LED lights are solid state devices that produce light when a forward voltage is applied. LED's use the transfer of electrons to produce photons ane are free of gases like flourescent tubes.
When you're shopping for light bulbs, compare lumens to be sure you're getting the amount of light, or level of brightness, you want. The Lighting Facts Label will help. This new label will make it easy to compare bulb brightness, color, life, and estimated operating cost for the year.
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We typically buy things based on how much of it we get, right? When buying milk, we buy it by volume (gallons). So, why should light be any different? For decades, we have been buying light bulbs based on how much energy they consume (Watts) — no matter how much light they give us (Lumens).
Lumens let you buy the amount of light you want. So when buying your new bulbs, think lumens, not watts.
The brightness, or lumen levels, of the lights in your home may vary widely, so here's a rule of thumb:
• To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens.
• Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens.
• Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens.
• Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.
Just remember, if you want dimmer lighting, go for less lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.