This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.

One of the saddest realities of being an adult is paying the bills. Having efficient lighting solutions at home and work can help you cut energy costs while ensuring a bright indoor ambiance. While there are plenty of lighting options, the humble LED remains at the top of the game. These bulbs are energy-efficient, affordable, and tend to last longer than typical bulbs.

When you think of LED bulbs, nothing exciting comes to mind. However, they’re essential for a happy life at home and work since lighting plays an important part in determining our mood. With the most popular LED bulbs, you can ensure your home is always bright, happy, and welcoming. Let’s get to finding out everything we can about these modest yet vital inventions.

Buying Guide: LED Bulbs

We’ll give you tips on what to look for when choosing an LED light so you can ensure you get the perfect one for your needs and save up on electricity bills.

Benefits of Using an LED Bulb

Gives better lighting

Using an LED bulb has many benefits. LED bulbs give off a much brighter light than traditional light bulbs, making it easier to see in low-light conditions. The light is brighter and spreads out more, illuminating any space without being overbearing.

Operates in cold conditions

One surprising benefit of LED lights is that they actually operate better in cold conditions than traditional light bulbs. This is because LED bulbs don’t produce as much heat, so they don’t get affected by the cold weather. This means you’ll be able to use your LED bulbs without worrying about them burning out in the cold.

No heat or UV radiation

Another great thing about LED bulbs is that they don’t produce any heat or UV radiation. This means that you won’t have to worry about the light making your room too hot or causing any damage to your skin or eyes. It also keeps the wallpaper from drying out and doesn’t cause any damage to fixtures, lamps, or decorations in the room.

Works on low-voltage

Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED bulbs can work on low voltage. This means that you’ll be able to save even more on your energy bill by using LED lighting in your home. Since it works on low voltage, it can work in both single-phase, double-phase, and triple-phase settings. You can easily set them up with a solar or backup power source.

There are many benefits of using an LED light. Not only does it give off a brighter light, but it also uses less energy and is good for the environment. If you’re looking for a new light bulb, consider switching to an LED bulb to take advantage of all these benefits.

How To Buy a Led Bulb

Now that you know all about LED light bulbs, you’re probably wondering how to buy one. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right LED bulb for your needs:

Color

An essential thing to consider when buying an LED bulb is the color. LED lights come in various colors, so you’ll need to make sure that you pick the right color for your needs. The most popular colors for LED lights are white, blue, and green. However, there are also a few other colors available, such as red and yellow.

When choosing the color of your LED bulb, it’s essential to think about what you’ll be using the light for. If you’re looking for a light that will help you see in the dark, then you’ll want to choose a light that is either white or blue. If you’re looking for a light that will add some extra flair to your home, then you might want to choose a red or green LED light.

Shape

Another thing to consider when buying an LED bulb is its shape. LED bulbs come in various shapes, so you’ll need to make sure that you pick the right shape for your needs. If you’re unsure of what shape to get, you can ask a lighting expert at your local home improvement store.

Design

The design of an LED light can also vary depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers make their lights with a modern look, while others stick to a more traditional design. If you have a specific look in mind for your home, you may want to pick an LED light that matches that style. However, remember that LED lights are designed to be used indoors, so you’ll want to pick a light that won’t look out of place if it’s visible through a window.

Plug type

If your LED light plug isn’t compatible with your socket, what’s the point? When it comes to LED lights, compatibility is key. Make sure you know what kind of plug your LED uses. The most popular types are G13, T8, and T5.

  • G13 plugs have two pins side-by-side with a small space between them.
  • T8 plugs have a single pin in the center with two small metal flaps on either side.
  • T5 plugs have a single pin in the center with two small metal flaps on either side, just like T8 plugs. However, T5 plugs are slightly smaller than T8 plugs.

Life span

LED lights usually have a long life span. This is one of the reasons they are becoming increasingly popular as a lighting source. While most traditional light sources need to be replaced every few months or years, LEDs can last tens of thousands of hours. Thus, you won’t need to replace your LED lights often, saving you time and money in the long run.

LED Bulb Placement Tips

Once you have your new LED bulb lights, it’s time to start thinking about where to put them. Check out these tips:

  1. Make sure to make the most of the reach of the lights by placing them on the corners of the room.
  2. If you have to illuminate a larger area, consider placing the lights toward the center of the room.
  3. Having an LED light near your work desk or any station like the kitchen table is important so you can concentrate on what you’re doing.
  4. Always check the placement of the lights with regard to the TV, as you want to minimize glare.
  5. Use LED lights with an angling tool to use as a spotlight for places like the bathroom or closet.

