Thinking About Switching to LED Lights for Your Houston Home?

Here’s What You Need to Know.

 

By now, many Houston residents have already made the switch to LED lights for their homes. But, if you’re not entirely convinced about making the switch, maybe we can help you decide for yourself.

 

If you’re on the fence trying to decide between LEDs and incandescent lights, here are some things you should consider:

LED Light Will Save Money in the Long Run and Last Longer

Let’s get right to the first question we consider when it comes to spending money on our homes – ‘how much will it cost me?’

 

So, yes, LED lights are more expensive than incandescent bulbs at the outset. But, they’re not as expensive as they used to be, and overall, LEDs will save you money in the long run. So, think of them as a long term investment.

 

Their cost-effectiveness is illustrated on multiple fronts. For instance, they outlast incandescent bulbs. LEDs have sometimes been known to last for a decade or two. Some bulbs won’t even begin to dim until that timeframe has lapsed. And once LED lights start to burn out, it’s usually very gradually. They won’t suddenly go out like incandescents do.

 

Counter that to incandescent bulbs, which usually last only a year or two, depending on how much they’re used.

 

Now, let’s talk about how much energy you’ll save. When you switch out your incandescent bulbs for LEDs, you’ll use up to 80% less energy. The average home will save around $1,000 over ten years by switching to LED lights.

 

So, while you may spend more in the beginning, you reap the rewards in the long run.

LED Lights Use Less Energy…A Lot Less

America has been undergoing an energy revolution over the past couple of decades. Wind turbines and solar panels have become increasingly more popular with environmentally-conscious consumers. And LED lighting is becoming a standard household fixture as Americans look for more sustainable solutions.

 

We already talked about what it means moneywise when LED lights use less energy, but let’s talk about the other benefits. If LEDs are using less energy, that means they’re not working as hard to illuminate your space. And that means they’re also putting out less heat.

 

That’s a huge plus in Texas! Because we see temperatures hovering near the 100-degree mark in the summer, the last thing you want is light bulbs generating more heat in your home.

 

Not only will it make you feel warmer than you should, but it’ll make your air conditioner work harder and run more. And that will make your electrical bill run higher than it should be.

 

Ninety-five percent of the energy put out by LED lighting is converted into light. Incandescent bulbs only convert 10% of their energy for light. So, all the rest of that energy is wasted energy, which means it’s not energy efficient. But, LEDs are about as energy efficient as you’re going to get.

 

Not only is that good for you and your home. It’s good for the environment.

LED Lighting Can Be More Tailored for Your Preferences

• You can choose which direction to place LEDs. Incandescent bulbs disperse light all over, at every angle. That can make it more challenging to direct light where you want it to go. LED bulbs are more directional and allow you to focus light better where you need it.
• LEDs have a wide range of color temperatures. So, what does that mean exactly? LED lightbulbs have a color temperature that correlates to the Kelvin temperature scale. Lower temperatures on the Kelvin scale mean warmer lights that are more yellow. Higher temperatures on the Kelvin scale mean cooler lights that are more blue. Because LED lights come in this wide range of color temperatures, it’s easier to personalize the spectrum of light color in the rooms of your home. Lighter hues are more natural and great when you prefer ambient light. You’re more likely to want natural tones in your kitchen. On the other hand, you may prefer bluer lights in your bedroom near where you read at night.
• LED light can be dimmable. The key words are ‘can be.’ You may need a different dimmer switch than you have now to ensure maximum performance and safety standards. The best thing to do is consult with an electrical or lighting specialist to ensure the compatibility of the control plate and the LED bulbs.

The Takeaway

Once you decide to make the switch to LED lighting, you’ll never look back. One thing to remember is that your home is unique and likely was designed to fit your style and functionality.

 

As such, it always pays off to have a customizable lighting solution that will meet your expectations. Our professional lighting designers can help create a thoughtful design that offers you the best LED lighting solutions for your needs.

 

We also have in-house licensed electricians to ensure that everything’s installed safely while delivering the best lighting performance for your home.

 

Contact our experts at Illuminations Lighting Design for an LED lighting update in your Houston home. Our service area extends well beyond the Greater Houston region and Harris County. Give us a call at 713-863-1133 today!