LED lights have changed the game for businesses by reducing energy costs and increasing durability. But here’s the problem – not all energy-saving bulbs are made equal. Some fail prematurely, others don’t work as advertised, and the worst of all are those with worthless warranties.
As a business owner, you should be familiar with LED lights‘ warranties and certifications before making a purchase. Sadly, many don’t know what to look out for, and that brings us to the topic of the day.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to look for in LED warranties and certifications so you don’t waste money on junk.
Understanding LED Warranties
A strong LED lights warranty is your safety net against premature failures. Many reputable manufacturers offer coverage for 3-10 years, which protects their customers against defects, lumen maintenance, and driver failures.
But these warranties often leave out damage from improper installation, voltage fluctuations, or unauthorized modifications. So we advise you to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
You should also prioritize warranties that cover the light bulb parts to save you the cost of repairs later. We recommend watching out for red flags such as vague terms, unusually short coverages (1-2 years), or brands with no proven track record.
A good light bulb warranty should be simple enough to understand, easy to claim, and backed by a trusted brand. In a nutshell, don’t settle for less – your long-term savings depend on it.
Key LED Certifications to Look For
These are the certifications for energy-efficient light bulbs you should look out for:
- ENERGY STAR®
- It guarantees high efficiency, performance, and long lifespan.
- It’s eligible for utility rebates and incentives in many regions.
- It shows the bulb has undergone rigorous third-party testing for consistent brightness and color.
- DLC (DesignLights Consortium)
- It’s the standard for commercial-grade performance.
- It’s often required for energy rebates (check local programs).
- It has higher efficiency than ENERGY STAR in some cases.
- UL/ETL Listed
- It’s a safety certification for electrical components.
- It prevents fire and shock risks from uncertified imports.
- It has marks from UL, ETL, or other OSHA-recognized labs. They show the product has been tested for electrical shock hazards, fire risks, overheating protection, and safe materials usage.
- IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)
- It’s critical for outdoor/industrial LEDs (e.g., IP65 = dust-proof + water-resistant).
- The first digit means solids protection while the second digit stands for liquids protection.
- LM-80 & LM-90 Testing
- LM-80 verifies lumen maintenance (how long LEDs stay bright).
- LM-90 covers full product lifespan claims.
- They ensure manufacturers aren’t exaggerating the product’s longevity to boost their market appeal.
How to Verify Warranty or Certification Claims of Energy Saving Light Bulbs?
To be on the safe side, you shouldn’t take marketing claims at face value. So, how do you verify these claims? It’s pretty simple.
- First, check official certification databases like the DLC Qualified Products List or ENERGY STAR Certified Lighting to confirm a product’s status.
- Next, research the manufacturer’s reputation through the BBB, customer reviews, and industry forums like Reddit’s r/lighting.
- If certifications aren’t clearly labeled, request LM-80 or safety test reports. If the brand is reputable, it will provide them.
Conclusion
Before buying business LED lighting, we recommend auditing suppliers carefully. Better still, explore our premium LED light bulbs at Konn World – they’re backed by the best warranties on the market. Let’s help your business upgrade wisely; your bottom line depends on it.