Comparing the Top LED Bulbs in Detail

Sylvania LED Bulb

– Best Overall

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These Sylvania LED Bulbs understand the importance of different lighting to help make spaces more enjoyable for you. Whether you need extra brightness during the daytime or full-on lighting in the basement or dark corners, these LED lights are exactly what you need. Their energy-efficient function helps save up to 85% on your yearly electricity costs as compared to other types of bulbs. Not only do they operate at a safe temperature, but they don’t emit radiation either. You can easily pick the wattage for the bulb and how many you’re looking to buy. Its lasting durability ensures you won’t be replacing them any time soon. It is the best overall LED bulb on our list due to its variety of designs and durable quality.

Pros

  • Comes in different wattages
  • Has a life span of seven years
  • Saves energy costs
  • Reduces eye fatigue

Cons

  • They are non-dimmable

Amazon Basics LED Bulb

– Top Automatic Sensor

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Looking for a bulb that saves on energy costs? Meet the Amazon Basics LED Bulb that has a built-in sensor that turns it on and off based on how well-lit the surrounding environment is. This means you won’t ever forget to turn off the lights when you want to go to bed. It also helps you out when you’re away from the house and aren’t there to turn them on manually. They come in 60-watt and 100-watt options, so you can pick one that works best in the setting of your choice. You can also easily pick the number of bulbs you want to buy, so you don’t need to spend more money unnecessarily. Its long-lasting life span of nearly ten years is more than enough for most households. Overall, they’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor lighting needs.

Pros

  • Comes with a lighting sensor
  • Has a long life span
  • Does not require a timer
  • Bright rays illuminate larger areas

Cons

  • Can’t be used with dimmable switches

LE LED Bulb

– Top Lifespan

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A long-lasting companion is often a gift in a world where things tend to get obsolete quickly. The LE LED Bulb is the perfect solution to brighten up your house or office. Not only do these bulbs have better brightness and a good light angle, but they also illuminate more extensive areas. The best part is that these lights turn on instantly without any lag or delay. Since they don’t flicker, you don’t need to fret over changes in the brightness. These light bulbs are easy to install and can be used for lighting inside and outside the house. With so much convenience on offer, who wouldn’t want to get one?

Pros

  • 11,000 hour lifetime
  • Has a 180-degree beam angle
  • Does not flicker
  • Instantly lights up without delay

Cons

  • Does not have automatic sensors

Energetic LED Bulb

– Most Dimmable

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If you’re into adjustable lighting that can be brightened and dimmed according to your mood, you’ll love the Energetic LED Bulbs. These lights are perfect for indoor lighting solutions, especially for the lounge and bedroom. They work with dimmable switches and have a dimming range of 10-100%. Not only is the lighting customizable, but you can also pick from four natural light colors. The large bulb shape helps brighten up dark areas and spread light rays farther than other bulbs. What sets it apart from the rest is that these lights have special technology to reduce the strain on your eyes.

Pros

  • Comes in four colors
  • Round shape spreads light better
  • Works with dimmable switches
  • Does not strain the eyes

Cons

  • They are much bigger than they look

Great Eagle Lighting LED Bulb

– Top Colorful

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Great Eagle Lighting LED Bulbs have been at the forefront of energy saving for years. These light bulbs have an intense brightness that spreads at a wide angle. Not only do they light up any room, but they also help cut back on electricity costs. For many people, just one bulb is enough for their personal rooms. Whether you’re looking to study, work, or just lounge around, this light is the perfect companion for all your activities. The best part is that these bulbs make the perfect replacement lights as well. Overall, they’re great for anyone looking to brighten their place up.

Pros

  • Has four lighting colors
  • Saves up on electricity costs
  • 750-lumen intense brightness
  • Comes in packs of many

Cons

  • Is not dimmable

People Also Asked

Q: Why is my LED bulb heating up?

A: If your LED light bulb is heating up, it may be due to a malfunctioning driver. The driver is the component of the LED light that converts AC current into DC current. If the driver is not functioning properly, it can cause the LED light bulb to overheat.

Q: Can I use an LED bulb in any socket?

A: No, you cannot use an LED light bulb in any socket. LED light bulbs are designed to be used in specific types of sockets, such as G13, T8, or T5. If you try to use an LED light bulb in a socket that is not compatible, it may not work properly or could even be a fire hazard.

Q: Are LED lights safe to use?

A: Yes, LED lights are safe to use. They do not produce harmful ultraviolet rays and are not made of toxic materials. Additionally, LED lights are designed to be shatter-resistant, making them safer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.

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Old House Journal

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