LED lighting for basement ceiling

[moosedog]

I am getting ready to put in a drop ceiling in a basement room that is 54 X 16 feet and to be used for workouts and entertainment.
It has been suggested that I look at LED track or recessed swivel lighting.
Has any of our members worked with this or installed it? It appears to be pretty expensive and was wondering if it's worth it?

 

[blujax01]

I put a finished ceiling in my basement and used recessed incandescent cans, using "twisty" fluorescents in the sockets instead of regular bulbs. Work fine and they've gotten cheaper. Additionally, there are now LED's in a regular looking light bulb shape you could put in a regular socket. These were about $50 now they're about $5. As soon as they can whip them little Chinese kids to work faster I'm sure the price will drop even more (Did I say that last part out loud?)

 

[GregG]

Cree makes some really nice recessed LED lights. They several different tints of emitters to get a desired color.

 

[moosedog]

So I wonder if it would be more cost effective over the long run to just install the regular incandescent fixtures and use LED bulbs, or go the whole route with the 12 volt transformers.
I appreciate the help, when it comes to electrical stuff, i'm pretty much lost.

 

[sideways]

You want the best bang for your buck go with lay-in fluorescent. Get a dual ballast three tube fixtures switch outside lamps on one switch , switch single lamp in middle on another switch. That way you have different light levels for different activities .. Five 4' fixture at about 65.00 each will give you all the light you need there easy to install and will last a long time.

 

[blujax01]

If you're in it to save money forget about it. American Electric Power here in Ohio just raised their rates an average of 15% citing the reason that since people have conserved over the past few years their income has decreased. They have to raise the rates in order to realize lost revenue.

Since the electric companies are regulated utilities and are thus guaranteed a set income, the PUCO had to agree and allowed it.

 

[medxam]

I think that the jury is still out on the current round of LED's. We spent a great deal of money to replace the lights over our altar at St. Annes Church (they had to be replaced as they were over 50 years in age). We went with LED's and they have been a pain. Bulbs burn out constantly and the intensity and direction of the light leaves much to be desired.

medxam

 

[mwtdvm]

In Lowe's Today

And cruised the light bulb section. The 25w LED equivalent was 10.99 but would last 45 years... Well Crepes! I'm 63 and doubt I will see that one burn out. Prices went up from there. IIRC about 25-35 bucks for a 60 watt equivalent. I'm sorry but I like the regular bulbs with their "short" lifespan that do not require a bank loan.

I like sideways idea of a three bulb fixture and would make sure I got the "modern" one because I understand those are changing as well.

And the ultimate irony is that by conserving on our end, the utility company raises their rates because we are using less. There is something fundamentally wrong here!!!

 

[Iggy]

And the ultimate irony is that by conserving on our end, the utility company raises their rates because we are using less. There is something fundamentally wrong here!!!


Just like wipin' yure butt with a hula hoop!

 

[moosedog]

Iggy, youre killing me. I needed a good laugh.

I appreciate everyones input and ideas. I'd like to hear more suggestions as I won't get to the electrical part until maybe April. I am always leery of going with a new invention too soon.

 

[msinc]

So I wonder if it would be more cost effective over the long run to just install the regular incandescent fixtures and use LED bulbs, or go the whole route with the 12 volt transformers.
I appreciate the help, when it comes to electrical stuff, i'm pretty much lost.

You really have to go with the transformers to get the full benefit of having LED's. For one thing the individual LED 110V bulbs are too expensive...you may as well just install standard 110V bulbs and eat the electric bill. We might not see it in our lifetimes but unless somebody invents something even more fuel efficient than LED's they will one day be the only artificial light on this planet and will be in every house on this earth.

 

[35Rem]

Right now I think the 4 ft T-8 flourecents are going to give you the most light at the lowest cost and energy use. You put some cans around the edges if you are going to have work benches so the light is over you, and not behind you. You can also pinpoint light in other needed places. The nice thing about the ceiling is you can always change the fixtures out later without too much trouble.