LED stands for light-emitting diode. LED bulbs are extremely long-lasting, with many rated to last over 20,000 hours, which is over 13 years if used 4 hours per day. They can replace most traditional bulb types and offer numerous advantages like using 80% less energy and containing no mercury. While initially more expensive, LED bulbs save significantly on energy costs over their lifetime and typically pay for themselves within a few years. LEDs produce high quality, warm white light and are very environmentally friendly due to their energy efficiency and lack of mercury.

1. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2. What does LED stand for?
LED is short for light-emitting diode, a new light bulb technology. LED lighting
products use light emitting diodes to produce light very efficiently. An electrical
current passes through semiconductor material, which illuminates the tiny light
sources we call LEDs.

3. How long do LED
light bulbs last?
LEDs are notable for being extremely long-lasting products. Many LEDs have a rated
life of up to 20,000 hours. This is approximately 20 times longer than a typical
incandescent, 15 times longer than a typical halogen, and 4 times longer than a
typical CFL. Used 4 hours a day, a 20,000 bulb will last more than 13 years.

4. Where can LEDs be used?
They can be used almost anywhere. LED replacements are already available for bulb
types such as A-shape, PAR reflector floods, high hat ceiling, decorative, candelabra,
under cabinet, and more; available for indoor and outdoor use.

5. What are the advantages
of switching to LED?
The advantages of switching to LED are numerous. Here are just some of the
benefits: LEDs use much less electricity (80% less) than other bulbs, have extremely
long rated lives, produce very little heat, do not emit UV or infrared, contain no
mercury, are resistant to shock and vibration, and can operate effectively in
extremely cold environments. For more information on the advantages
of LED go to energy.shop.com

6. Why do LEDs cost more than other
types of bulbs? Are they worth it?
LED is still a new technology, and the expense of producing quality product is still high.
However, pricing has come down dramatically from just a few years ago. In terms of
whether LEDs are worth the extra cost, the answer is a strong YES. It's helpful to look at
the cost to operate a bulb over the lifespan of an LED, versus focusing on up-front cost
alone. The energy savings realized in a switch to LED means that the extra up-front
cost is often paid back rather quickly, and you'll wind up saving a significant
amount of money over the life of the bulb. If you'd like to see this in
action, check out our calculator on energy.shop.com. Once you
see how much you can save from investing in LEDs, you
will see why it is such a no brainer!

7. Is there really any difference
between a $10 LED and a $20 LED?
Yes. LEDs are very similar to consumer electronics and quality really matters. In
order for an LED to function properly and provide an acceptable light output, all of
the components must be built to last. It's always a good idea to buy from a
manufacturer and retailer that you're confident will stand behind the
product. Our bulbs are manufactured by LSG, one of the leading LED
providers in the US. All of our bulbs have an Energy Star and
UL certification and have a five year limited warranty.

8. Is an LED going to produce enough
light to replace my current bulb?
Yes. LED products are now reliably replacing incandescent bulbs and produce
equivalent light of up to 100 watts, and specialty products are available to replace
even higher wattages.

9. What’s the quality of LED light?
If you buy quality product like our bulbs, the light quality is excellent. Most of our
bulbs produce 2700 Calvins or what you would call Warm or Soft White light. You do
not get the white light effect that you would get from a fluorescent or CFL bulb at
all.

10. How green are LEDs?
LEDs are very green. For starters, they use much less electricity than many other lighting
products. This means that less electricity has to be produced to operate them, and resulting in
lower emissions from power plants, especially in areas where coal-fired plants are common.
Unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury. Because of their long life, they also reduce solid waste: If
you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED, you will prevent twenty 1,000 hour
incandescent bulbs from being thrown away. Additionally, they produce very little
heat and can reduce energy usage related to HVAC. The U.S. Department of
Energy has estimated that increased adoption of LEDs over the next 15
years would also reduce electricity demands from lighting by 62
percent, prevent 258 million metric tons of carbon emissions, and
eliminate the need for 133 new power plants.

11. Can LEDs be used
with dimmers?
Usually, yes. Many LEDs are specifically listed as being dimmable. Some dimming
systems work with LEDs better than others.

12. Should LEDs be used in
Enclosed fixtures?
Not if they are completely enclosed. In order for an LED to function correctly, they
must be in a non-enclosed fixture to allow for heat to dissipate from the heat sink.
Otherwise, they can overheat and may fail early.