Using LED light bulbs have so many advantages, that even though their price at the time of purchase is often a small investment, most households are switching for this useful device. The most obvious advantage is its very low consumption of energy, making it the most energy-saving form of lighting on the market. Another main advantage compared to other forms of energy-saving light bulbs is the long lifespan these bulbs have. According to manufacturers’ promises, LEDs are expected to have at least 25000 hours of lifespan. That is approximately three times longer than a CFL bulb’s. LED lights have a wide range of colours, beam angles and brightness, and its advantageous features allows us to use them at various fields, but also there are a few things best to avoid with them. So what are the dos and don’ts with LEDs, besides the regular advantages?

LED light bulbs are available for low voltage systems and for the mains as well. Since low voltage LED lights have somewhat different requirements, here we will discuss only main voltage LEDs, since these light bulbs are the most frequently used ones in households. So what are the obvious advantages of LEDs for mains? Since they come with the regular fittings, like E27, E14, GU10 or B22, B15 it is extremely easy to replace your old bulbs with LEDs. First, always switch off the lights, then remove the old bulb turned counter-clockwise. Once you pushed the LED light bulb into its place, turn it clockwise as far as you can.

LED lights are not sensitive to switching, so once placed in, you can turn them on and off as often as you wish. As a matter of fact, they are dimmed with a technology based on this fact at a high frequency. The LED diodes are sensitive to heat, but they are not so sensitive to cold, so if you have a light bulb outside your home on the porch for instance, they will turn on easily. LED lights are available with various IP ratings (IP rating indicates the rate of protection against objects and water). LED lights with IP rating over 54, they are suitable for use in humid places too. They also gain their full brightness instantly, so you do not have to wait several minutes to start working in the space they illuminate. LED spotlights are ideal solutions for reading for instance, on the one hand because their light is directional, so they are available with narrower beam angles as well, and mostly because, unlike other types of energy-saving lights, the do not flicker at all. This also makes it the healthiest lighting solution of the market.

There are a small number of things you need to pay attention when using LED light bulbs for the mains. LEDs are very bright and direct sources of light, so avoid looking at them directly when they are turned on. If your LED diodes are uncovered, touch them as little as possible, since the natural grease from the human skin will draw the dust on it, and lower its brightness. The best solution is to buy LED light bulbs with glass cover to protect the diodes from dust. Pay attention whether the bulb you bought is dimmable or not. Non-dimmable LEDs can be ruined with dimming switches, but also dimmable LED bulbs have special requirements for dimmer switches. The majority of dimmable LEDs operate with TRIAC dimmers (which is the traditional, non-electronic dimmer usually turned with a knob or moved with a slide), but not all of them, so it is best to check the bulb with the supplier before you start using it.

It is easy to see that the advantages of LED light bulbs simply outweigh the few things you have to pay attention to when using them. The simple switch for these bulbs will reward you with long-term savings and the minimal effort for their maintenance, so why not switch for them right now?