How Long Do LED Bulbs Last?

How Long Do LED Bulbs Last?

Are you thinking of joining the LED light bulb revolution? More households and businesses are switching to LED bulbs than ever before. However, one of the most pressing questions people ask before making the switch is – how long do led lights last?  

Today, LED bulbs can last anywhere between 10,000 and 50,000 hours. This means, depending on usage, your bulbs could last up to 10 years.

You may already be aware of the energy efficiency that LED bulbs are renowned for, as well as their safety, modernity, and their low environmental impact. However, it’s how long do led lights last on average that gets home and business owners scratching their heads. After all, if they have a short bulb life, how can they take advantage of lower electric bills if LEDs need to be persistently replaced every few weeks?

Let’s explore how long do led lights last, and how they compare to other lighting solutions.

How Do They Compare To Other Bulbs?

If you’re still on the fence about LED bulbs and contemplating another bulb solution to light your home or business, then consider this table below to see how their longevity compares with other bulb solutions.

LED (hours)	CFL (hours)	Halogen (hours)	Incandescent (hours)
Up to: 50,000	Up to: 10,000	2,000	1,000

In contrast with other bulbs, it’s clear that other lighting options simply don’t compare to the energy efficiency or longevity of LED bulbs. Combine this factor with their low environmental impact and their lower energy consumption, and it’s easy to see why more homeowners and businesses than ever before are switching to LED bulbs.

Why Do They Last Longer?

When we ask how long do led lights last on average, we need to take into consideration how they work. Essentially, LED bulbs have a longer life than traditional lighting solutions because of the way light is produced. As these bulbs are illuminated using semiconductors and electroluminescence - unlike a traditional incandescent bulb that uses a combination of heat and electricity passing through a filament to produce light - they simply last longer and don’t contain parts that burn out or break as easily.

This makes them around 90% more effective than traditional incandescent options. And as LED bulbs are designed to be durable and shockproof, unlike glass bulb types, they’re less likely to become damaged and break prematurely.

Does Anything Impact Their Lifespan?

We’ve explained that LED bulbs have an expected lifespan of between 10,000 and 50,000 hours or around 10 years – that’s a long time to wait to change a bulb! However, it’s worth noting that some factors could affect their predicted lifespan. If you’re planning on installing LED bulbs, consider the following factors.

-          A lack of ventilation: Although LED bulbs don’t emit as much excess heat as other bulb counterparts thanks to their high levels of energy efficiency, they still need to dissipate the heat that is produced. Therefore, if they’re not positioned in an area that is well ventilated, or installed near a heat source, they may fail prematurely.

-          High electrical currents: LEDs should always be run on the correct voltage and recommended current, if not then they’re at risk of electrical stress and considerably minimising their lifespan.

-          Poor heat sink technology: The heat sink components that are manufactured into LED bulbs are crucial. They’re the component that ensures the heat can be dissipated and other components are kept cool and safe. A poor heat sink component could lead to a shortened life span.

-          Poor quality components: If your chosen LED bulb has been poorly manufactured and crucial components such as the lens, heat sink, drivers or chips are of poor quality, then failure is likely. If they aren’t built to last, then your LED bulb won’t.

You’ll know if your LED bulb is failing due to one of these factors, as the brightness of your LEDs will be reduced. If you want your LED bulbs to last as long as possible, then consider the factors above. And remember, many LED bulbs come with a warranty that protects consumers from premature bulb failures, so always purchase your LED bulbs from a reputable provider.

How Can I Ensure My LEDs Last?

Getting the most out of your LED investment means taking certain steps to promote the longevity of your bulbs. Only then are your bulbs more likely to live up to the expected 50,000 hours. The more you know about these diverse lighting solutions, the more money you’re likely to save. So, let’s take a look at how you can ensure your LEDs last.

-          Avoid cheap options: It’s always tempting to search for a bargain, especially as LED bulbs are a more expensive lighting option. However, if you want to increase their longevity and make the most of your investment, you should avoid cheap options at all costs. Cheaper LED bulbs are likely to be made of poor components that won’t live up to expectations, always consider well-known brands when making the switch.

-          Only use compatible dimmers and bulbs: If you’ve ever wondered why the lights flicker and crackle when you turn down the dimmer switch in your home, it could be that you’re using a dimmer switch that isn’t compatible with your LED bulbs. Always ensure your dimmers are suitable for LED bulbs and that your LED bulbs have dimming capabilities. Otherwise, you’re at risk of shortening the life of your bulbs and even damaging the circuitry in your home. Check the packaging and specifications of your bulbs/dimmers before you buy.

-          Be mindful of your fixtures: While many LED bulbs look fantastic in recessed or enclosed fixtures, you should be wary of overheating and potential blowouts. When designing your LED solutions, ensure the bulbs you purchase are specifically manufactured with the fixtures you have in mind, this will ensure longevity and safety.  

Following these simple tips will ensure your LED bulbs are working efficiently and last for as long as possible.

In Conclusion…

LED bulbs are the best way to reduce your energy consumption and keep your energy costs low. By following this straightforward guidance you’ll be able to make the most of your LED solutions and enjoy the longevity of a bulb that is designed to modernise and improve your home or business.