LED bulbs have become increasingly popular in recent years as an energy efficient alternative to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Many LED bulbs are now available at low prices from budget brands like Great Value. However, there are some important considerations when using LED bulbs, especially in fully enclosed light fixtures. In this article, we’ll examine if Great Value and other budget LED bulbs can be safely used in enclosed fixtures and if any precautions need to be taken.
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The Benefits of LED Bulbs
LED bulbs have numerous advantages over old-fashioned incandescent bulbs:
- Energy Efficient – LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescents.
- Long Lifespan – LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Durable – LEDs are more resistant to vibrations and external shocks.
- No UV or Infrared Radiation – LEDs don’t get hot like incandescent bulbs.
- Compact Size – LED bulbs are available in smaller form factors.
In recent years, the cost of LED bulbs has dropped dramatically. Budget LED bulb brands like Great Value provide a very affordable option for consumers looking to upgrade from inefficient incandescent lighting. A 4-pack of Great Value LED bulbs only costs around $5-10.
Are There Any Concerns with Using Budget LED Bulbs?
In general, Great Value and other budget LED bulb brands provide an excellent value and perform well in most lighting applications. However, there are a few things to consider:
- Light Quality – Some cheaper LED bulbs can have lower CRI/light quality than more expensive options. This may result in a more “cold” or stark white light.
- Brightness – Budget LEDs may not be quite as bright lumen-for-lumen as higher-end bulbs.
- Durability – The lifespan may not be quite as long as pricier LED options.
- Safety Certifications – Cheaper bulbs sometimes lack certifications like UL/ETL or Energy Star.
None of these potential drawbacks mean budget LEDs won’t work or are dangerous. They just may not be quite as optimal as more expensive bulbs.
Are Budget LED Bulbs Okay in Enclosed Fixtures?
This brings us to the question of whether cheap LED bulbs like Great Value are okay to use in fully enclosed light fixtures. This is an important concern because enclosed fixtures can result in higher temperatures than open bulbs. High heat levels can damage LED chips and shorten the bulb’s lifespan.
Most LED bulbs produced today are designed to work safely in enclosed fixtures. However, cheaper LED bulbs may fall short of the heat tolerance and safety margins of more expensive options. There are a few key factors to consider:
1. Check for Enclosed Fixture Rating
Look at the LED bulb’s packaging and specifications to see if it is rated and certified for use in enclosed or recessed fixtures. Quality budget LEDs made by reputable manufacturers should indicate if they are appropriate for this use.
2. Consider Maximum Wattage
LED bulbs produce very little heat compared to equivalent incandescent bulbs. However, you should still match the maximum wattage rating on your light fixture. Putting a higher wattage bulb in an enclosed space can lead to excessive heat buildup.
3. Allow for Sufficient Ventilation
Even LED bulbs produce some level of heat. Using enclosed fixtures that have ventilation or chimney designs can allow air circulation and prevent heat from being fully trapped.
4. Monitor Temperature
Check the temperature of your enclosed fixtures periodically if using budget LEDs. Discontinue use if fixtures are very hot to the touch. Most quality LEDs should not excessively heat an enclosed space.
Tips for Safely Using Budget LED Bulbs
Here are some tips for getting the most life and performance out of Great Value or equivalent cheap LED light bulbs:
- Choose name brand bulbs like Great Value, as they typically adhere to safety standards.
- Verify enclosed fixture compatibility before using budget bulbs.
- Follow all maximum wattage guidelines.
- Allow adequate room for ventilation and airflow.
- Consider replacing plastic enclosed fixtures with ones made of metal or other heat sinking material.
- Use LED-rated dimmers if lowering light output.
- Avoid using bulbs in very tight recessed cans even if labeled for enclosed use.
- Periodically check for overheating of fixtures.
