Lumens & Their Impact on Replacing Old Technology

​Traditionally, we replace our light bulbs based upon wattage. As incandescent bulbs are being phased out, replacing them with CFL or LED bulbs has become trickier. We can no longer base our decisions on wattage, or the amount of energy needed to power a light bulb. Manufacturers are now labeling their products based on lumen output, or the amount of visible light a bulb emits. This is a more accurate way to compare brightness levels between lighting technologies.
 
Most people are familiar with the light output that a 60W or 100W incandescent bulb offers. We’ve become accustomed to thinking “the higher the wattage, the brighter the bulb”. However, an LED that uses 60 watts is in no way comparable to an incandescent bulb that uses 60 watts. We can no longer rely on comparing wattages and must change our way of thinking to “the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb”.
 
Rule of thumb when comparing lumens:
Lumens allow you to buy the amount of light you want. You may have a wide variety of light levels in your home, based on the room or application. Below is a quick chart to help you find the perfect replacement bulb based on your brightness preference.
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​If you’re having difficulty finding the best option, our website offers a helpful tool when searching for bulb replacements based on lumens. Simply use the "Filter" option on the left-hand tool bar to narrow down your choices by selecting your preferred lumen output level.
 
Still a bit unsure? Contact our knowledgeable Customer Service team with any questions at 877.231.2852 or email here.

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