How to Save on Recessed Lighting Costs With LED Retrofit Kits

Introduction

With energy costs on the rise, homeowners and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their lighting expenses. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for many homes and commercial spaces due to its clean, unobtrusive look. However, recessed lighting with traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs can use a significant amount of energy. The good news is that LED technology now provides an efficient and cost-effective option for retrofitting recessed lighting with energy-saving LED retrofit kits.

In this article, I will provide an in-depth overview on how to save on recessed lighting costs by using LED retrofit kits. We'll look at:

• The benefits of retrofitting with LEDs
• Types of LED retrofit kits
• Cost comparisons of LED vs incandescent/halogen
• Steps for installing LED retrofit kits
• Safety considerations
• Dimming capabilities with LED retrofits
• Estimating energy and cost savings

Equipped with this information, you'll be prepared to convert your existing recessed cans to energy efficient LED lighting. Let's get started!

Benefits of LED Retrofit Kits

There are several excellent reasons to consider converting your recessed lighting to LEDs:

• Energy savings - LEDs use at least 75% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. This adds up to significant cost savings on your electricity bill.

• Long lifespan - LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. This dramatically reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

• Cool operation - LEDs produce very little heat, reducing HVAC costs. They are also safe to touch when lit.

• Quality light - LEDs provide great color quality and brightness. Newer LED technology offers warm color temperatures to match the look of traditional bulbs.

• Environmentally friendly - LEDs are free of toxic chemicals like mercury. Their efficiency also reduces carbon emissions from power plants.

With these advantages, it's easy to see why retrofitting with LED recessed lighting is a great option. Next let's look at the types of retrofit kits available.

Types of LED Retrofit Kits

There are two main types of LED retrofit kits for recessed cans:

LED Bulb Retrofits

• LED bulbs screw into existing recessed housing sockets. Select bulbs that fit standard E26/E27 medium screw-base sockets.

• Bulb shape can be standard A-shape, reflector (R), or globe. Choose the shape that best matches your current recessed lights.

• Bulbs are easy to install by just screwing them in. No rewiring or modifications needed.

LED Trim Retrofits

• LED retrofit trims are designed to completely replace existing trim and hardware.

• Trims come in standard sizes like 5", 6" or 8" to match old trims. Ensure proper fixture size.

• Retrofit trims integrate LEDs, driver, and heat sink into one unit. Requires rewiring.

• More expensive but provides all-new hardware for better light quality.

So in summary, LED bulb retrofits provide a simple, inexpensive option, while LED trim retrofits offer higher performance with a more involved installation. Now let's compare costs.

Cost Comparisons: LED vs Incandescent/Halogen

One of the biggest benefits of switching to LED recessed lighting is cost savings on energy usage and replacement bulbs. Here is a comparison:

	Incandescent	Halogen	LED Retrofit
Wattage	75W	50W	**12W**
Lumens	900	750	**800**
Lifespan	1,000 hrs	2,000 hrs	**50,000 hrs**
Bulb Cost	$5	$8	**$10**

A few things stand out from this comparison:

• LED retrofits use 80-85% less wattage for similar brightness.

• LED lifespan is 25-50X longer than incandescent or halogen.

• Though LED bulbs cost more initially, the energy savings and lower replacement frequency lead to overall cost savings.

Clearly, LED recessed lighting provides tremendous efficiency and long-term cost benefits compared to conventional lighting. But how much can you actually save? Let's look next at estimated cost savings.

Estimating Energy and Cost Savings

The amount of energy and maintenance savings from an LED retrofit depends on a few factors:

• Your electricity rate per kWh - check your latest electric bill

• The wattage of your existing bulbs

• The equivalent wattage of LED replacements

• The number of recessed lights you use regularly

As an example, if you convert six 75W incandescent recessed lights used 5 hours per day to 12W LED retrofits, here are potential savings:

• 6 x (75W - 12W) = 336W per day reduced

• 336W x 5 hours x $0.12/kWh = $0.20 per day

• $0.20 x 365 days = $73 per year saved in energy costs

In addition, you'll save on replacement bulb costs since LEDs last years longer than traditional bulbs.

Overall, most homes can expect to save $50-100 per year on energy by converting their recessed lighting to LED retrofits. And you'll recoup the upfront bulb costs through energy and maintenance savings in 12-18 months.

Steps for Installing LED Retrofit Kits

Installing LED retrofit kits is a straight-forward process:

LED Bulb Retrofits

1. Turn off power to recessed lighting at the breaker box. Always turn off power before replacing bulbs for safety.

2. Remove old incandescent/halogen bulb from socket.

3. Check new LED bulb shape and base to ensure compatibility. Screw in LED bulb.

4. Restore power and test new LED bulbs. Enjoy your energy efficient lighting!

LED Trim Retrofits

1. Turn off power to recessed lights at breaker.

2. Remove trim bezel and old trim housing. Detach wiring.

3. Connect new LED trim wires to existing wiring in the recessed can (may require wire nuts).

4. Mount and secure new LED trim into ceiling can.

5. Attach trim bezel and restore power. Test operation of new LED trims.

With either retrofit option, the installation process is quick and easy. Just take proper safety precautions.

Safety Considerations

When working on any electrical project, safety should always be the top priority:

• Turn off power at the breaker box before replacing bulbs or doing any rewiring.

• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off before touching any wires or conductors.

• Follow local electrical codes - consider having work permitted and inspected.

• Use common sense precautions - wear gloves, eye protection, avoid liquids.

• Only take on what you are comfortable doing. Hire an electrician if unsure about any aspects.

Exercising caution will help ensure your retrofit goes smoothly and safely. Contact a professional if needed.

Dimming Capabilities

Many homeowners and businesses appreciate recessed lighting that can be dimmed for ambiance and flexibility. The good news is that LED retrofits offer excellent dimming capabilities:

• Look for LED retrofits labeled as dimmable. These work with standard dimmer switches.

• Use LED-compatible dimmers for best performance. Avoid old dimmers designed for incandescents.

• For whole-home dimming systems (0-10V), choose compatible LED drivers.

• Follow dimmer manufacturer guidelines on wattage and bulb limits.

• LED dimming provides a smooth, flicker-free lighting control range.

With quality LED retrofit bulbs or trims paired with the right dimmer switches, you can easily achieve dimmable recessed lighting to suit any activity or mood.

Conclusion

Converting recessed can lighting from incandescent or halogen to energy-efficient and long-lasting LED technology can lead to significant cost savings through:

• Lower energy usage with ultra-efficient LED bulbs
• Greatly reduced bulb replacement frequency
• Potential rebates from energy providers

LED retrofit kits like bulbs and trims make the transition easy. With simple installation, safety awareness, and dimmable options, homeowners and businesses can reduce recessed lighting costs and enjoy quality LED illumination for years to come.