Any experience with LED indoor lights?

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

This is not for the purpose of conserving energy, it's to cut down on heat. In our two vanity master bath we have sixteen huge exposed glass lightbulbs that just hang on the wall and the heat is intense.

I'm shaving and sweating like Keith Moon under these lights! Since I'm already remodeling the shower and the sinks (these are done as of Friday) I need to deal with the lights. Anyone have a solution?

MysticLlama · 10-03-2011, 10:34 AM

Most LEDs you can get currently would be too directional to work well in that application (if they are what I'm thinking and screw in horizontally).

They have some with better diffusers, but they are kinda funky looking to be exposed.

I have gone through dozens of lightbulbs in my house for saving power, changing color temp, etc., and the LEDs are pretty specific use so far (downlights and vanity pucks to replace super hot halogens)

CFLs are a lot better than they used to be, can be had with shells so they don't look like twisties, and would save a fair amount of heat.

But maybe a new fixture entirely would be the way to go.

Have pics?

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

I can snap a pic tonight. I was staying away from CFL's since it was all stone and European glass everywhere. I didn't want it to look like a bathroom at a subway station. But maybe things have changed with cfl's.

fuelie600 · 10-04-2011, 05:57 AM

Are the bulbs exposed?

If they are behind glass, you could look at strip LEDs. I installed these as under counter lighting in our kitchen to replace halogen pucks. The light is more even and the heat reduction is great. The warm version is more natural than regular LEDs, which have more of a blue/white light. The color is slightly warmer than fluorescent lights.

The strips can be cut to length. The strip is a flexible circuit board. If you can solder, they are an easy install.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

They are exposed bulbs, and this is exactly what I want, warmer and more natural. Based on what you're saying I'm going to try and find a sample I use to see of this solves my issue. Now is the time to change the fixtures and I don't plan on changing them again for a long time.

EarlyPorsche · 10-04-2011, 06:46 AM

I have lots of different styles of them and they are amazing. I have some PAR style ones in recess lights and they are just as natural and bright as regular bulbs without any of that nasty CFL effect. You won't be able to get a really good one at a big box store but you should be able to go to a lighting shop in your area to get them for the same price (I have a lighting store connection and they are on the cutting edge of the bulbs).

Joeaksa · 10-04-2011, 08:27 AM

Friend of mine is using them in his house and loves them. They need to get to be more wide ranging but they will be the lights of the future for many applications.

fuelie600 · 10-04-2011, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott R

They are exposed bulbs, and this is exactly what I want, warmer and more natural.

The problem with exposed is you can see the circuit board tape holding the LEDs. Also, it would be like 150 LED flashlights in your eyes. You would need some kind of glass diffuser to soften the light. They would really only work in an indirect setting.

EarlyPorsche · 10-04-2011, 12:53 PM

The one I am using (not sure on brand) is in recess lighting and it is literally the same exact color and pattern as a standard bulb (warm and bright). The lower cost ones I bought were like a laser beam of light. I think you're going to want to find some LED's with appropriate reflectors.