LED panel lights have assumed a prominent role in the recent change of the lighting industry. These adaptable and cost-effective lighting options are already commonplace in residences, workplaces, and commercial buildings. To make an educated selection if you’re thinking of switching to LED panel lights in 2023, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the crucial factors to take into account when selecting the LED panel lights that best suit your needs.
10 Tips For Buying LED Panel Lights
1. Understanding LED Panel Lights
Let’s quickly define LED panel lights before moving on to the purchase guide. Flat, slender, and incredibly effective lighting fixtures are LED panel lights. They comprise of a frame with integrated LED chips and a diffuser that distributes light evenly to produce a consistent and glare-free lighting. Offices, residences, schools, and healthcare institutions all often utilize these lamps for general lighting.
2. Dimmable or Non-Dimmable
Think about if you require dimmable LED panel lights if you wish to have the freedom to change the light intensity. By lowering brightness when full illumination is not necessary, dimmable panels let you set the perfect mood while conserving energy. Make sure the dimmer switch you intend to use is compatible with your dimmable LED panels.
3. Size and Shape
Different sizes and forms are available for LED panel lights. To choose the right size, measure the area where you’ll be installing the panels. Panels frequently come in square and rectangular forms. When selecting the form of your LED panel lights, take into account the room’s aesthetics and layout.
4. Installation Type
Recessed and surface-mounted installations are the two primary configurations for LED panel lights.
Recessed: Recessed panels have their installation flush with the ceiling, giving the room a smooth and continuous appearance. When you want the lights to blend in with the architecture or in rooms with drop ceilings, they are perfect.
Surface-Mounted: Surface-mounted panels are nailed or screwed into place on the wall or ceiling. They are a sensible option for rooms without recessed ceilings or when you want to give your lighting a more stylish touch.
When choosing the installation type, take into account the style and kind of ceiling you like.
5. Energy Efficiency and Certification
Energy efficiency is one of the main benefits of LED panel lights. Investigate panels with ENERGY STAR or other energy efficiency certifications. These panels may dramatically lower your electricity expenses while being ecologically friendly and comply with stringent criteria for energy conservation.
6. Color Rendering Index (CRI)
In comparison to natural light, CRI assesses how correctly a light source produces colors. Higher numbers on the scale, which runs from 0 to 100, indicate greater color rendering. To guarantee that colors seem genuine and brilliant in the majority of applications, consider LED panel lights with a CRI of 80 or above.
7. Lifespan and GuaranteeĀ
The lifespan of LED panel lights is well known to be lengthy, frequently reaching 50,000 hours. Before making a purchase, confirm the manufacturer’s stated lifespan and warranty coverage. A longer warranty and a longer expected lifetime show the maker believes the product will function and last for a long time.
8. Budget and Cost
There are several pricing points for LED panel lights. While it may be tempting to choose the least expensive choice, think about your long-term savings. Even though high-quality LED panels may cost more up front, over time they can save you money on replacement costs and energy costs. Incorporate the needed features and quality into your budget.
9. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before purchasing LED panel lights, read user reviews and research the brand. An established company with a good reputation is more likely to provide trustworthy goods and customer service.
10. Support for Smart Controls
Make sure the LED panel lights you purchase are compatible with the smart controllers and platforms you wish to use if you intend to connect your lighting into a smart home system. Many contemporary LED panels are smart compatible, allowing for easy management via voice assistants or smartphones.
You may also read: The modern lighting solutions for smart homes.
Conclusion
In 2023, switching to LED panel lights is a wise move for greater energy economy, durability, and illumination quality. You may make an educated choice and benefit from well-lit rooms for years to come by taking into account criteria like lumens, color temperature, dimmability, size, installation type, energy efficiency, CRI, lifetime, warranty, budget, brand reputation, and smart compatibility. With the correct LED panel lights, you can brighten your surrounds while simultaneously saving money on energy and promoting a more sustainable future.