Some jurisdictions do limit the choices via energy efficiency laws (eg - title 24 in CA). Also, the lighting industry has shifted towards LED.

No laws regarding this where I live. Just wondering if there is any reason not to go all LED.

Well, LEDs don't fit in all stand-alone lamps, for example. I've put LED bulbs in fixtures designed for halogen bulbs, but needed to make sure: 1) they fit in length and width, and 2) provided sufficient air circulation.

There are LED bulbs designed specifically for closed-globe fixtures, but again, you need to measure the length/width inside, because the internal heat sink can make it too bulky.

Also, most LED bulbs max out at 100 watts (I noticed 150w LEDs are finally out, but they aren't cheap). We found a huge variance in how much light different mfg's bulbs put out even when they're ostensibly the same wattage and lumens. It wasn't quite as easy as buying incandescents, unfortunately!

For example, I was putting LED floods in my old track lites and recessed cans. I had inadvertently bought two different brands. Both were the same 50w and lumens. But there was a HUGE difference in intensity and quality of the light. The FEIT were terrible; we gave them away and went with the TCP brand which gave a far superior light.

That light from the TCP floods, btw, is yet again different in color and intensity from the newer, small Juno 50w LED mini-floods we use in another room. So the answer? You really do need to maybe bring a few bulbs home and see which ones you prefer. Some folks like a warmer light, some like a more balanced white tone.

jakkom -- good points. I'm not talking about any closed-globe fixtures (and no halogen designed fixtures), and all the fixtures I am talking about either use standard size & base bulbs or candelabra base which are both readily available.

Any guidelines as to what color light LEDs should be used where?

Any guidelines as to what color light LEDs should be used where?

If you can shop around, the same ranges of color temperatures are available in LED as in incandescent. I'm guessing there are plenty of guidelines out there describing where to use which color temperature. Personally, I'm not much on "cool white" or "daylight" so I've stuck with "warm white" (2700-3000*K) in incandescent, CFL, or LED.

I've seen elsewhere as well that the FEIT bulbs are not good.

There is a huge variety of LED emitter components that manufacturers can use. Along with the rush to achieve the lowest price possible, it is not surprising to see a variance between manufacturers in terms of actual output, performance, durability.

If you have areas for late night cram/ study sessions, a higher color temp (>= 3500k) would be helpful. Otherwise, it comes down to your personal preferences.

With LEDs, it is possible to have temperature and color changing lighting, though the cost could be prohibitive.

Now that I've ordered all of my fixtures, I've got another question. Can I substitute LED bulbs in all fixtures as long as they are not fully enclosed? What about if a fixture is enclosed on 3 sides, but open on one? Please help me so that I buy the right bulbs. Thanks.

Does that apply to exterior fixtures as well? Thanks.

When I was in the big-box home-improvement store the other day, I noticed that they now offer (at least here in Minnesota) "cold-start" LEDs designed for some of the more remarkable temperatures we get here during the winter. That may not be an issue for others at all.

Yes. It would also be prudent to stick with known good brands eg - Cree, Phillips

Thanks everyone. Yes, I am planning to use the well rated brands.