The light bulb is LED or Light Emitting Diodes. This bulb is the future of residential lighting.
LED is now saleable, because they cast a 2750 Kelvin degree light, which is almost identical to halogen.
These lights can also be retrofitted to existing 6" recessed cans.
Have a look:
Steve - if I were to retrofit my existing recessed lights what is the cost of each new can? Also, is the retrofit fairly straight forward or would an electrician need to do some new wiring? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteWhat is the cost of the LED replacement unit for 6" recessed cans? And how much electrical work is involved (i.e., how much should an honest electrician charge for the labor in the Boston area)?
Thanks.
One of the best part is ease of installation. I will podcast the process in the next day or so. The replacement is about $119 or with a can it would be about $130-135
ReplyDeleteIts about double that of low volatge, but with the lamplife and efficiency will ceratinly pay for itself many times over
certainly is spelled like this...
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteAre the LED units offered as replacements for existing 5" recessed cans? The 6" cans look oversized and sort of cheesy (but that's a matter of personal taste of course) Thanks.
No arguments there....4 and 5 inch have been our standard for 10 years. The 5 inch is due first quarter 2008
ReplyDeleteFYI, 6 inch cans are an option for taller ceilings and some commercial applications
The current LED is a great retrofit option. It also looks neater than the regular baffle type
But that you will see Tuesday AM
Steve, In my kitchen I have 4 6" cans with CFLs. How much more efficient would the LEDs be? I'm just wondering if changing them would be worth the expense - particularly if we don't live in this house for the next 20 years!
ReplyDeleteToday we replaced our regular holiday lights with tiny LEDs. The tree is so bright the dog needs to wear her Doggles!
Good Question:
ReplyDeleteLED is about 35% more efficient than CFLs and will last almost 3 times longer.
At $119 per, you probably will not realize a financial payback especially if you do not stay in your current home
However, the Kelvin color is superior to CFLs(even the good ones), so if you want optimum lighting then LEDs are definitely the best source currently available
Steve, my current recessed lights are the type that cannot come into contact with insulation. I am thinking of having loose cellulose insulation blown into my ceiling which would require me to get all new recessed lights. If I blow in the insulation and just use the retrofit led kit that you blogged about would that work or would I still need to get all new cans too?
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at how easy these lights can be changed. I hope to stop by Yale this weekend and check out the lighting in person.
Thanks!
Another good question,
ReplyDeleteIf you are blowing insulation, then you would need an insulated cans. There are a couple of lower cost solutions:
A. Leave some room around your current can. Check the manufacturers specs, but figure 3-4inches of space. You will lose some air through the can, however.
B. Buy insulated remodel cans. Remodel cans(I have postings on recessed that may help) are wired in through the ceiling not from above, so the install is easier. You may have to replaster, but that depends on the existing can aperture
BTW, Insulation will save you a ton of money. Proper windows and insulation are the 2 best ways to cut heating and air conditioning costs...
Kudos
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI was looking on the Yale website and didn't see much in terms of trac lighting units. I stopped by the store this weekend but the wait for a someone to help was longer than I could stick around. I was wondering if you can recommend a trac light that is similar to an item I saw elsewhere. The item is made by George Kovacs and the model number is P4015-4084 in brushed steel. Does Yale have anything similar at a similar price ($85-$115)? Also, I am considering the Minka Aire Concept II brushed nickel 44" fan model F518 at Yale. Any thoughts on this fan or brand vs a box store fan or other brands you carry? Thanks!
Sorry for the delay in responding...I just returned from vacation...
ReplyDeleteGeorge Kovacs at one time revolutionized the lighting industry with the first modern lighting. His most notable design was the Feather desk lamp. George actually passed last year, but before he did, he sold his company to a Chinese importer about 5 years ago...At $85-120, there are options
If you email me a picture, I can certainly suggest a few alternatives....
I love the Minka fan. It is good quality and much less expensive than a Casablanca fan
BTW, I am sorry about the wait on Saturday. We have about 20salespeople working on that day. Sometimes, it is not enoigh
Steve, what email address should I use to send the picture of the light? Thanks.
ReplyDeletesteve.sheinkopf@yaleappliance.com
ReplyDeletewould be my direct line