Reviews of Popular Budget LED Bulbs
Here is a look at reviews and ratings for some top-selling cheap LED light bulb options:
Great Value LED Bulbs
Great Value’s LED bulbs are available exclusively at Walmart. A 4-pack of 60W equivalent (800 lumen) A19 bulbs retails for around $5. The bulbs are certified for enclosed fixtures and damp locations. Reviews indicate the bulbs provide very good brightness and light quality for the price. Some consumers report bulb failures after 1-2 years, but this is reasonably good lifespan for low cost bulbs.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,901 reviews on Walmart.com)
GE Basic LED Bulbs
GE Basic LEDs provide an even cheaper LED bulb option starting under $2 per individual bulb. The bulbs are dimmable and rated for enclosed fixtures. Reviews generally indicate the bulbs work well and provide good value for general household lighting. A small percentage of reviewers experienced early bulb failures. Light output is a little lower than more expensive LEDs.
Average Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (5,295 reviews on GE website)
Philips Basic LED Bulbs
Philips Basic LED bulbs are another popular low-cost bulb line carried at most hardware and home improvement stores. For around $5 you can get a 4-pack of 800 lumen bulbs good for enclosed fixtures. Philips has a reputation for quality and most users are happy with the performance and longevity of these affordable LEDs. A few reviewers notice a slight buzzing sound from some bulbs.
Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,540 reviews on Home Depot website)
The Verdict on Cheap LEDs in Enclosed Fixtures
Based on product specifications and reviews, quality budget LED light bulbs like Great Value can generally be used safely in enclosed or recessed light fixtures with just a few precautions:
- Verify the bulb is rated for enclosed/damp locations.
- Follow wattage limits for the fixture.
- Allow for some ventilation around fixture.
- Periodically check that fixture is not overheating.
With proper selection and installation, inexpensive LED bulbs can provide years of energy savings in most enclosed fixtures. Always check with the bulb manufacturer if you have any doubts about a specific application. For critical household lighting needs or fixtures in hot locations, you may want to spend a little more for premium branded LED bulbs with the highest safety margins. But for most purposes, Great Value and similar budget LED bulb brands deliver impressive performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Great Value LED bulb in a bathroom vanity light?
Yes, Great Value LED bulbs are rated for damp locations making them safe to use in bathroom vanities, covered patio lights and other fixtures prone to moisture. Just make sure the fixture is rated for the maximum wattage of the LED bulb.
Should I only use name brand LED bulbs like Great Value in enclosed fixtures?
Sticking with name brands like Great Value, GE, Philips, Cree, EcoSmart etc. is recommended for enclosed fixtures. No-name imported LED bulbs may cut more corners on safety testing and heat tolerance. Reputable brands design their bulbs to safer standards.
How long should cheap LED bulbs last in enclosed fixtures?
While maybe not quite as long as expensive LEDs, good quality budget LED bulbs like Great Value should still provide around 20,000 hours or more of use before failure. Operating them in enclosed fixtures shouldn’t significantly reduce lifespan as long as temperature limits are observed.
Can I use a Great Value LED bulb in a fixture rated for incandescent bulbs?
Yes, Great Value LED bulbs draw much less wattage than equivalent incandescent bulbs. Just make sure to match the rated lumen output, not the wattage. For example, choose an 800 lumen LED bulb to replace a 60W incandescent. This will provide similar brightness but at a fraction of the energy use.
Do Great Value LED bulbs qualify for utility company rebates?
Unfortunately, most budget LED bulb options like Great Value do not qualify for energy efficient lighting rebates offered by utility companies. However, the cheap price of the bulbs often means they are still a better value for most homeowners than paying full price for rebate-eligible bulbs.
Conclusion
Great Value and other economy LED light bulbs provide an affordable way to upgrade inefficient incandescent lighting. When used properly, these budget bulbs can safely provide years of energy savings even when installed in enclosed or recessed fixtures. Following basic guidelines for wattage limits, ventilation, and heat levels allows consumers to confidently use cheap LED bulbs to lower their electric bills. While more expensive LED options exist, quality budget bulbs get the job done on a tighter household budget. Just be sure to buy LED bulbs from reputable brands for the best safety assurances.