Dimmable LEDs

unsure

Probably a simple and stupid question- but any help and wisdom appreciated as ever!

In our kitchen we have eight halogen dimmable spotlights ( 50w GU10) on two fittings. That's quite a lot of energy when they are both on, which they often are. I was thinking of swapping them out for dimmable LEDs which seem to be coming down in price (saw some 6w dimmable LED GU10s in tesco at £8 ystdy). Given the energy saving and the expected long life (25 year claim) the sums seem to add up.

My question is whether I need to swap over all bulbs in each fitting at once or can I do it as existing bulbs blow? Would the two different bulbs work alongside each other on one fitting?
I'll have no further use for the halogens if I take them out and getting rid of 8 working GU10s doesn't seem very moneysaving (though the energy saving might make it so arguably).

Rockingit

You can do it as existing bulbs go (though see below) and I wouldn't think twice about throwing the existing GU10's into the glass recycling bin!

An issue you may have is that your existing dimmer may not want to work with the new LED lamps - depends on the electronics in the lamp and the dimmer. In which case, you'll also need to budget about £25 for a compatible dimmer. BUT - even so, you'll still be saving in the long run.

Oh, and I'd avoid the really cheap LED lamps, they're cheap for a reason - the light output isn't great and the electronics in them can lead to nuisance tripping.

Myser

There is no issue having halogen lamps on the same dimmer as the LED dimmable lamps provided they can be used with the same type of dimmer. You would need to check the specifications or consult the manufacturer of the LED lamps.

As mentioned above, avoid the really cheap LED lamps as you'll end up paying twice! Buy a couple to try out first.

It's worth noting that some LED lamps can interfere with DAB radio reception:

http://conversation.which.co.uk/energy-home/your-view-led-bulb-interference-dab-radios/

Perhaps retain the halogen GU10 lamps until you are satisfied with the LED lamps' light output for a few days. Then instead of just throwing them away, give them away on Freegle/Freecycle or recycle them!

unsure

Myser, Rockingit,
Thanks for useful advice. Unfortunately the "thnaks" button seems to have gone so I couldn't thnak you officially!

almillar

If you want to keep the same brightness as the 50W halogens, from experience, I would advise at least 400 lumens (and also watch for the angle spread). Since you've got so many bulbs you might get away with the LEDs being less bright though.