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LED globes are a game-changing alternative to traditional lighting options that revolutionise our perception of lighting. With their sleek designs, impressive energy efficiency, and eco-friendly credentials, it’s no wonder that they’re often the go-to choice for both homeowners and businesses. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice and enjoy both dazzling brightness and long-term savings.
Brightness
One of the most important factors to consider is brightness. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED globe bulbs offer the same level of illumination with far less power consumption. However, with so many options on the market, it’s crucial to understand the brightness levels in terms of lumens, as watts alone don’t tell the full story. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right ones based on brightness:
- 420lm – Equivalent to a 40W incandescent bulb, perfect for smaller spaces like a table or a floor lamp;
- 800lm – Equivalent to a 60W model, ideal for lighting up a small room with a soft yet noticeable glow;
- 930lm – Equivalent to a 75W bulb, offering a balanced light suitable for a medium-sized room;
- 1300lm – Equivalent to a 100W incandescent bulb, providing bright, vibrant light for larger areas or workspaces where clarity is key;
- 2000lm – For those who need extremely bright lighting, this 20W LED can provide the kind of illumination that makes a statement in any space.
Features
Understanding the key features of these lights can help you make the best decision for your home or office. Here’s a quick breakdown of the important specs to consider:
Dimmable functionality
The reason why dimmable LED light globes are so amazing is that they let you adjust their brightness. This gives you the flexibility to create the perfect lighting for any situation. Whether you’re hosting a cosy dinner, focusing on a task, or unwinding in the evening, dimming your lights can help set the ideal atmosphere, This also helps you save energy by allowing you to use less power when you don’t need full brightness;
Colour temperature
The colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and can significantly affect the mood of your space. Warm white (3000K) globe bulbs make your space feel cosy and they’re perfect for living rooms or bedrooms. Cool white (4000K) is a neutral white light, great for spaces like kitchens or offices where you need brighter illumination. Daylight (5000K or more) mimics natural light, so it’s ideal for work tasks that require focus or in spaces where bright visibility is essential;
Colour rendering index
CRI measures how accurately a light source reveals the colours of objects compared to natural sunlight. Higher CRI means colours appear more true-to-life. Most LED globes fall into the 80-90 CRI range. This is perfectly fine for most everyday uses, offering decent colour accuracy. 90+ CRI is excellent for spaces where colour accuracy is key, like art studios or makeup rooms. Higher CRI values ensure that colours appear vibrant and natural under the light;
Light fittings and heat management
The light fitting also plays a role in the performance and lifespan of your bulb. Small, enclosed fixtures can trap heat, which may shorten the lifespan of some types. If you’re using a compact fitting, be mindful of the heat it generates. In such cases, a halogen bulb may be a better option, or consider upgrading to a fitting that provides better ventilation.
Lifespan
When you’re in the market for LED light globes, another important factor to consider is their lifespan. These bulbs are known for their impressive longevity, especially when compared to older lighting technologies like incandescent and halogen bulbs. They typically last anywhere from 15,000 to 35,000 hours, which is about 8 to 19 years if you use them for about 5 hours a day. This extended lifespan makes them a great investment, especially when you compare them to other types of bulbs.
The key to maximising the lifespan of your LED globes is to ensure they’re used in well-ventilated fixtures. Small, enclosed fittings can trap heat, which may cause the bulbs to degrade faster. If placed in suitable environments, LEDs can easily outlast other bulb types, saving you money on replacements and energy costs over the years.
What to Do with Old Bulbs
So, what do you do with old LED globes? When it comes to disposing of your bulbs, it’s important not to simply toss them in your household recycling bin. This is because they’re not like other items that you can easily recycle with no issues. These items are often made of glass, which can break and create a mess.
Additionally, LED bulbs, while not containing mercury, do have electronic components and should be treated as e-waste. Thankfully, there are many options for proper disposal. Most councils have dedicated recycling centres where you can drop off your old bulbs. Also, some stores, like IKEA, have in-store recycling points where you can dispose of your old bulbs and even other items like used batteries.
Various commercial recycling schemes are also set up to help ensure that these products are disposed of safely and responsibly. So, next time you need to dispose of your LED bulbs, choose a recycling option that keeps both your home and the planet safer. Proper disposal helps the environment and keeps harmful substances from our waste streams.
