Frequently Asked Questions about LED
LED Lighting and green technology is new to many people. Most people have heard about LEDs, yet they still have some questions. Efficient lighting can be a simple and cost effective way to make a difference. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that you may find helpful, if you still have questions please contact our help department at help@VibrantLED.com.
Q. I want to find a Green Lighting solution but LED lighting seems expensive, is there any help?
A. Yes! One example of this is in New York’s Hudson Valley. A large electrical provider, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, will give its customers up to 70% back on the fixture* costs for green lighting. Please contact your county provider to secure a green lighting grant, or funding for efficient lighting.
Q. Your website claims savings but how can I see them before I buy an LED light?
A. Contact us and a sales representative will be able to outline the savings you see with the use of LED lighting.
Q. I’ve heard about Induction lighting being efficient , if not more efficient then LEDs. Is this true, and why should I use LEDs?
A. Induction Lighting is another form of energy efficient lighting; however there are some key differences that a consumer should be educated on before investing their money in their lighting project.
From an engineering perspective LED Lighting provides more lumens per watt as well as a greater ability to focus the direction of the light. What does this mean to you and me? It means that an LED light provides more “particles” of light for the same if not less electricity. It also means that this light is directed in the direction of the diodes, there is no need for a reflector.
From an “environmental impact” perspective, Induction Lighting still contains some mercury, which is very harmful for the environment. Yes, this mercury can be responsibly recycled; however LEDs contain no mercury whatsoever.
Q. What’s more cost effective, replacing a fixture or a screw in bulb? And if I choose a screw in LED Light will any bulb fit in any fixture?
A. In the long run replacing a fixture will always give you greater savings. This is achieved through an extended life span. Despite this, the unit prices can often dissuade people, which is why it is so important to research your local electric provider for green initiatives.
A screw-in bulb will still save you money considering it will reduce your total KWH consumption. It is important to know what kind of base you are screwing the bulb into. In almost all residential homes a 26/27 base is used. Yet if you are not sure please unscrew your bulb and look, and then find your replacement on our product page.
Q. I’ve seen some LED lights that don’t look nearly as bright as a Metal Halide, why is that?
A. This situation is a result of a faulty installation. Other companies will claim that a certain wattage LED replaces a larger wattage metal halide. They do this so that they can show greater savings. Despite the savings however, these companies do not focus on the large difference this causes in lumen counts and the amount of light which is actually provided. We have developed a mathematical formula to ensure that we do not make the mistake that other companies do.
Q. How does an LED work compared to a traditional bulb?
A. At the right of this page you will find an in-depth breakdown under "How it Works".
Q. What’s the difference between a good LED light and a cheap LED Light?
A. A typical LED light has numerous diodes, or semiconductors clustered together on a diode board. Certain diode technologies are more efficient than others and require less diodes clustered together to produce a watt of light. What it often comes down to is the quality of diode, driver, and housing as these are the three most pinnacle parts of a led light.
Q. Does temperature affect LED lighting?
A. Yes temperatures can affect the LED. LED lights are tested at around -20 degrees and upwards of 130 degrees. The cold has very little effect on LED lights. The heat, however, can affect the LEDs and may cause some issues in producing maximum lighting.
Q. What is a driver? How does it interact with an LED Light?
A. A driver in an LED is the equivalent of a ballast in a traditional lighting fixture. What a driver does is convert the incoming electricity from the main line, to the correct wattage needed by the LED. So a driver is like an electricity dam. It holds back what isn’t needed or what would cause a “flood” of electricity to the light, letting through the correct amount. Too much electricity to the light could essentially fry the diodes, making them useless, not enough light and its to dark, but with the right driver, everything works perfectly.