Published July 27, 2026 by National Electric NM
Lighting is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to a home or business, and LED technology has made it cheaper to run than ever.
Planning recessed lighting
A useful starting rule for recessed lighting is to space fixtures about half the ceiling height apart: four feet for an eight-foot ceiling. Keep them around two to three feet from walls, and add task lighting over counters instead of relying on a grid alone.
Color temperature
- 2700K: warm, like an incandescent bulb. Good for living rooms and bedrooms.
- 3000K: slightly crisper. Good for kitchens and baths.
- 4000K and above: neutral to cool. Good for garages, shops, and offices.
Use one color temperature within a room. Mixed tones look like a mistake.
Dimming without flicker
LEDs need dimmers designed for them. If lights buzz, flicker, or do not turn fully off, the dimmer is usually the cause.
Insulated ceilings
In ceilings with insulation, fixtures must be rated for insulation contact. Airtight fixtures also stop conditioned air leaking into the attic, which matters in both our hot summers and cold mountain winters.
LED retrofits for businesses
For commercial buildings, an LED lighting retrofit commonly cuts lighting energy use by half or more and reduces maintenance. Ask your utility about rebates.
Outdoors
New Mexico's night skies are worth protecting. Choose shielded fixtures that aim light down. For other fixture work, see lighting installation.