Can I Put LED Bulbs In A Ceiling Fan? (Find Out Now!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

The light bulb wars were a time when people were getting introduced to a wide range of different bulbs. At one point or another, it seemed like LED lights and incandescent lights both won. That led to a lot of adjustments. You need to know which bulbs to use where. For example, it might be time to learn about LED bulbs and ceiling fans.

LED bulbs can be used in both modern and vintage ceiling fans without much issue. It’s important to choose a bulb that has the same wattage (or equal wattage) to the incandescent bulbs you would have usually gotten.

It’s time to get a closer look at the light bulb revolution. Are you ready to get a better understanding of what your ceiling fan needs? Great! Here’s the scoop.

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Are LED Bulbs Safe To Use In A Ceiling Fan?

LED bulbs and smart bulbs are both considered to be totally safe to use in a ceiling fan. LEDs burn slower and colder than incandescent bulbs, making them a more durable option that also reduces the risk of a fire hazard. Most people agree that they are just as good, if not better, than incandescent lights or CFL bulbs.

Which Bulbs Are More Environmentally Friendly, LEDs Or CFLs?

LEDs are the better bulb by far. With CFL bulbs, you might have to treat the entire area like a biohazard if it pops. They contain a lot of mercury, you know! LED bulbs do not have mercury and are less prone to explosions.

Do LED Bulbs Reduce Insect Attraction?

It’s often noted that lights that have LED bulbs don’t attract bugs. This isn’t just an old wive’s tale. The colder temperature of LED bulbs means that bugs are less likely to fly over to it. In areas like Florida, using LED bulbs on outdoor fans is basically a must.

How Do You Pick The Right Bulb For Your Fan?

The trick to making sure that you get the best results is knowing the type of bulb that you will need to buy. These small issues below are what you want to keep an eye out for:

  • Bulb Size. The bottom of your LED bulb is going to have to fit into the socket of your ceiling fan. Candelabra fans will use either E11 or E12 bulbs. If you have a regular ceiling fan, you might need an E17 or an E26 bulb instead. Bring your old bulb if you have a hard time judging size.
  • Wattage. LED bulbs don’t always go by the same wattage as incandescent bulbs. You need to find an LED bulb that will contain an equivalent wattage to your typical bulbs. Thankfully, most will have the equivalent wattage for your incandescents. A good rule of thumb is that an 800 Lumen LED will work for a 60-watt bulb.
  • Color. The cool thing about LEDs is that you get a wider range of colors. In the case of smart bulbs, you can switch colors with the push of a button. We suggest using warmer lights for indoors. It gives you a nice, homey glow.

Can You Use An LED Light With A Dimmer Switch?

Honestly, as much as I want to say yes, the answer is no. Dimmer switches and ceiling fans are usually not compatible from the get-go. If you have a dimmer switch, LEDs are not going to be a good mix. Though there are dimmable LED lights, they generally don’t look good.

Most LED lights that dim look awkward. If you have a dim switch, make sure that the LED load is going to be compatible with it. In most cases, we would simply suggest that you don’t risk it. Even if your bulb is compatible, you might find that the end result looks flickery or otherwise fake.

Can You Use An LED Light With A Pull String Ceiling Fan?

Believe it or not, this is one of the easiest types of ceiling fans to work with. Unless you have a really wonky setup, a ceiling light with a pull string is one of the best types for LED light compatibility. In most cases, it’s just as easy as putting an LED bulb in a table lamp.

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Related Questions

How do you replace LED lights in a prefabricated ceiling fan?

Most of the newer light fixtures today have LED lights in a prefabricated panel. They are meant to last for 15 to 20 years without ever needing any kind of change or switch. As a result, they actually don’t have the means to be replaced without replacing the entire unit.While this is very wasteful, the good news is that you won’t have to worry about this for decades—provided that you buy the right lamp. If yours burns out quickly, you might be able to get a new one based on your warranty.


How long are LED lights supposed to last?

LED lights are meant to be extremely long lasting when compared to their incandescent counterparts. A typical LED bulb is supposed to last for anywhere between 15,000 to 50,000 hours. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that this is not entirely true. Most people find that they are definitely more durable than a typical bulb, but that they do not live up to their promises.Officially, an LED is supposed to last for 50,000 hours. In practice, most people will need to replace a typical bulb within 1 to 3 years. It all depends on the workmanship of the bulb and the fixture they are being used in.


Why aren’t my LED bulbs bright?

LEDs are very prone to premature aging. When this occurs, your bulbs will lose brightness at a breakneck speed. They will start to dim out to the point that it seems like they will need to be replaced. This often happens as a result of bad bulb workmanship, loose wires, or a lamp that is somewhat busted. Keep an eye out for fixtures that are “repeat offenders” since these may need to be replaced.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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