Last updated: March 31, 2023
When you are considering upgrading the lighting within your home, one of the most worthwhile solutions is LED downlights.
Not only can they improve light quality and promote energy efficiency, but you can also simply add a modern touch to your home using LED downlights that will completely change the look and feel of a host of spaces. Big, clunky incandescent and fluorescent light fixtures will soon be a thing of the past with easy installation and maximum impact.
The Benefits of LED Lighting
As one of the newest solutions for home lighting, LED downlights don’t just look stunning in their simplicity, they also have a host of significant benefits. At a glance, these are:
- Low running costs
- Energy efficiency
- Long life span
- No heat or UV emissions
- Improved light quality over incandescent or fluorescent lighting options
- Plenty of design options and finishes
- Simple maintenance
- Cheaper energy bills
- Safer disposal
- A more sensitive manufacturing process
As the host of advantages is so varied when compared to their more traditional counterparts, you won’t just be upgrading your home and saving money, you’ll also be contributing to an overall healthier environment.
How LED Downlights Improve Home Lighting
Dull, lifeless spaces can become fresh and inviting with a simple upgrade using LED downlights. They can be set flush within the ceiling or mounted on the surface depending on your needs and preferences. These lighting options are simply perfect if you want to highlight a specific area of your home, for example a kitchen island or inset alcove, with more direct lighting that can be used to create a unique focal point.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
When considering the benefits of LED downlights for your home, energy efficiency can be a huge consideration. When compared to standard, incandescent bulbs, studies suggest that LED alternatives can save up to 85% on energy usage. If you currently have compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) however, you can save around 40-50%. With the average energy usage of UK households in mind, and based on using 20 bulbs at 60 watts for 5 hours every day, you could expect to save around £400 per year.
Durability and Longevity
LED lighting solutions are extremely durable and hard-wearing and the right LED bulb can have a lifespan of up to 14 years. As they are made of hard, durable plastic and not glass, they will be easier to handle, less prone to damage or blowing and they can be disposed of safely with minimal risk to the environment.
Types of LED Downlights
Recessed LED downlights – these are lighting fixtures that are installed directly into ceilings or even walls.
Surface-mounted LED downlights – these are typically fixed onto the ceiling, as opposed to set inside it, and will provide the same level of directed light without the additional installation work.
Ceiling-mounted LED downlights – these look and function in much the same way as their recessed counterparts, but often feature a more convex design and will require smaller holes to be cut during installation.
Pendant LED downlights – these are the most diverse type of downlight, as they can be suspended from the ceiling, typically by a chain, cord, or metal rod, and come in a wide array of styles.
Installation and Maintenance
LED downlights are a fantastic option for those looking for a low-maintenance solution for lighting needs around their home, office, outdoor spaces, or anywhere else where focused light could have an impact (i.e. in wardrobe or walk-in closet spaces). They require little to no additional care once they have been fitted, outside of dusting or a quick wipe-over with a damp cloth.
When installing, it can be worthwhile to get the help of an electrician, but the process is simple enough to be undertaken individually, as long as you switch off your electricity at the mains before starting. All you’ll need to do is position your chosen downlights, fit them into the ceiling, connect the wiring and insert the downlight unit. The right size and design will be dependent on your chosen aesthetics and the size of the space you want to upgrade, so be sure to define your needs before buying.
Conclusion
As you can see, LED downlights are the perfect lighting solution for an array of areas around the home and beyond, and will bring a more direct, focused light source to areas that you want to create the right ambience for. As they are cost-effective, durable and long-lasting, there is no reason not to get your fixtures upgraded today.
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