Switching to LED? What you need to know

Why switch to LED lighting?

Looking to replace your old lighting? Switching to LED is a sensible choice. LED bulbs use considerably less energy than traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs and also have a much longer lifespan. This means you need to replace your bulbs less often while reducing the energy consumption of your lighting.

You do not have to compromise on atmosphere either. LED lighting is now available in virtually all common shapes, fittings and light colours. From a warm LED filament bulb for the living room to a bright LED spotlight for the kitchen or workspace.

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Which LED bulb replaces my old bulb?

When replacing an incandescent or halogen bulb, it is important not to look at wattage alone. With LED lighting, wattage mainly indicates how much energy the bulb uses. To determine how much light a bulb produces, look at the number of lumens.

Would you like to keep roughly the same amount of light? Compare the lumen output of your current bulb with that of the new LED bulb. Also check that the fitting is the same. Common fittings such as E27, E14, GU10, G9 and G4 are all available as LED versions.

Fitting: check that the new bulb has the same connection.
Lumens: indicate how much light the bulb produces.
Kelvin: indicates the colour and warmth of the light.
Dimmability: check that both the LED bulb and the dimmer are compatible.
Dimensions: check that the LED bulb fits in the existing light fitting.

Choose the right light colour

One of the advantages of LED lighting is the wide range of light colours available. Colour temperature is expressed in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin value, the warmer and more atmospheric the light appears.

1800K - 2200K: very warm and atmospheric light.
2700K: warm white light, similar to a traditional incandescent bulb.
3000K: warm white, but slightly brighter and more neutral.
4000K: neutral white light for functional spaces.
6000K - 6500K: bright daylight white.

For living rooms and bedrooms, warm light of around 2200K to 2700K is often preferred. In areas where good visibility is important, such as an office, garage or workspace, a higher colour temperature may be more suitable.

From a traditional incandescent bulb to LED filament

Would you like to save energy while keeping the appearance of a traditional incandescent bulb? LED filament bulbs are a good solution. The visible filaments give the bulb the familiar appearance of a traditional light bulb while using energy-efficient LED technology.

LED filament bulbs are available in different shapes, glass finishes and light colours. This makes them particularly suitable for open fittings and other places where the light source is clearly visible.

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What to consider when dimming LED bulbs

Do you currently use a dimmable incandescent or halogen bulb? Before switching, check that the new LED bulb is dimmable. Not every LED bulb can be dimmed.

Older dimmers are also not always suitable for the lower power requirements of LED lighting. This can cause a bulb to flicker, buzz or fail to dim properly. In that case, you may need a dimmer designed specifically for LED lighting.

Switch to LED step by step

You do not need to replace all the lighting in your home at once. Start, for example, with bulbs that are switched on for many hours each day. This could include lighting in the living room, kitchen, hallway or home office. These are generally the areas where lower energy consumption provides the greatest benefit.

For each bulb, check the fitting, desired light output, light colour and whether dimming is required. This allows you to replace your existing lighting step by step without significantly changing the atmosphere or amount of light in your home.

Ready to switch to LED?

There is now a suitable LED alternative for almost every traditional light source. Whether you want to replace a standard bulb, spotlight, candle bulb, golf ball bulb or small capsule bulb, pay particular attention to the correct fitting, light output and light colour.

Explore our range and easily find an LED bulb that suits your existing lighting.

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frequently asked questions

Can I replace an incandescent bulb directly with an LED bulb?

In many cases, yes. Choose an LED bulb with the same fitting and check that its dimensions are suitable for the existing light fitting. For a similar amount of light, compare the lumen output rather than wattage alone.

How do I know which LED bulb I need?

First check the fitting of your current bulb, such as E27, E14, GU10, G9 or G4. Then compare the light output in lumens, the colour temperature in Kelvin and, if required, whether the bulb is dimmable.

Which LED light colour is most similar to an incandescent bulb?

An LED bulb of around 2700K produces warm white light that is very similar to the light from a traditional incandescent bulb. For an even warmer, more atmospheric effect, you can choose approximately 1800K to 2200K.

Can I replace a halogen bulb with an LED bulb?

Yes. LED alternatives are available for many halogen bulbs. Check the fitting, voltage, dimensions and required light output before choosing your replacement bulb.

Can I use my existing dimmer with LED bulbs?

Not always. The LED bulb itself must be dimmable and the dimmer must be compatible with LED lighting. Older dimmers can cause flickering, buzzing or uneven dimming.

What is the difference between a standard LED bulb and an LED filament bulb?

Both use LED technology. An LED filament bulb has visible filaments, giving it an appearance that is closer to a traditional incandescent bulb. It is particularly suitable for open and decorative light fittings.

Do I need to replace all my bulbs with LED at once?

No. You can switch to LED gradually. Start with the bulbs that are switched on for the longest each day and then replace the remaining bulbs step by step.

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