FAQ's

What are LED bulbs?

LED bulbs are energy-efficient lighting devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light.

How are LED bulbs different from traditional incandescent bulbs?

LED bulbs use significantly less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. They also produce less heat and emit light in a specific direction.

What are the benefits of using LED bulbs?

LED bulbs have a longer lifespan, use less energy, emit less heat, and are more environmentally friendly than traditional incandescent bulbs.

How do I choose the right LED bulb?

Consider the bulb's brightness (measured in lumens), color temperature (measured in Kelvin), CRI (color rendering index), and base type (e.g. screw or bayonet). You can also choose from different bulb shapes and sizes.  See our assortment of LED Bulbs here or call us of email from the Contact Us Page.

What are Lumens?

In simple terms, lumens indicate how bright a light source is.

Lumens are used to quantify the brightness of all types of light sources, including light bulbs, LEDs, and other types of lamps. The more lumens a light source produces, the brighter it appears to the human eye.

What are Kelvins?

Kelvin (K) is a unit of measurement used to describe the color temperature of a light source. 

The Kelvin scale ranges from warm to cool hues, with lower Kelvin values indicating a warmer, yellowish color, and higher Kelvin values indicating a cooler, bluish color. For example, a typical incandescent light bulb emits light at around 2700K, which is a warm, yellowish color, while daylight has a color temperature of around 5000K, which is a cooler, bluish color.

The color temperature of a light source can have a significant impact on the perceived brightness and mood of a space. For example, warm hues are often used in living areas to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while cooler hues are often used in workspaces to promote productivity and alertness.

What is CRI?

CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. It is a measure of a light source's ability to accurately render colors in comparison to a reference light source.

The CRI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating that colors appear more vibrant and accurate under the light source being tested. A CRI score of 100 represents the maximum possible color rendering, which is equivalent to natural daylight.

CRI is an important consideration when selecting lighting when accurate color perception is desired. A light source with a high CRI will accurately reproduce the colors of objects, making them look more natural, while a light source with a low CRI may distort the colors of objects, making them appear dull or washed out.

CRI is not the same as color temperature, which is a measure of the warmth or coolness of the light emitted by a source, expressed in Kelvin (K). While color temperature is important for determining the mood and ambiance of a space, CRI is important for accurately rendering colors.

What's a lightbulb base type?

The lightbulb base type refers to the specific design of the connector that attaches the lightbulb to the fixture. Lightbulbs come in a variety of different base types, each designed to fit a specific type of socket in a light fixture.

The most common lightbulb base types include:

1. Edison Screw (E): A threaded base that screws into the socket of a light fixture. This is the most common type of base in North America and  and it comes in different sizes.  An E26 screw base is approximately 1 inch in diameter, while an E12 screw base is just under 1/2 inch in diameter and used in most chandeliers. 

2. Bi-Pin (G): A base with two straight pins that insert into a socket. This is commonly used for halogen bulbs such as an MR16 bulb.

3. Twist and Lock (GU): A base that locks into the socket by twisting it. This is commonly used in bulbs such as the GU10 and GU24.

Can I use an LED bulb in any fixture?

Most LED bulbs are designed to be used in the same fixtures as traditional incandescent bulbs. However, some LED bulbs may not be compatible with certain types of dimmer switches, so be sure to check the our Dimmers page to see which dimmers work with each of our products, and be sure to purchase a bulb with the same base type as the bulb you're replacing.

Are LED bulbs dimmable?

Many LED bulbs are dimmable, but not all.  Our bulbs indicate whether they're dimmable or non-dimmable in the product title, description and on the packaging itself.  Be sure it's compatible with the type of dimmer switch you have by clicking on our Dimmers page.

Are LED bulbs more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs?

LED bulbs are typically more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last much longer and use less energy, so they can save you money in the long run.

Can LED bulbs be recycled?

Yes, most LED bulbs can be recycled. Check with your local recycling center for more information on how to recycle LED bulbs in your area.

Do LED bulbs emit UV light?

Most LED bulbs do not emit UV light, but some specialty bulbs may emit a small amount of UV radiation. Check the packaging or manufacturer's website for information on UV emissions.

How do I dispose of a used LED bulb?

LED bulbs should be disposed of properly. Check with your local recycling center or waste disposal facility for guidance on how to dispose of used LED bulbs in your area.