Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying LED Panel Lights
Are you planning on upgrading your space lighting to LED panel lights but feeling lost in the process? You are not the only one! Most buyers end up making these common LED panel light mistakes that result in dissatisfaction and wasted money. We have therefore created this LED panel light buying guide, highlighting the major pitfalls to avoid and how to choose the best option for your needs.
- Ignoring Lumens and Brightness Requirements
One of the biggest mistakes when buying LED lights is that people forget to pay enough attention to the lumens. Lumens are the unit of measurement for lighting intensity, and making the wrong choice can alter lighting vision and comfort.
Generally, LED panel lights provide luminous intensity that ranges from 4800-7700 lumens, a panel with a lower lumens may not contribute sufficient light to the area intended to be lit, while too much brightness could contribute to glare. Always decide how well you want the area to be illuminated before making a purchase.
Buying Tip:
- Choose lumens from a higher range (6000-7700 lumens) for bright offices and commercial areas.
- For home use, 4800-6000 lumens provide a comfortable and effective lighting solution.
- Overlooking Color Temperature (CCT)
Neglecting the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is another common mistake made while selecting LED panel lights that is usually never thought about. This indicates the process of how warm, neutral, or cool the light appears. General settings are warm white (3000K to 3500K), which produce ambient/warm lighting, and cool white (5000K to 6500K), which work to improve concentration and visibility. Hence, wrong temperature selection could influence a level of comfort and productivity.
Buying Tip:
- 3000K (Warm White): Ideal for bedrooms and cozy home environments.
- 4000K (Neutral White): Great for kitchens and workspaces.
- 5000K-6500K (Cool White/Daylight): Best suited for offices, hospitals, and commercial settings.
- Not checking panel size and compatibility
When searching for the best LED panel light for the home, panel size is often one of the overlooked criteria. The common dimensions used are 2×2 feet, 2×4 feet, and 1×4 feet. Verify if the panel you intend to buy fits well into your ceiling grid structure and is compatible with your existing setup.
Buying Tip:
- Standard sizes such as 2×2 ft and 2×4 ft are typically used in drop ceilings for commercial buildings.
- For residential use, smaller panels or custom-sized options are more suitable.
Most buyers focus solely on the price, however, putting the price over quality is a huge mistake. Quality LED panel lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan. To avoid LED panel light selection mistakes, ensure that you look at reputable brands that offer better warranties and greater performance.
Buying Tip:
- Always check the warranty period (at least 3-5 years).
- Read reviews and buy from trusted manufacturers with a track record of reliability.
- Ignoring energy efficiency ratings
Wattage and energy efficiency are among the prime considerations when wondering how to choose LED panel lights. LED panels that provide high lumens per watt ensure maximum illuminated brightness while minimizing energy consumption, thus lowering the electricity bills. Always confirm energy ratings before any purchase.
Buying Tip:
- Choose energy-efficient models that consume less power while delivering high lumens.
- Check the lifespan to ensure durability.
- Forgetting about installation requirement
There is no universal installation for LED panel lights. Some are recessed, while others can be surface-mounted or suspended. Failure to follow any of these instructions may cause installation malfunctions and performance issues. Checking the installation methods prior to purchasing is a must.
- Not considering smart features
Modern LED panel lights come with advancements such as dimmability, motion sensors, and tunable white settings. The lack of attention paid to these features reduces the flexibility of any lighting arrangement. Avoid these LED lights buying mistakes by considering various advanced technologies capable of enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
Buying Tip:
- If you need dimming functionality, confirm that the panel supports dimmable drivers.
- Smart LED panels are a great choice for tech-savvy homeowners looking for app or voice-controlled lighting.
Conclusion
Avoiding these top LED panel light errors will help you attain a more efficient, more comfortable, and more cost-effective lighting experience. Check lumens, CCT, size, energy efficiency, and smart features before buying. Following these LED panel light buying tips will help you invest in suitable light for your space.
Searching for a perfect LED panel light that fits both your home or office? Take a look at our collections for an extensive selection of high-quality LED panel lights!
LED Troffer Lights