subject: Consider Switching To Led Bulbs [print this page] With the fast rate of technological improvements these days, LED bulb production is increasing and hence prices are falling. The once ridiculously high prices of LEDs are now but a faded memory of the past. Its now more realistic to switch over from traditional halogen bulbs to LED as economically the user will save far more in the long run.
Manufacturers of energy saving are now using Retro Fit bases, so for example a traditional GU10 35W halogen bulb can now be replaced with a 3.5W GU10 LED bulb, without having to replace the light fitting. Its now possible to replace bulbs in Chandeliers and even table lights with longer lasting and more environmentally friendly LED fittings.
On average Modern Lighting last up to 25-30 times longer than a standard halogen bulb, and have a life span of over 30000 hours. However, if the bulbs are used in very small spaces where airflow is an issue, the heat can reduce the lifespan of the bulbs.
You should also check if you require an LED driver. LED drivers are used for low voltage LED bulbs such that must be run of a 12V supply and not the standard mains supply of 240V. Standard transformers will generally operating with a minimum load of about 20W. LED drivers are used to replace a standard transformer or be put in if there is no transformer at all. The MR16 LEDs usually require a LED driver while the GU10 versions dont need a driver and can be run straight of the mains.
Energy saving light fittings are another route you can go down. They have been designed so that they come with an LED Bulbs that isnt removable. When the light fitting reaches the end of its life span, the fitting is simply replaced with a completely new fitting. You might thinkwhat if something goes wrong with it, youll have to purchase a whole new light fitting, but not to worry,LED fittings normally come with a 10 year warranty!
In order to create the right mood within a room, many people use dimmer switches. This is fine when operating standard halogen bulbs, but when using LEDs the voltages are a lot lower as less electricity is required to operate the bulbs. Hence, its recommended to replace old dimmer switches with LED specific dimmers like the V-Pro and Eclique Varilight range. There isnt a limit on the number of transformers that can be used as long as the voltage is kept within the maximum rating of the dimmer.
