Heat sinks used with LEDs are designed to absorb and disperse excess heat away from the LED diode and into the heat sink. Passive or active air then circulates around the heat sink to help cool it. Too much heat will damage LED phosphor, resulting in lower light output, changes in color and or a significant decrease in life expectancy. Unfortunately, the most common issue we see in LED lighting applications stem from too small of a heat sink or none at all.