How to choose the right dimmable LED Light Bulb?

Based on the type of base, and the design, there are various different kinds of LED Light Bulbs available. Therefore it is easy for anyone to get confused while picking the right bulb for their needs. Coming in all shapes and sizes there are a lot of energy-saving light bulbs to choose from. This is why it is important to pay attention to the base, type, features and the wattage of these dimmable light bulbs before buying. Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate the vast ocean of dimmable LED light Bulbs.

Normal standard LED bulbs, A type led bulbs find their applications in normal household usage and come in two different base types; A-19 and A-21.

Both the bulbs have E26 base which directly fits in a holder.

The primary difference between the A19 and A21 bulbs is of wattages and CCT.



Application areas: Household use, study room, living rooms, kitchens etc

BR or Bulged reflector bulbs are different in shape than A type bulbs. BR bulbs have an E 26 base for easy installation.These bulbs come in three different wattage.

BR 20: This is a 7.5 watt bulb which replaces 50 watt conventional bulb.

BR 30: This is a 9 watt bulb replacing 40 watt conventional bulb

BR 40: This LED bulb is of 15.5 watt and replaces an 85 watt conventional bulb.

Application areas: These bulbs are mainly used in showrooms, retail stores, track lights and the likes of such.

PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) bulbs are a type of designer LED bulbs which are dear to interior designers and home decor enthusiasts. This type of bulb has a GU10 base which has a double pin. These types of bulbs come in three different wattages.

PAR 20: This bulbs comes in 8 watt and replaces 50 watt conventional bulb.

PAR 30: This is a 12 watt bulbs which replaces 75 watt conventional bulb.

PAR 38: This bulb has a capacity of 16.5 watt and replaces 100 watt conventional type.

Application areas: The primary application of this bulb is in showrooms, malls, retail stores etc.

The GU10 base which is a common base type for LED Light bulbs has two pins that connect with the power supply. These multifaceted bulbs which were originally designed as halogen lamps were used in slide projectors.

GU LED Bulbs

The popular shape of these bulbs has helped it become common in landscape lighting, recessed lighting and track lighting. The LED version of these bulbs are highly eco-friendly and energy-efficient.

Types of GU10 Bulbs

GU LED bulbs come in various different styles and features

These bulbs come in two different color temperatures of 3000 and 5000 Kelvin.

These bulbs come in different wattages so you can choose which one you want.

Features of GU LED Bulbs

Rebate eligible: These LED bulbs are eligible for rebates which will save you money

Dimmable: The luminosity of these bulbs can be adjusted using a compatible dimmer

MR or multifaceted reflector bulb is a 6.5 watt LED bulb which replaces 30 watt conventional bulb. The base of this bulb is two pin, known as GU 5.3.



Application areas: This bulb is primarily used for decorative purposes and is often found in entrances, lobbies, reception area, hotel areas etc.

PL or Plugin Lamps are long bulbs which are ideal for location which needs extra lighting. Bright and powerful, these bulbs come in two different types. One being with a GX24Q, 4 pin base replacing 32 watt conventional bulb. The other type of Plugin bulb is a GX23 base one with 2 pins and is 9 watts.

Application areas: The main uses of these bulbs are in homes, convenience stores, shops , hotels , motels.

What are the advantages of using LED bulbs?

Efficiency: LEDs offer energy efficiency like no other technology has ever. LEDs convert 95% of the electricity into light and only 5% of it is converted into heat. This results in massive savings of up to 75% on utility bills. This efficiency also means that a lower watt LED bulb can replace a much higher watt fluorescent bulb.



For instance, an 9W LED bulb produces an equal amount of light as does a 60W fluorescent one. This means that your energy bills will be slashed by 75% with the use of LEDs. This also translates into less energy demanded from the utility grid, resulting in less emission of greenhouse gases, making LEDs eco-friendly as well.

High CRI: The color rendering index is the measure of how accurate the colors are, as compared to daylight. A low CRI light would render colors which are not accurate and far from what they would look like in daylight.



CRI ranges from 0 to 100 where 0 means every color is the same and 100 means absolutely exact color. Fluorescent tubes which have a high CRI are energy guzzlers which makes them not such a common choice.



Whereas in LEDs, CRI commonly hovers between 80-90 with that same power efficiency as discussed in the previous point.



Long-lasting: LED bulbs, because they have no moving parts, no excessive heat and no fragile components, enjoy a long life. LEDs go through an exhaustive testing period and after that testing period come out with a lifespan of 15,000 hours.



This essentially means that your LED bulbs are not sprint runners but marathon runners with the speed of a sprint runner.



CCT: CCT or ‘correlated color temperature’ as the name suggests is the temperature of the light emitted by the light source. The CCT is measured in Kelvin. LED offer a wide range of color temperatures.

A color temperature less than 2000 Kelvin is a dim glow of light similar to candlelight and this CCT is used where ambient light is preferred.

2000-3000 Kelvin is the range in which a soft white light appears often yellowish in color. This CCT is often used for lighting the living room, dining room, bedrooms, etc.

3100-4500 Kelvin gives a bright white light which finds its uses in kitchens, offices, workspaces where task lighting is needed.

4600-6500 Kelvin is similar to daylight and is best for display area and places where very bright illumination is required.

Lighting with a CCT of more than 6500 Kelvin is a bright bluish hue of light and is best for places where very bright illumination is needed.

Now that we have a fair understanding of What LEDs are and what are their advantages over conventional lights, we will now take you through the various kinds of bulbs available.

Things to consider while purchasing LED light bulbs

With more options come more choices, more choices can create more confusion. To handle that, here are so pro tips for you to make the right LED bulb decision.

Wattage equivalency : Find out how of how many watts your existing fixture is, based on that decide which bulb will give the same amount of luminosity. Since LED bulbs are very efficient, a lower watt bulb will give you the same amount of light as would a higher watt CFL of incandescent bulb.

: Find out how of how many watts your existing fixture is, based on that decide which bulb will give the same amount of luminosity. Since LED bulbs are very efficient, a lower watt bulb will give you the same amount of light as would a higher watt CFL of incandescent bulb. Color temperature: Bulbs that give out soft white light are suitable for cozy spaces such as the living rooms and bedrooms since they provide a warm cozy ambiance. Bright white LED bulbs are best suited for Kitchens, bathrooms and garages since they give out a refreshing and cool light. Daylight white LED bulbs are best installed in study rooms, work rooms where energizing white light suits the purpose.

Californians can rejoice as we have special discounts on our LED bulbs and we support the government of California in their quest for energy efficiency.

We have tried to cover as much as possible in the section, if you still feel lost in the vast world of LED bulbs feel free to contact us at 815-697-5223 or info@ledmyplace.com