[jnieman]

Originally Posted by Waverunner

maryanna530 - The lights that are currently in our 4 inch recessed lights are GE halogen energy-efficient 38 watt, 490 lumens, with a 1.4 year life based on 3 hours use per day. They are 1 directional PAR20 halogen bulbs. We intend to replace these with dimmable LED bulbs with an equivalent or better lumens rating.

jnieman has an excellent recommendation and it leads to a further discussion. You can buy "regular" type recessed fixtures, which cost less, and add your own LED bulbs OR you can buy a recessed light LED fixture, which is more expensive, is more of a self contained single unit, (that includes the bulb within the fixture), and has a cover over the bulb area. Some may find the covered bulb has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and runs flush with the ceiling. Before you buy the covered unit, you may want to ask for the lumens (brightness) rating. We didn't buy the covered units, but if we did, we would also want to know if/when it fails, which should be many years after the electrician's warranty is up, if you have to replace the entire LED unit (rather than switch out a light bulb, as with the other type).

With the exception of the fluorescent bulbs, we plan to replace every light inside and outside of our home with LED bulbs. We want to reduce our electric bill and heat transfer from light bulbs. We are doing this over time, based on lights we use the most (I.e. front lamp post, kitchen, bathrooms) and availability of reasonably priced bulbs. From our observation, the manufacturers have started with the lower wattage equivalent types first. It takes a little research and comparative shopping and then finding the bulbs in stock. We are still waiting for the reasonable replacement for three-way bulbs.

Are you saying we can replace the regular bulbs we have in our regular unit with LED bulbs? Without having to replace the entire unit? Would the LED bulbs work well without a cover on them or would they glare and be too bright? We have a dimmer on our switch.