If your ceiling fan lights are looking dim or you’re just wanting to upgrade to more efficient lighting, LED light kits present an easy way to transform the ambiance of any room. With impressive brightness using a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, LEDs represent the future for lighting.
Below we’ll explore the benefits of installing new LED panels on your existing ceiling fan or choosing a fan that comes with built-in LEDs. Read on as we cover top brands, key features to look for, simple installation steps and troubleshooting tips.
Ceiling Fans With Integrated LEDs
Some ceiling fan models now come with sleek, integrated LED panels built right into the base. These lights produce a bright, uniform glow capable of lighting up large spaces. Since the LEDs have an extremely long lifespan rating over 25,000 hours, you may never need to replace them.
The main downside is that integrated LED panels aren’t designed to be user-serviceable. If an issue arises, you would likely need to replace the entire LED kit which can get pricey. Specialized parts also may need to be ordered from the manufacturer.
Pros of Integrated LED Ceiling Fans
- Sleek, thin profile blends with fan body
- Uniform, glare-free illumination
- Produce lots of light from little energy
- Extremely long-lasting LEDs
Cons of Integrated LED Ceiling Fans
- Higher upfront equipment cost
- Not user-replaceable
- Replacement limited to specific manufacturers’ parts
Ceiling Fans With Replaceable LED Kits
The alternative is to choose an existing ceiling fan model then install a separate LED light kit. These user-friendly kits allow you to upgrade light performance without replacing the entire fan. Since LED panels can be swapped out individually, it’s easy to replace bulbs as needed.
We recommend LED kits from trusted brands like Westinghouse, Hunter, Minka-Aire and Monte Carlo. Costing between $50-$150, they make ceiling light LED conversion attainable for any home or budget.
Benefits of Replaceable LED Kits
- Affordable way to upgrade existing fan lights
- Straightforward user installation
- Replace LED panels individually as needed
- Choose from different styles and colors
What to Look For When Buying
To pick the best LED lighting for your space, here are key factors to consider:
Brightness Levels
Measured in lumens, LED brightness levels typically range from 600 lm for a small space up to 3000+ lumens for large rooms. Refer to this guide for choosing lumens:
- Bathroom: 600 to 900 lumens
- Bedrooms: 800 to 1300 lumens
- Kitchen: 1200 to 2000 lumens
- Living room: 1800 to 3000 lumens
Color Temperature
Available in different color temperatures, LED lights are labeled by the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. Choose lighting that best fits the room:
- Soft White (2700K to 3000K) – Bedrooms
- Bright White (3500K to 4100K) – Kitchens, offices
- Daylight (5000K to 6500K)- Workshops, garages
Special Features
Higher-end LED kits add special features like:
- Smart connectivity
- Dimmable ability
- Built-in speakers
- Motion sensor activation
Noise Level
While technology has improved, some LED panels can emit faint buzzing or humming. Larger ceiling fans with steeper blade angles tend to be quieter. Also look for LEDs positioned closer to fan mount to reduce vibration noise.
How To Install LED Lights
Installing DIY LED light kits is a straightforward project. Simply follow these key steps:
Safety Precautions
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker
- Use a fiberglass ladder for high ceilings
- Wear rubber-soled shoes
Step-By-Step Installation
Remove existing light kit including bulbs, wires and mounting bracket
Connect new LED wiring harness to wires in ceiling mount
Attach LED panel to mounting bracket
Turn power back on to test
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In case the LED conversion doesn’t go as smoothly as planned, here are solutions to a few possible problems:
Fan and light work independently – Check wiring connections
LED flickering or blinking – Try an LED compatible dimmer switch
Buzzing sound from LED panel – Adjust balance of blades or tighten LED plate screws
Uneven light distribution – Relocate panels away from fan mount
LED Benefits For Ceiling Fans
Beyond lighting up rooms with less energy consumption, LEDs offer these upside:
Lifespan over 50,000 hours of use
90% greater energy efficiency than incandescents
No bulb replacements needed
Cooler operation reduces fire hazards
With impressive brightness from little power draw, it’s easy to see the light when it comes to LED conversion. Ceiling fan LED light kits present a simple upgrade to achieve revitalized lighting using today’s energy-saving technology.
Whether opting for sleek integrated LEDs or convenient replacement panels, you’re sure to find the model providing the perfect glow for your space and decor.
