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LED Light FAQs

Many people have questions about LED lights. Here are the answers to some of the most common searches that Internet users have about the topic.

 

What Does “LED" Stand For?

The term LED is an abbreviation for “light-emitting diode."

 

How Long Does an LED Light Last?

Most LEDs available today have a rated life of up to 50,000 hours. Some of the best products in the industry can even top 100,000 hours. That means the light lasts about 50 times longer than the typical incandescent bulb.

 

It's also about 25 times better than halogen technology and up to ten times more than a typical CFL.

 

If you use an LED light for eight hours per day, it will last for 17 years.

 

Where Can I Use LED Lights?

LED lighting can be used almost anywhere. This technology can replace a bulb when another type burns out, is installed under a cabinet, or is used for decorative purposes. Many LED products today are compatible with dimming systems.

 

If you already use a light somewhere, you're almost guaranteed to have an LED-compatible product available to replace it.

 

Can I Use LEDs in Enclosed Fixtures?

LEDs come with different ratings. If you plan to use one in an enclosed fixture, the product must be rated for that usage.

 

If you use a lamp that isn't rated for an enclosure, you'll experience flickering and a dramatically reduced lifespan.

 

LEDs used in fixtures where less than a half-inch around the lamp's circumference when installed are considered an enclosure. It doesn't need to be an airtight installation point with this technology.

 

Why Switch to LED Lights?

Numerous advantages are possible when you switch from traditional lighting to LED lights. This technology uses a lot less electricity, the bulbs have a long-rate lifespan, and they produce minimal heat.


LED lights don't emit infrared or UV, contain zero mercury, and are resistant to vibrations and shock. They operate effectively in almost every environment.

 

Why Are LEDs Expensive?

Since LED technologies are still relatively new, the expense of producing high-quality products is still passed along to the consumer. The price points have dropped significantly in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue.

 

It's important to remember that the energy savings an LED bulb generate often lets it pay for itself over the product's lifespan.

 

As supplies increase, customers can expect prices to decrease.

 

Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive LED Lights?

Yes. You get what you pay for when purchasing LED lights today. If you want something durable that maximizes its 50,000-hour lifespan, investing in a more expensive product makes sense. Cheap-made LEDs can still provide energy savings, but they'll need to be replaced more often.

 

Do LEDs Produce Enough Light Compared to Traditional Bulbs?

An LED bulb can directly replace another type without problems in most situations. They can produce the same amount of light as a 100W incandescent bulb. Specialty products can even replace higher wattages.

 

What Is the Quality of LED Lighting?

When you purchase a high-quality LED light, the quality it provides is excellent. The Color Rendering Index measures this feature on a scale of 1-100. Almost all LED lights have a rating of 80, with many of them exceeding 90.

 

Can LED Lights Be Used with Dimmers?

Most LED lights are usable with dimmers. You'll need to see if the product is compatible when purchasing it or reading the installation instructions. Some systems work better than others with this technology, so it's a good idea to test your setup before re-lamping everything.

 

Are LED Lights Environmentally Friendly?

LED lights are considered a green technology. They use less electricity, contain no mercury like CFLs, and reduce solid waste. If you replace one incandescent bulb with an LED alternative, you're preventing 50 light bulbs from being thrown away. Since they produce less heat, home HVAC systems have less strain to manage. Over the next 15 years, it's expected that adopting this technology more can take out 258 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

 

LED lights are a fantastic investment to consider. You can reduce energy consumption, enjoy different fixtures, and help the environment simultaneously. ​



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