Choosing LEDs, quickly
- Shop by lumens for brightness. An 800-lumen LED replaces an old 60-watt bulb.
- Kelvin sets the color: 2700K is warm and cozy, 5000K is bright daylight.
- ENERGY STAR certified LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last about 15 times longer.
- Flicker on a dimmer usually means the dimmer and bulb aren't a good match.
Brightness: shop by lumens, not watts
Watts measure power used, not light. An LED that gives the same light as a 60-watt bulb uses far fewer watts. That's why the box lists lumens.
For a room with several fixtures, you can use lower-lumen bulbs in each one. For a single ceiling light, go brighter.
Color: what the Kelvin number means
- 2700K, warm white: close to old incandescent light. Great for bedrooms and living rooms.
- 3000K, soft white: a bit crisper. Nice in kitchens and dining rooms.
- 4000K, cool white: clean and bright. Good for garages, laundry rooms and closets.
- 5000K, daylight: very bright and blue-white. Best for workshops and task lighting.
Keep one color per room. Mixing 2700K and 5000K in the same space looks patchy.
Quality, CRI and fixture fit
- CRI (color rendering index): a higher number shows colors more true to life. Look for 90 or higher in kitchens and baths.
- Enclosed fixtures: use LEDs rated for enclosed fixtures. Heat shortens LED life.
- Outdoor and damp spots: choose bulbs rated for damp or wet locations.
- ENERGY STAR certified: tested for brightness, color and life.
Dimmers: how to stop flicker and buzz
Most flicker and buzz problems come from old dimmers built for incandescent bulbs.
- Make sure the bulb says dimmable.
- Use an LED-rated dimmer. Many Lutron dimmers list compatible bulbs.
- Use the same bulb brand and model on one dimmer.
- Set the dimmer's low-end trim if it has one.
Still flickering after a new bulb and dimmer? The cause may be a loose connection. That's a job for Electrical Troubleshooting.
When it's time to upgrade fixtures, not just bulbs
Sometimes a new bulb can't fix a dark room. Slim LED fixtures can add even, glare-free light. Popular upgrades include Recessed Lighting Installation with Halo canless lights, new Light Fixture Installation over islands and tables, and Outdoor and Landscape Lighting for paths and patios.
LEDs also run cooler than old bulbs, which is easier on fixtures and ceilings.