit!

Lumen Comparisons

Lumens are what make LEDs stand out amongst traditional lighting. For less wattage, you get more lumens with LEDs. If you are looking to replace your traditional lighting for brighter lights, be sure to find a compatible LED not only in wattage, but with a higher lumen count than what your previous bulb offered.

Color Temperature Choices

Color temperature plays a large role in how our lights affect the surrounding space. Some LEDs weigh on the side of too blue, while more traditional bulbs can weigh on the side of too yellow. If you are looking to replace your traditional light bulbs with an LED with similar color temperature, you simply look for the Kelvin measurement. This is often printed on the side of the bulbs. If you are looking for brighter LEDs, you will want a bulb in the 4000k to 6000k range. If you want a warmer light, you will want something in the 2500k to 3500k range.

Mind the Color Rendering Index (CRI)

As mentioned above, color temperature affects the surrounding room. If your lights are a cooler blue or warmer yellow, this will change the color of your paint or furniture. The CRI indicates how accurately color is displayed when compared to the noon sun. The higher the bulbs CRI rating the more accurately the light portrays true color. The closer to 100 on the CRI scale, the better.

If you don’t pay attention to the CRI, the lights you install may make your rooms look lacking in color, or even change the entire look. Look for LED lighting with CRI ratings in the 90s.

LEDs and Dimmers

Last, but not least, if you already have dimmers installed for your incandescent or other traditional lights, it’s important to know whether it is compatible with LEDs. If you use a previously installed dimmer, LEDs have a tendency to flicker, hum or flash. If you are planning on installing dimmers with your LED lights, ask your consultant which one works best with LED bulbs.

Work with Sitler’s for a Seamless Installation

Sitler’s works with a team of talented, experienced and licensed electricians to make sure every need is met and all issues are avoided when installing LED lights. To learn more about beginning an LED overhaul, give us a call at (319)-519-0039 or send us an email.

Posted in LED Installation and Maintenance, Uncategorized

Tagged LED installation, LED mistakes, LED mistakes to avoid, LED tips