How to Choose the Right LED Recessed Retrofit Downlight
Recessed retrofit kits are the perfect choice for new construction, and retrofit opportunities when a sleek, integrated look is preferred. Retrofits are ideal for retrofitting inefficient fixtures in malls, hospitals, airports, offices, lobbies and other commercial applications.
Wattage
Wattage is the measure of the bulb's energy consumption - not how much light it puts out. Energy-efficient bulbs use fewer watts to give off the same amount of brightness (lumens). Because of this, LEDs (which have typically low wattages when compared with lumens) not only help reduce energy usage but also lower electric bills.
Size
The LED recessed retrofit downlight comes in 4, 5, and 6-inch options for sizing. The size of the light you would need is determined by the area in which you are working in.
Dimmable
Dimming LED bulbs gives you the same kind of flexibility and control you can expect from your incandescent bulbs. With so many improvements to this technology, it has become easier to find an appropriate energy-efficient replacement to work with your dimming system. You will save more energy and find a large reduction in your electrical bill while still getting the amount of light that you need with dimmable LEDs. Customers also use these dimmers for track lighting--where desirable ambient light levels are needed but where a dimmed light setting is also desirable.
Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to the color appearance of the light that comes from a light source. It's an important performance characteristic to asses when evaluating bulbs because the color temperature creates the mood of the space you are lighting and can thus influence buying behavior or work performance. The apparent color of a light source is measured in Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin temperature, the whiter the light.
Certification
DLC: When a fixture is DLC Listed (stands for Design Light Consortium) it may qualify for energy rebates by your local utility which can significantly reduce the cost of ownership. The qualified products list is a resource for program administrators, to help them decide which solid state lighting products to include in their energy efficiency promotions.
Energy Star: Products with Energy Star labels meet the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications. Some guidelines include contributing significant energy savings nationwide, delivering the features and performance demanded by consumers (in addition to increased energy efficiency), and energy consumption and performance being measured and verified with testing.