Whilst downlights are highly useful for use in your home, as they make seeing and focusing on tasks much easier, when the globes blow and no longer work a lot of people find themselves at a loss for what to do. Changing the globe in a downlight is not the same as changing a normal globe – the process is actually much more challenging and takes longer.

Begin by turning off the downlights at the switch. This is especially important if your lights take halogen globes, as they tend to get very hot very quickly. If you do have halogen globes, ensure that you allow them to cool for at least half an hour to prevent accidentally burning yourself.

Stand on a ladder or other sturdy surface to reach the surface mounted downlights. You will need to remove the trim ring; you should be able to do this by pulling straight down on the ring. Most downlight rings are spring loaded, which makes removing them much easier as they will simply fall out when pulled. If, however, you are unable to get your fingers underneath the lip of the downlight, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the ring away from the ceiling. Sometimes, you may find that the downlight ring is unmovable – if this is the case, do not try to force it (as you may damage the ceiling) and contact a lighting specialist for advice.

Next, you will need to unscrew the blown downlight globe. There is a clever trick for doing this – cut a strip of duct tape so that it is about 6 inches long, then stick about 1 inch of each end onto the globe. Stick the remaining 4 inches of tape together, giving you an easy grip. Give the tape a twist, counterclockwise, and the globe should begin to unscrew. Continue to twist the tape until you are able to completely remove the downlight globe.

Ensure that you have a replacement globe that is of the same wattage and type as the one you have just removed, or that has been recommended for the type of downlight that you own. Finish by screwing the new globe into the downlight trim ring, ensuring that they have a snug fit but are not too tight.

If you find a globe difficult to screw in immediately stop and do not try to force it as something has probably gone wrong. Look inside the downlight for crossed wires and also double check that you have the correct size globe. You should also check the inside of your downlight for dents or bends, as this can prevent you from screwing a globe in. If this is the case, you will need to replace the damaged surface mounted downlights.

The Latest Lighting Technology Now Offers LED Downlights, LED Tubes

The technology of LED (light-emitting diode) is utilized in numerous industries, particularly in phone and computer manufacturing, advertising and interior designing. It provides lights for some phones and computers alike. The advertising industry also uses this technology in billboards and vans to promote products and services. This technology is about to dethrone incandescent bulbs in homes as well. Some countries have surface mounted downlights already ordered the phasing out of incandescent bulbs and LED is being tapped as the next frontrunner in home lighting solutions.

As a home lighting solution, several LED products are offered to cater to different lighting needs. In addition to bulbs, there are also study lamps and table lamps that use LED. LED downlights and LED tubes are available as well.

Downlights

Downlights are usually placed in gardens, display cabinets, walk-in closets and along the driveway. Unlike the lights installed in ceilings, the surface of a downlight is either flat or looks like half of a sphere.

In gardens, downlights have an aesthetic purpose. Lampposts provide general lighting for this area but the downlights improve the view during nighttime. surface mounted downlights have the same purpose in display cabinets and gardens. Additionally, they make it easier for you to find items. You can also use downlights to highlight a feature in your display cabinets.

There are other areas in your house where you can place downlights. It can be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens to enhance the rooms’ lighting. It is a good addition to the garage as well.

Portable downlights are also available. You can choose these if you are shopping on a tight budget. You can just move it in the areas where you need the additional lighting.

Tubes

Unlike downlights, tubes are typically attached to the ceilings. They serve as the main source of light in a room.

Tubes come in different lengths. When you are quite budget-conscious, don’t just go for shorter tubes because they are cheaper. Keep in mind the function of these lighting solutions. They should be able to provide efficient lighting for your rooms. Aside from length, check the brightness of the tubes as well.

Price

Right now, the price of downlights and tubes that use LED are higher than LED bulbs. One reason is that, unlike the latter, the options for LED downlights and LED tubes are limited.

Some downlights may be as cheap as the bulbs. However, these ones are usually the smaller ones. LED lights don’t spread light as efficiently as bulbs. If you install small downlights, the coverage will be limited and the brightness will be insufficient.

As for the tubes, the cost of the less expensive surface mounted downlights ones is almost double the price of typical LED bulbs. The price for cheap LED bulbs ranges from $10 to $13. On the other hand, the price for cheap tubes with LED ranges from $17 to $26. The price of expensive ones can go as high $400. The expensive LED tubes have an edge though; these ones are harder to break than cheap ones. Thus, the expensive tubes are more durable than their cheaper counterpart.