"Gary" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

Our electrician recommended we replace the 85 50W halogen spotlights in our
ceilings with LEDs. We live in Costa Rica where electricity is expensive
and frequent lightening strikes and power surges blow out bulbs. If
possible we will use 12V LEDs. We will also be adding a whole house surge
protector. Our apartment has recessed CFLs in the ceilings. Would that be
a better option? We have no experience with LED lighting. We would
appreciate your opinions.

Thanks,
Gary

A little additional information from the OP

Our house is in the Costa Rican mountains. Our climate is such that we need
neither air conditioning nor heat. Our electric bill is $180/mo which
covers lights and the pool pump. There are only two of us and only a few
bulbs are on at a time. Cooking and hot water are propane. Ceilings are
mostly 15 feet which makes changing bulbs inconvenient. Even with 85
halogen bulbs, the chandeliers, and the wall sconces the house is under lit.
One advantage of changing to LEDs is we can go above the 50W equivalent and
get a little more light.

Thanks,
Gary