Guide to LED lighting

LED lighting prompts more queries than any other SaveMoneyCutCarbon solution so here is a simple, hassle-free guide to choosing LED lighting.

Using the info in the guide, you can work out what you need and you can then check the savings you should make with the SaveMoneyCutCarbon LED calculator, when you select a lighting product to review in our LED section.

Remember, you can call us to discuss your lighting needs on 0333 123 5464 and one of our expert team will be happy to help.

For starters, see a “typical home” savings chart, produced by lighting magazine Lux.

What is LED lighting?

Simply, LED is a “light emitting diode.” A diode is an electrical component with two terminals which conduct the electricity only in one direction. This means that LEDs produce a spectrum of colors easily and brightly – and use far less electricity than any other lighting.

According to Which?, while incandescent light bulbs passed electricity through a filament, LEDs produce light through the use of a semi-conductor that emits light energy when an electrical current is passed through it. This way of producing light is also different from regular energy-saver bulbs, which pass energy through mercury vapour to create UV light, which is then absorbed by a phosphor coating inside the lamp causing it to glow.

Why choose LED lighting?

• We’ve found that LEDs use up to 85% less energy compared with traditional lights
• They have very long lifespans, lasting many thousands of hours and have near-zero maintenance
• Latest LEDs offer better quality of light and full, immediate illumination – unlike other energy saving lights
• LED lights don’t contain mercury (unlike CFLs)
• LED lights work equally well in low temperatures, unlike other energy-saving options.

LEDs have proven to be the most efficient bulbs available. Numerous trusted studies shows that best-quality LEDs use a fraction of the electricity consumed by traditional incandescent bulbs (including halogen) and last at least 25 times longer.

LEDs even beat compact fluorescent lighting bulbs in efficiency – they have twice the lifespan of CFLs, give immediate and quality light, and they do not require or emit great amounts of heat. In fact, incandescents and CFLs are better as heaters than lights as they release most of their energy as heat – 90% and 80%, respectively.

What type of LED lighting you need

Among most popular are the GU10, MR16 and MR 11 LED spotlights but there is a wide range of LED lights to suit your specific needs, for example, LED Spotlights, LED Bulbs, LED Downlights, LED Tubes & Fittings, LED Panels, LED Capsules and LED Floodlights. See our fittings info below.

How much you should save with LED lighting

Lux magazine recently published a detailed study of savings with LEDs in a “typical home”, showing that a household could save around £260 a year on current electricity costs with an LED lighting refit. And Which? magazine advises that quality LEDs should last 25-30 years.

Green benefits of LED lighting

Less electricity use also means dramatically reduced C0² Emissions. By installing LED lights, you are effectively cutting your carbon footprint by up to 85% when you switch on the lights. LEDs avoid use of harmful elements, such as mercury, and their long life span means less waste. All good for the purse and the planet.

Be aware – LED lighting varies in quality

You need to take care when choosing your LED products. Not all LEDs are the same quality and our customers have told us of their previous problems with cheap LEDs, including poorer light quality and unacceptable failure rate.

But, much worse, cheap LEDs can actually be dangerous. Watch our quick video showing how “cheap-as-chips” LEDs can be literally shocking. Quality will always win and it is definitely worth investing in trusted brands from trusted, expert suppliers.

Before you buy LED lighting

• Check the quality mark
• Choose trusted, approved brand
• Talk to expert suppliers
• Make sure of the guarantees

After you buy

Seeing is believing so you should be happy with the quality of light. It pays to work with a trusted supplier so you can get best advice, give them appreciated feedback and resolve any issues with no fuss.

Fittings guide

LEDs come in all shapes and sizes. We have simple fittings selector on our LED section and here are the most widely used fittings for domestic use.

GU10 Twist Action

MR16 (GU53) Push-in

MR11Push-in

B15 Bayonet Cap 15mm diameter

B22 Bayonet Cap 22mm diameter

E14 (SES) Small Edison Screw 14mm diameter

E27 (ES) Edison Screw 27mm diameter

 

You can also find LED tubes

If you have panels, there are great energy-saving LED solutions

And there are even cost-cutting LED options for your capsules

You can find out more about the best LED lighting solutions to match your needs here and if you have any queries, do call us on 0333 123 5464 so we can help and guide you.