FAQs 

Typical questions and misconceptions about LED lighting

Are LEDs a proven technology?

LEDs are a new method for general (white) lighting and have been used successfully for the last decade in all lighting applications. The technology is proven to be reliable, long-lasting, and efficient through testing and requirements imposed by the Department of Energy. LEDs for general lighting are currently in use all over the world, however there are few reasons LEDs are not prevalent in the U.S. The main reason is because the cost of electricity is so high in the rest of the world that foreign markets are the early adopters. The second reason is that U.S. consumers have a bad habit of being short-term buyers instead of long-term investors.

Will the price of LEDs go down?

The upfront costs of LEDs is high compared to fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. LED prices will certainly continue to decrease over time so it is important to analyze the payback period of an LED bulb. For example, a $60 LED tube light can save $15 per year in electrical costs over a fluorescent tube, but since the cost of these lights has only been going down %5 per year the cost of the tube light will still be about $57 next year. Without "running the numbers" you risk a decision that is penny wise, but pound foolish.

Will the price and performance of LEDs improve as more are being made?

Again, LEDs are being used in huge volumes all over the world. The misconception is that the technology is will soon become drastically cheaper and better; we know the market well and can assure you this is not the case. The reality is that LEDs are proven to be the best solution for many lighting applications. Just one of RedBird LED's light tube contains more than 300 LED elements, so for any good sized lighting project millions of LEDs will be used. There is already large purchasing power in the LED market because billions of these are made every day.

Aren't LED lights kind of bluish?

LED colors are completely customizable. The typical white chosen for an LED is made to match the color of daylight, this appears more blue and less red than an incandescent light. The color rendering of LEDs is as good as or better than fluorescents. Some LEDs of lower quality don't have good color matching of white light. RedBird LED only sells surface mount LED elements (SMDs) and completely avoids 5mm DIPs. (5mm DIPs are inexpensive, but have rapid light degradation and blue-shift)