LED Replacement Bulbs

There are always a lot of questions about LED replacement bulbs and how they work.  We have compiled a list of the questions we get asked most often and hope you find this useful in helping to make the decision to convert to LED bulbs.

Q: How do I convert my existing fixture to an LED fixture?

A: It is as easy as changing the bulb.  If you are using halogen or incandescent bulbs in your existing recessed lights (pot lights) or track lights you can just change the bulb to an LED equivalent.  LED AC bulbs are available with a standard E26 screw type base of a GU10 base.  A PAR30 and PAR20 LED bulb is the same size as a standard bulb.  A LED GU10 may be slightly longer than the halogen it is replacing.  This is never an issue with a recessed pot light but could cause a concern if you have a track light with a ring that fits over the face of the bulb to hold it in.  Many are adjustable but some are not.

Q:  Is it true that there is no heat with an LED bulb?

A: This is a common misconception about LED lights.  It is true that an LED bulb runs significantly cooler than a halogen or an incandescent bulb.  The LED bulb projects very little heat forward.  If the bulb was lit for 24 hours you could touch the face of the bulb and it would just be warm.  You will not be standing under an LED light and feel heat on your head.  The heat is transferred to the heat sync part of the bulb.  You will notice that the back of an LED replacement bulb is metal.  This is the heat sync that keeps the LED chip from overheating.  Because of this you want to be sure there is ventilation in the housing so the heat has a way to escape.  Stay away from a bullet style track light head that encloses the back of the bulb.

Q: Why are LED replacements so expensive?

A: There is a lot of solid state technology inside the bulbs.  All LED chips are low voltage so an AC style replacement bulb has a driver built into the bulb to convert AC to DC.  In addition if the bulb is dimmable there is additional circuits to make the bulbs dimmable.  The good news is that is installed in a pot light or track light with enough ventilation to keep the bulb at normal temperatures the LED replacement bulbs we sell are rated to last 50,000 hours.  This means that the bulbs, if left on for 12 hours a day, will run for 12 years.  Not so expensive when you factor in the lifespan and the energy costs.

Q: Are there limitations to LED replacement bulbs?

A: In our opinion the answer is yes. LEDs are the perfect replacement for any directional downlight.  What you will not find on this site is a globe style LED that you would use in a lamp.  We have tested several that claim to replace a 60W and 75W light bulb and have determined that the technology is getting close but not there yet.  There are over 500 million 60W incandescent bulbs sold in North America every year so you have to assume that all manufacturers are working on a LED replacement.  Several claim to have them but we think you will be disappointed with the light output and colour.  They also must be able to dim.  In Canada we have another hurdle and that is a bulb that has the proper legal electrical certifications.  Just because it is available in the states does not mean it is approved for use in our country.

Q: Is there a warm up period for the LED bulb to reach its full brightness?

A: No!  Unlike CFL bulbs, LED bulbs turn on at full power without any warm up.

If you have other questions please call us and ask.  We will add them to the FAQ's to assist others.  We can be reached at 1.800.677.2698.