LED lights last longer than incandescent bulbs, so they are widely accepted as being more cost-effective. However, how long do LED lights last?
On average, LED lights have a 50,000-hour lifespan. Comparatively, incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent lamps last 1,000 hours, 2,000 hours, and 15,000 hours, respectively.
Manufacturers Say LED Lights Last 10 Years
According to some manufacturers, LED lights have an average lifespan of 10 years. Because LED lights are so popular, this claim deserves investigation. Does this claim hold up to ALL LED lights or just some?
When LED lights are marketed as having a 10-year lifespan, the manufacturers assume that they’re used every day for up to 3 hours. In some households, this may be true. However, this assumption does not apply to every household.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of LED Lights
Under a uniform set of operating conditions, LED lights would have a consistent lifespan. Differences in circuitry, degradation and heat are all factors that could shorten the lifespan of an LED light.
1. Built-In Circuitry
LED lights have more complex circuits than traditional incandescent bulbs. They have many capacitors, indicators, resistors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that light up. While LEDs do last longer, the built-in circuitry can fail due to its complexity. This is especially true for dimmable LED lights, whose circuitry usually fails long before the LEDs do. If an LED light burns out before it reaches 10,000 hours, the circuitry is the main cause.
2. LED Lights Degradation
In contrast to incandescent lights, which remain bright until they stop working at the end of their lifespan, LED lights will degrade slowly over time. The maximum brightness of the lights may gradually decrease over time. Thus, the expected lifespan of LEDs is usually based on the onset of bulb degradation. Light bulbs should be replaced when they reach 70% of their original brightness because by then, the bulb cannot provide enough light.
3. Heating Effects
As with any electronic device, LED lights produce heat. Unfortunately, there are no fans or heat sinks to regulate this heat. This leads to a damaged bulb if it becomes too hot.
The LEDs themselves aren’t affected by the build-up of heat, but the circuitry connecting them is. The circuit is usually crammed into a small compartment by manufacturers. Heat is dissipated by the bulb’s base as it operates. By covering the light bulb with a small fixture, the heat inside is blocked, causing the circuit to overheat.
5 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of LED Lights
Did you know you can extend the life of LED lighting by using some essential hacks? Keep these tips in mind to extend the life of your LED lights:
- Avoid Exposure to Intense Heat: LED lights can be dramatically reduced in lifespan when exposed to extremely low or high temperatures. LED lights perform best in conditions below 80% humidity and between -20°C and 30°C. The light bulb is unlikely to last for long if any of these conditions are not met.
- Turn Off Lights When Not in Use: When not in use, do you often leave the lights on? Aside from incurring high energy costs, you are likely to drastically shorten their lifespan. An automatic sensor can help you remember to shut off the lights if you often forget.
- Use a Consistent Lighting Technology: Why would you mix LED light bulbs with incandescent or halogen bulbs? Light from incandescent and halogen bulbs produces lots of heat. Therefore, LED lights should not be used near these other types of bulbs. If you choose LED lights, it’s recommended that you install them throughout your home to maintain uniformity.
- Use LED Lights that Serve Your Needs: Manufacturers don’t design LED lights in the same way. Some lights are designed for prolonged use, such as lighting your business, while others can withstand frequent on-and-off cycles.
- Check Your Power Source Wattage: Make sure that your LED bulbs are compatible with the wattage and voltage of your power source. If you install a 12-watt bulb in an electrical fixture that generates 50 watts, you will only cause it to fail.
There’s Your Answer
According to manufacturers, LED light bulbs typically last ten years, but their actual lifespan depends on their use. Because of this, individuals who use their lights for long periods of time will need to replace them sooner. The quality of the circuitry, exposure to heat, and gradual degradation are also factors that affect LED lights’ lifespan.
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