In a world that's quickly embracing the energy efficiency of LED lighting, sometimes the only reason not to move to LED bulbs seems to be due to initial costs. LEDs do cost more up front, but their energy savings quickly make up for this cost and then start putting money in your pocket with every energy bill. But are there other reasons why you might not want to move to LED lamps? The surprising answer may be "yes," depending on your specific needs. For instance, one reason we're generally moving away from incandescent bulbs is because so much of their energy is wasted producing heat, when the purpose of a light bulb is to produce light. But in some cases, that heat can help. Consider outdoor lamps or traffic lights; the heat from incandescent lamps can melt snow, keeping it from accumulating and covering the lights. LED lights aren't likely to melt much snow. This kind of benefit, while rare -- and expensive in terms of energy -- explains why we can't completely dismiss incandescent bulbs and halogens, which are a type of incandescent bulb. MR16 Halogen Bulbs vs MR16 LEDs So now let's look at the specific instance of MR16 halogen vs MR16 LED options. When might you want to still use an MR16 halogen? As usual the LED will save you a lot of money in terms of energy and lamp replacements over time. But there's another financial benefit to LEDs over halogen MR16. Halogen lamps run so hot that they tend to reduce the life of the sockets behind them, leading to even more repairs and replacements behind the scenes. In addition, MR16 lights are usually used as highlighters to feature artwork or shelves in the home, or food or jewelry or other products in retail settings. Some of these things are affected by heat -- especially perishable foods, but also (for instance) painted artwork. So they are negatively impacted by halogen lights and benefit from an upgrade to LED. Still, MR16 halogen lights provide a different spectrum of wavelengths, which means they render colors differently than LEDs. This is not objectively better, but different. On the historical CRI scale of measuring light quality, an MR16 halogen scores nearly a perfect 100 while most MR16 LEDs score only in the 80s. (Some LEDs offer a higher CRI, usually at an added cost.) Yet as we've shown before, this isn't a complete measurement and is being reconsidered with the rise of LED lights. We feel the "better" light is subjective, and depends in part on the manufacturing of any specific LED lamp. Which is why the best MR16 for giving something its best look comes down in part to trial and error and what subjectively appeals to you the most. Again, this assumes that energy usage, lamp longevity, and heat are not important factors in your decision. If so, the LED upgrade should be an important option to consider.
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Recessed lighting cans (or canisters) are everywhere, and normally house a reflector bulb like a BR30 or BR40 bulb. (Some people use any light bulb at hand in a can; and some want more focused light, so they'll opt for PAR light bulbs. But "reflectors" like BR30 and BR40 lamps are perfect for general recessed lighting.) With today's drive toward efficiency, many people now opt for the financial savings of BR30 and BR40 LEDs rather than incandescents, halogens, and CFLs. This is especially true as even name brand LEDs have truly approached the price point of older bulbs -- such as the 2-pack of BR30 LEDs we sell (at the time of this writing) for just $7.98 ... or $3.99 per bulb. You probably know how these look, and might have one nearby to look at as an example. As you can see in this image, there is some space around the bulb (especially if using a BR30 in a 6" can) and, when choosing a BR40, the lamp may even extend slightly from the can. In any case, if you really think about it, there is nothing clean about the appearance. Yet we are used to the look, to the point that these cans and bulbs may become more or less invisible to us. But did you know that, with LED technology, there's a sharp looking alternative to recessed lighting? LED downlights combine the trim and lamp in a single, flush looking fixture that eliminates visible space in a lighting can and does away with bulbs sitting crooked or extending too far from the can. And this modern look is easy to achieve, since they're designed to replace older bulbs almost as easily as any other bulb. They have a base attached to wires that gets screwed into a light socket like any lamp; then the fixture is slid up into the can with spring clamps to hold it in place. It really is that simple, and we encourage you to check out our available LED downlights. They come in a variety of color temperatures for different settings, and different wattages to accommodate different ceiling heights or brightness preferences. Need to fit this kind of lighting in places that have no room for a recessed can? (Insulated ceilings or soffits, for instance?) No problem. Lotus LED Lights has produced super thin LEDs that look similar to those pictured here, but they can fit into a space with as little as 1/2" of depth. Check them out! Awesome Value on Temporary High Bay Lighting Our 400W Metal Halide shown below is just $99. Lamp included. Click here! If you've run across the term "temporary high bay lighting" and you're wondering what it is, this is lighting used in construction settings where high light output is needed -- you guessed it -- on a temporary basis until permanent lights can be installed. The permanent replacements may or may not be high bay lights. During a construction phase, a large building may need to be lit for work to move forward, but eventually (for example) several floors are put in, perhaps turned into office spaces or apartments or something that doesn't at all need high-powered lights. The temporary lights are typically 400 watt metal halide lamps with extra layers of protection that are important for a construction setting. For instance, a standard metal halide lamp has the outer glass envelope (what we might consider the "bulb") with a small inner glass envelope where the halides are found. This is the area that produces the light. Normally if the bulb breaks, the inner envelope also breaks, exposing people or objects to extremely high temperatures. Temporary high bay lights come with an additional and protective glass envelope surrounding the inner lighting area. In addition, temporary high bay lights come in a metal cage to protect the lamps from larger flying debris, as you can see in the image here. If you're in construction and need these lights for your next project, we carry them here. If you're looking for LED bulbs at a great price, we're happy to point you to some blowout deals we have available while supplies last. These prices are subject to change. Here they are: A19 LEDS - $2.99 Each. These are 60 watt incandescent replacements. This is a 4-pack of Satco LEDs for $11.96. Satco is a US brand that's been around for decades. BR30 LEDs - $3.99 Each. At the time of this writing, you can see a picture of this 2-pack ($7.98) in the right hand column. These are quality Sylvania lamps. PAR16 LEDs - $2.99. These are Sylvania lamps with a GU10 base. PAR20 LEDs from $3.99. We have a few Sylvania lamps ranging from $3.99 to $6.95 each. These are 50 watt halogen replacements. PAR30 Long Neck LEDs - $2.99. This is a fantastic price for a PAR30 LED. It's another Sylvania lamp, a narrow flood light designed to replace a 50-watt halogen bulb (around a 65 watt incandescent). PAR38 LEDs - $4.95. Another Sylvania lamp, designed to replace a 75 watt halogen bulb. Decorative Candelabra LEDs - $1.75. This Sylvania lamp is a 25 watt incandescent replacement with a medium (E26) base and a bullet shape with bent tip design. This is the same size base as your traditional A19 light bulb, so make sure to check your socket before purchasing. |