| 1 | Room Size and Light Output | Compare the fixture's delivered lumens with the room area and use. | Use approximately 100–200 lumens per square metre for general residential lighting. Choose a higher level for kitchens, work areas, or rooms with dark finishes. | A suitable lumen level reduces glare, under-lighting, and the need to add extra fixtures. | Correct sizing can reduce the cost of additional lamps, rewiring, and later replacement. | High |
| 2 | Ceiling and Electrical Compatibility | Check ceiling material, mounting surface, junction-box position, fixture weight, voltage, frequency, and included hardware. | Confirm compatibility with the local electrical system before purchase. Hardwired installations should be completed by a qualified electrician where required by local law. | Electrical standards and ceiling construction differ between countries, and unsuitable hardware can create safety risks. | Correct compatibility helps avoid adapters, replacement drivers, return shipping, and extra installation visits. | High |
| 3 | Installation Difficulty | Review fixture dimensions, mounting method, cable access, installation instructions, and whether a second person is needed. | Prefer clear diagrams, labelled terminals, secure mounting brackets, and all required screws or anchors. Do not rely on product photographs alone. | A simpler installation reduces labour time and the chance of incorrect wiring or ceiling damage. | Include electrician labour, travel charges, ceiling repairs, and disposal of the old fixture in the installation budget. | High |
| 4 | Energy Consumption | Record rated wattage, expected daily operating time, and local electricity price. | Estimate annual energy use with: watts ÷ 1,000 × operating hours per day × 365. Multiply the result by the local electricity tariff. | Lower wattage at the same useful light output generally reduces operating emissions and electricity use. | Total energy cost should be calculated over the expected service period, not only from the purchase price. | High |
| 5 | Light Quality and Dimming | Check colour temperature, colour rendering, flicker performance, dimming method, and compatibility with existing controls. | For general living areas, 2700–3000 K is commonly perceived as warm; 3500–4000 K is commonly used for neutral task lighting. Look for a stated CRI value and verified dimmer compatibility. | Light quality affects comfort, colour appearance, productivity, and the usability of connected controls. | Compatible dimming can prevent the cost of replacing switches or buying separate control equipment. | Medium |
| 6 | Smart-Home and App Support | Check supported operating systems, wireless standard, required hub, account requirements, privacy policy, firmware updates, and offline operation. | Confirm that the app is available in the buyer's country and language. Verify whether basic on/off control works when internet access is unavailable. | Regional app restrictions, cloud dependence, and discontinued software can reduce functionality even when the hardware still works. | Consider hub fees, subscription charges, mobile data use, replacement controllers, and future support limitations. | Medium |
| 7 | Warranty and Returns | Read warranty duration, covered components, exclusions, proof-of-purchase rules, return window, and who pays return shipping. | Separate the warranty for the fixture from coverage for the LED module, driver, remote, and smart-control components. Keep invoices and installation records. | Different parts may fail at different times, and some warranties exclude incorrect installation or moisture exposure. | Short or unclear coverage can shift replacement, shipping, labour, and disposal costs to the buyer. | High |
| 8 | Durability and Serviceability | Check rated operating life, driver quality information, heat management, ingress protection rating, and availability of replacement parts. | For damp locations, select a fixture with an ingress protection rating appropriate to the installation area. Do not treat an indoor-only fixture as suitable for outdoor use. | Heat, moisture, dust, and inaccessible components can shorten service life and increase failure risk. | Replaceable drivers, remotes, or LED modules may cost more initially but can reduce full-fixture replacement costs. | High |
| 9 | Shipping, Taxes, and Regional Compliance | Calculate product price, international freight, customs duty, VAT or sales tax, brokerage fees, and local recycling obligations. | Use the delivered cost to the installation address rather than the advertised item price. Check whether the product has the electrical conformity markings required in the destination market. | A low purchase price can become expensive after import charges or may not meet local safety requirements. | Include customs delays, damaged-goods claims, cross-border return shipping, and local disposal fees. | High |
| 10 | Total Cost of Ownership | Combine purchase, delivery, taxes, installation, electricity, maintenance, subscriptions, repairs, and replacement costs. | Use: Total ownership cost = delivered purchase cost + installation + energy + maintenance and subscriptions + expected repair or replacement cost − valid rebates. | This provides a fair comparison between inexpensive basic fixtures and higher-priced connected models. | Compare costs over the same period, such as five years, and use the same operating hours and electricity tariff for every option. | High |
