Frequently Asked Light Bulb Questions

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a device consisting of a semiconductor that emits light energy when an electrical current is passed through it. LEDs can be used for a wide range of lighting applications. It is predicted that LED lights are the future for energy-efficient home lighting.

LED light bulbs have a much longer life span compared to standard incandescent or halogen bulbs. In fact, some LED bulbs are rated to last up to 50,000 hours – that's over 5 years of continuous operation! When you install new LED lights, you may never have to replace the bulbs again.

LED light bulbs are highly efficient, resulting in significant energy savings over the life of the bulb. A traditional incandescent uses 75-85% more energy to produce the same light output of a comparable LED.

Yes. Certain types of LED bulbs are dimmable, but only with a compatible dimmer control. Review the list of compatible dimmers on the specifications tab for our LED light bulbs to ensure your lighting needs will be met.

LED bulbs are; energy-efficient, provide a long life span, semi-directional or omni-directional lighting options, vibration resistant, instant-on capable, with no IR (Infrared) or UV (Ultraviolet) emissions.

LED bulbs are available in color temperatures ranging from 2700K to 6500K, soft white, cool white, and daylight options. Review our Light Bulb Color Temperature Guide to learn which color is right for your lighting needs.

LED bulbs are the only truly eco-friendly lighting solution. Unlike traditional forms of lighting where the majority of the electrical energy is given off in the form of heat, LED bulbs operate at around 80% efficiency. This means that an LED bulb converts 80% of its electricity into light energy with very little given off as heat, compared to an incandescent bulb that only turns 20% of the electricity it uses into light energy.

LED bulbs are instant on, which means the do not require any time to warm up. Also, LED bulbs do not give off any potentially harmful IR or UV emissions.

LED bulbs can emit the same amount of light as an incandescent, but with less watt usage. Light output is measured in Lumens. When comparing LED to other bulbs, be sure to review the Lumen output, not the Watt usage. Review our Light Bulb Lumens vs. Watts Guide to understand how to measure up your bulbs.

LED bulb design has evolved to mirror the look of traditional A shape incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are also available in globe, reflector, miniature, and more shapes.

Incandescent bulbs may hum when used with a dimmer switch. When a dimmer is used, the bulb is actually turned on/off faster than the human eye can register. This constant on/off can cause vibration of the filament within the bulb. Thus a slight humming sound. A quick fix would be to replace the bulb with a rough service version or to upgrade your dimmer switch to improve current management and reduce/eliminate the vibration.

Flicker can be caused by a loose bulb connection, voltage fluctuation to the fixture, or a faulty switch. Tighten the bulb as a first step. If this does not solve the issue, test a new bulb to determine if there is a larger issue. If the bulb is not the issue, review your options with an experienced lighting professional.

A ballast regulates the current through the fixture to the bulb/lamp and provides sufficient voltage to start the light. Without a ballast, a lamp could overheat and burn out very quickly. Ballasts can be replaced and may require specialized disposal.

Cold temperatures can impact the light output of some bulb types, such as fluorescent variations. Exposure to cold temperatures can make it difficult for the cathode in a fluorescent lamp to heat properly, decreasing the level of illumination from the lamp.