Paphos Life

A few months ago, I decided to take the plunge and change all our lighting to LEDs. Prior to the change, we had mostly mini-fluorescent bulbs (14 downstairs 8 upstairs) and a few legacy tungsten, which we installed gradually about 10 years ago. Over the years, we had to change 6 mini-fluorescent.

We bought most of the LED bulbs at Ikea and a few elsewhere (even three at Lidl). No problems installing them, of course. and we are delighted with the results, bright warm light throughout. The cost? About €65.

The big problem was we had 2 long fluorescents in the kitchen and 4 slightly shorter ones in the outhouse and garage. Initial research at several shops indicated we would have to change all the fittings at about €25-30 each so we hung fire on these, even though we had 2 starter problems. I then found [email protected] who offered me LED 'fluorescents' at €9 for the 150 cm ones and €7.50 for the 120 cm ones. These LEDs were designed to work in the old fittings; the only modification needed was to remove all the starters at the time of installation. Believe me, they work a treat in the existing fittings! The cost? €48 for the 6 tubes.

So, for a smidgen over €100, I've changed the house to all-LED and I anticipate not having to change a bulb in the short years I have left, while reducing the EAC bills a reasonable tad (estimate €15/year less on lighting). Maybe no direct savings, but counting the 6 mini-fluorescents, 2 starters and 1 old fluorescent which we had to replace, about break-even in an estimated 2-3 years. All with instantaneous warm, bright light.

I can not work next to fluorescent lights as they start a migrain with me!
If I work within 1 meter of one then it starts it off.
I might look in to LED lights.

Paul & Lesley wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2019 8:34 am I can not work next to fluorescent lights as they start a migrain with me!
If I work within 1 meter of one then it starts it off.
I might look in to LED lights.

I have a similar problem with fluorescent lights, when shopping p.e. in Lidl as it makes me dizzy. For this reason I always wearing sunglasses when shopping there. However sitting many hours daily in my office with LED bulbs from Lidl (806 lumen) above me, I have no problem...

Max

We moved house this month and it has 24 of the halogen lamps .

First week two of them went out and tripped the breaker , not a problem . I have had this happen with ordinary lamps .

Last night one of them exploded , bits of glass all over the floor .

So that’s me off to hunt for LEDs and change the lot .

It does seem strange that this is happening. Do you think the electrics should be checked out perhaps..

Thanks Trev , I think the electrics are ok , apparently other people have had problems with halogen lamps .

And of course it depends on the quality of the lamps , who are JCDR ?

https://www2.theiet.org/forums/forum/me ... adid=20602

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The brightness of LEDs as replacements for GU10s has been a problem until more recently. Also, I have had LEDs for ears and I didn’t see them lasting much longer than traditional. The claims are at best, an exaggeration.

At least I have not read of leds exploding .

Jimgward wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2019 10:42 am Also, I have had LEDs for ears

Did people call you Buzz Lightear? Sorry Jim, couldn’t resist...I’ll get my coat

Are the LED's bought here dimmable?

The Aquila wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2019 11:34 am

Jimgward wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2019 10:42 am Also, I have had LEDs for ears

Did people call you Buzz Lightear? Sorry Jim, couldn’t resist...I’ll get my coat

Haha. That was funny

Not all LED lights are compatible with certain dimmer switches and vice versa best check first before purchasing

I've replaced all lights to LED, including fluorescent tube type in kitchen, store room and garage. Zero problems so far. However, the 'warm' type are very slightly less efficient but much easier on the eye. See post #1 above

I got some at Leroy Merlin about 18 months ago and they were half the price of the ones I found in Paphos. I was there getting something else at the time, but a bit far to go to save a few euro otherwise!

We got all our LED light bulbs from IKEA. Very cheap and worth getting if you are going over there.

I have had for sometime LED lighting, love it, even use them in the garden area, my kitchen is a 100% LED even over the oven and hob, way to go if you can change over.
In five years we have never had any problems or the need to replace exploded bulbs