How To Use LED Lighting

LED lighting has revolutionized the way we light up our spaces, providing energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile options for both homes and businesses. From humble beginnings in flashlights and holiday decorations, LEDs have evolved into a staple for modern lighting needs, suitable for almost any environment. Whether you want to upgrade your indoor lighting, add ambiance to your outdoor space, or explore smart lighting options, LED technology offers countless possibilities. 

In the above video, Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron explores LED lighting. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your home and make the most of this innovative technology.

LED Technology Basics

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights work differently from traditional bulbs, such as incandescent or fluorescent lights. They use electroluminescence—a process where an electric current passes through a semiconductor material, producing light. This efficient approach converts most energy into light, minimizing wasted heat and significantly reducing energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency and Longevity

The benefits of LED lighting go beyond energy savings. Here’s what makes them a great choice for your lighting needs:

• Energy efficiency: LEDs use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs. For example, a single LED Christmas light might use only three watts, compared to seven watts for a traditional bulb. This means lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Long lifespan: LED bulbs can last over 25,000 hours, far outlasting traditional bulbs. This longevity means fewer replacements, less hassle, and reduced waste over time.

LED Lighting Options for Your Home

LEDs offer a broad range of lighting options to suit various needs and preferences, from simple retrofits to smart systems. Below are some common options:

• Flush mount LED fixtures: These low-profile lights are perfect for rooms with lower ceilings or areas where you want a minimalist look. For example, you can install them as replacements for existing recessed lights or hard-wire them into a ceiling fixture.
• Recessed LED fixtures: Recessed LEDs combine the light bulb and trim kit into one unit. These fixtures are perfect for updating recessed lighting or installing new ones and offer a clean, modern look.
• Reflective-style LEDs: These LEDs are excellent for directional lighting. The bulbs have different bases and often plug into existing sockets. They’re great for task lighting or for highlighting specific areas in a room.
• Retrofit LED bulbs: One of the easiest ways to switch to LED is by replacing your old incandescent bulbs with retrofit LEDs. These bulbs screw into standard lamp sockets, making the switch simple. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different fixtures.

Advanced LED Lighting Applications

LED technology has made it easier than ever to get creative with lighting. Here are a few innovative ways to use LEDs in your home:

• Color-changing LED rope lighting: Add a touch of drama with color-changing rope lighting. You can install these flexible strips inside or along the tops of cabinets and wall units, allowing you to customize the atmosphere of any room.
• Smart LED lighting systems: You can control your modern lighting wirelessly using a smartphone or tablet. Smart LEDs let you easily change the brightness or color, and you can even program some systems to follow natural light patterns throughout the day.
• Under-cabinet lighting: Install slim LED fixtures under kitchen cabinets to brighten your countertops. This task lighting is great for food prep and creates a warm atmosphere.

Creative LED Lighting Ideas

Take advantage of LED versatility with these unique applications around the house:

• Artistic LED fixtures: Create artistic LED installations for a one-of-a-kind light. These fixtures can be custom-designed or prefabricated as both a light source and a piece of art. Options include modern chandeliers, geometric pendant lights, and wall-mounted LED designs that create focal points in any room.
• Dimmable LED options: With dimmable LED fixtures, controlling your environment’s mood and functionality is easy. These bulbs fit into standard sockets, and you can control them using compatible wall switches or smart home systems.
• LED light strips: These strips come with adhesive backing, so you can place them behind furniture, under cabinets, or even along staircases. The thin design makes them almost invisible.

Outdoor LED Lighting Solutions

LED technology isn’t limited to indoor use. Exterior-rated LEDs are just as effective outside, offering energy-efficient options for landscaping, patios, and walkways:

• Deck and patio lighting: Transform your deck or patio with LED lighting solutions that create ambiance and increase safety. Use options like embedded stair lights, rail-mounted LEDs, and overhead string lighting for a dynamic setup.
• Garden pathways: Illuminate your garden pathways with LED fixtures that blend into the landscape. Options like solar-powered spotlights, recessed ground lights, and stake lights can highlight trees, garden features, or architectural details. Make sure your pathways are both visible and inviting, improving your outdoor safety.
• Poolside ambiance: LED lighting around your pool can create an inviting atmosphere. Options include in-ground lights around the pool’s perimeter and floating LED fixtures that add both safety and style to evening swims.
• Security floodlight: LED floodlights provide powerful illumination for large outdoor areas. These fixtures use significantly less energy than traditional halogen floodlights while still offering comparable brightness. To give you an idea, an LED floodlight in your backyard may use the same amount of power as two 60-watt light bulbs.

Replacing Fluorescent Fixtures With LEDs

Many homeowners aim to replace old fluorescent tube lights with more efficient and modern LED options. Here’s how to approach the upgrade:

• Direct replacement options: Some LED tubes, like T8 and Type A LEDs, have the same length and pins as fluorescent tubes. However, the ballasts in old fixtures can prevent these LEDs from being dimmed effectively.
• LED strip light conversion: Replacing the ballast and other internal parts with an LED strip offers better energy efficiency and dimming control.
• Retrofit kits: Retrofit kits, such as the Lithonia Lighting UFITR Retrofit Kit, are an easy way to convert existing 4- or 8-foot fluorescent lamp housings to LED using just a drill/driver. Retrofit kits are compatible with LED-specific dimmers.