What the Big Box Stores Won’t Tell You About LEDs - The Lightbulb Co. UK (2024)

FAQs

What is bad about LED light bulbs? ›

Compared to compact fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are mercury free, but they do contain arsenic and lead, which researchers suggest carry a higher toxicity potential.

LEDs are a big deal because of how little electricity they use, and how long they last. The reason why the invention of the LED was such a big deal is because of two key factors: LEDs don't burn out.

Do not use a bulb that is not rated for enclosed fixtures in any enclosed fixture, whether indoors or outdoors, as it can pose a safety hazard. Using an LED bulb that is not rated for enclosed fixtures in an enclosed fixture may cause the bulb to overheat, potentially causing damage to the both light bulb and fixture.

Why certain light bulbs are now banned. General service lamps, or lightbulbs, are now being regulated to conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. New technology, such as LED lights, are proving to be much more efficient at lighting homes.

Blue Hazard and Pollution Risk: The intensity of blue LEDs and cool-white LEDs can exceed safe blue-light hazard limits for eye safety. The cool white LED can also cause more “blue pollution” when used as outdoor lights compared to traditional lighting.

If cheap lighting has poor wiring you run the risk of electric shocks. The lighting may also have poor insulation which means there is a risk of burning when you touch or go near the light. In extreme cases, cheap lighting may overheat and catch fire which could have catastrophic consequences.

While other light bulbs can get extremely hot when you turn them on, LED lights usually only get slightly warm, if at all (they may even feel cold to the touch). It is because LEDs use less energy than other bulbs, which means they don't waste as much energy producing unnecessary heat.

Quality LED lights use metal heat sinks with fins to pull away and store the heat the light produces. Cheaply made LEDs may use fans or plastic heat sinks to try and pull heat away. These methods of managing heat are more likely to fail, lowering your light's life expectancy.

Why does your LED light get hot? Because energy is running through it. The good news is your LED bulb will not get as hot as other traditional light bulbs.

Having bright lights on all night long can disrupt your natural circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. The blue light emitted from LEDs is especially problematic for sleep. Consider turning strip lights off in bedrooms and living spaces at night.

Why shouldn't you have LED lights on at night? ›

Most people sleep better in a dark environment. Since household LED lights emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin secretion, keeping bright lamps and other lights on through the night can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep, remain asleep, and sleep for an extended period of time.

LED lights may be left on continuously, day and night if that is what is necessary. They're safer than traditional filament bulbs, which can cause fires if left on for too long. They're much less dangerous than other options. LED lights' long service life is a major financial benefit for their owners.

Incandescent and halogen light bulb ban

The end of the incandescent bulb started when former President George W. Bush signed EISA (Energy Independence and Security Act) in 2007. The first tier of standards took effect between 2012 and 2014 and officially phased out 60-watt incandescent bulbs.

LeRoy Angeles, Senior Compliance Engineer at NHTSA, wrote a letter in 2021 explaining that not a single aftermarket LED bulb has ever been approved by NHTSA. This means that every single aftermarket LED replacement bulb on the road is illegal, and yet no government agency is doing anything about it.

A ban covering most incandescent bulbs in the United States took effect in 2023. Objections to replacement of incandescent lamps for general lighting mainly include the higher purchasing expense of alternative light bulbs.

LED is a highly energy-efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR rated products -- use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.

Most people sleep better in a dark environment. Since household LED lights emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin secretion, keeping bright lamps and other lights on through the night can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep, remain asleep, and sleep for an extended period of time.