Did you know that the lighting in a typical home can account for up to 25% of your total monthly electric bill? By upgrading your lighting to a low energy equivalent you can substantially lower this figure. And what better way to do this than with a stylish, retrofit LED GU10.
The GU10 fitting is one of the most common light bulb fittings in the world. Originally designed as a mains voltage replacement for the MR16, this type of bulb has gained popularity due to its unique combination of compact design and usability. Unlike conventional MR16, GU10 do not require a "step down" transformer, but instead run directly from the mains (240V) supply, making them much lower maintenance and a little more practical.
This also means you will have fewer problems when switching to LED GU10. If you are running a low voltage MR16 system, you may find that your existing transformers are incompatible with LEDs. Older transformers tend not to have the requisite parts to manage the exact voltage and current requirements of LEDs or to compensate for their very low power usage. You may find your bulbs flicker or do not work alike, and the cost of upgrading to LED drivers is quite substantial.
As GU10 fittings work without transformer, LED GU10 can be used in the same fittings without complication. Simply take your existing halogen bulbs out and put your new LED Bulbs in.
The energy savings offered by LED GU10 are unmatched on the market at this present moment in time. LEDs convert more of the energy they use into light, which makes them about 90% cheaper to run that standard halogen bulb, and about 3 times cheaper than CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). They can also be made to roughly the same dimensions as standard halogen design, allowing them to be used in recessed lighting fixtures. (some bulbs can be slightly longer, so we do recommend checking the product specifications before purchase).
The typical life expectancy of an LED GU10 is between 30,000 and 50,000 hours. This works out to about 20 to 25 times longer than a halogen and about 10 times longer than a CFL. As they need replacing less frequently, LED GU10 save you money on the cost of replacement.
A less recognized advantage relates to heat generation. During use, halogen bulbs reach very high temperatures, which can potentially cause damage to fixtures, decorations and extremely shortens the life span of the bulb. It can also pose a series fire risk as halogens can extremely explode. LEDs produce comparatively little heat, even when used for long durations of time. While it is not true to say they produce no heat, as many manufacturers and retailers wrongly state, it is fair to say that they are very safe. They can even be used in close proximate to insulation, but you should still always take the necessary precautions if this is the case.
