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| space-age LED reflector vs prehistoric incandescent |
I've mentioned previously that the properties I have occupied recently have many more types of light sockets than did the houses of my childhood, which usually had only bayonet cap. As part of planning a switch to LED lights I have done an audit of my current house. In eleven rooms, and outdoors, it has:
- 8 x GU4 (kitchen cabinet lighting)
- 3 x GU5.3 (downlight type 1)
- 4 x GU10 (downlight type 2)
- 3 x bayonet cap classic (1 dimmable, 2 not)
- 3 x bayonet cap candle
- 1 x bayonet cap golf ball
- 4 x Edison screw reflector
- 3 x Edison screw candle
- 6 x Edison screw classic (2 dimmable, 4 not)
There does not seem to be any pattern to the choice of sockets. Why choose one type of downlight for one room and a different type for another?
For lights that aren't on for very long it's not yet cost effective to replace the current bulbs with LED equivalents, but prices for LEDs are still falling quickly. You also have to pay attention to bulbs which will be used with dimmer switches, as to switch to LED you may need to replace the dimmer switch with an LED-compatible one, and make sure the LED bulb is dimmable. Luckily, dimmer switches are relatively cheap.