How Long Do LED Lights Last?

It’s no secret that people have become more aware of their energy consumption in recent years, and LED lights have become a popular lighting option among many households and individuals. But lately, there have been several controversies about the lifespan of LED lights, which is making people ask the question; how long do LED lights last?

If you’re curious to find out how long LED lights last, you’ve come to the right page. 

Here, we’ve discussed all you need to know about LED lights lifespan. From how long they last to why they burn out and some useful tricks and tips to make your lights last longer. You’ll also find out whether it’s worth investing in LEDs rather than traditional light bulbs. Let’s get to it without wasting much time! 

Part 1: Answer: How Long Do LED Lights Last?

One of the main reasons why people switch from traditional lights to LEDs is down to their lifespan. A typical LED (made for a residential setting) can have a huge lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. That’s massive in comparison to a traditional light bulb with 1,000-2,000 hours of runtime. In an industrial setting, LEDs could last up to 100,000 hours as they’re built for commercial purposes. 

You’re saving money because LEDs use less power and last longer. Traditional light bulbs can’t compete on that scale. 

Part 2: Why Do LED Lights Burn Out Fast?

There are many reasons why LED bulbs burn out fast. It could be down to buying a bad batch or faulty wiring. Here are some of the common reasons why LED lights could burn out fast. 

Improper Installation 

Mechanical and electrical stress can create a fluctuation in the power supply of the light bulb. It could damage the chip and other internal components which significantly reduces its lifespan. So, it’s crucial to ensure proper installation so that the risks are greatly reduced. 

The Quality of the Light

Not all LEDs are made equally. The lifespan comes down to how the bulb was manufactured. Poorly-made LEDs may not use high-grade drivers or chips which can impact the longevity and performance of the bulb. On the other hand, an LED that was manufactured to a high standard can last a lifetime. 

Everyday Conditions 

Humidity, moisture, and excess heat can do a lot of damage to an LED light bulb. For example, a bulb can degrade faster when it’s exposed to high temperatures. Moisture, however, creates corrosion in the driver and other internal components. 

Simple environmental conditions can have the final say over an LED’s lifespan. If the conditions are favorable, the bulb can last forever. If not, it can degrade quickly. 

The Light’s Usage 

Let’s be honest, how often you use the light will determine its overall runtime. For example, running a light 8 hours a day, non-stop, can expose it to high levels of thermal stress which negatively impacts its longevity. On the other hand, if you used shorter cycles, it would keep stress to a minimum. 

Part 3: Helpful Tips to Make LED Lights Last Longer 

If your LED lights tend to burn out faster than you expect, there are several ways to approach the issue. In this part, we’ve discussed some helpful tips to help you make LED lights last longer. 

Avoid Cheap Brands

LEDs are costly and ones that aren’t should be approached with caution. Unfortunately, some cheaper bulbs are poorly made. You should pick a brand you’re familiar with and trust. Take a moment to research the brand so that you know what to expect. 

Switch Off Lights When You Leave Home

Whether it’s out of habit or necessity, you need to switch off the lights when you leave home. It doesn’t matter if you’re popping out to the shops, going to work, or going on vacation, turn the light off. 

LEDs Need Proper Maintenance 

You probably don’t think LED lights need maintenance but they do. You should clean light fixtures regularly so that debris and dust don’t compromise the LEDs. It’s an important step to ensure the longevity of the lights. 

Shield LEDs from Unfavorable Conditions

Moisture and heat can shorten the lifespan of the LEDs. So, it’s necessary to keep them safe from these elements. For instance, good ventilation is a must for the prevention of overheating. Protecting the LED lights from unfavorable conditions can prolong their lifespan and prevent them from burning out prematurely.

Use Surge Protectors

A sudden surge in power can leave your LEDs at risk from overheating and burnout. So, if you want to prolong and protect the LED’s lifespan, you may want to use surge protectors. This should protect the bulbs from being ruined if a sudden power surge occurs. 

Part 4: Best LED Light with Long Lifespan

Choosing the best LED light with a long lifespan is always a crucial decision to make. One of the best options to consider today is the eufy Outdoor LED Light, especially eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22. 

This eufy smart Light doesn’t just guarantee a long lifespan, it guarantees quality. Thanks to its 3x brightness, this LED light can illuminate your outdoor space with 16 millions of colors, and it’s adjustable from warm 1,500k to crisp 9000k.

Moreover, eufy Outdoor LED Light works with smart AI technology that enables you to automate your lighting preferences. It boasts different types of lighting themes that you can use for various occasions, moods, and celebrations. 

Key features of eufy Permanent Outdoor LED Light

• It is designed with light strings that have UV resistance, IP65 water and dust protection, and an IP67-rated adapter.  
• Delivers high-quality lighting experience in any weather condition and temperature ranging from -4°F to 140°F.
• It supports integration with the eufy smart control app to enable you to customize the design, lighting pattern, colors, and brightness.
• Boasts an excellent lifespan of up to 55,000.
• It has a very straightforward installation process and you don't have to remove it.

Part 5: LED Lights vs. Traditional Lights: Comparison 

Going from traditional to LED lights can be a big ask. However, it can be far easier once you know a few things. So, when it comes to putting LEDs against traditional lights, how do they compare? Check the table below;

	LED Lights	Traditional Lights
Lifespan	up to 50,000 hours.	around 750 -2,000 hours
Durable	LEDs tend to be more durable, even with tricky internal components.	easier to break as their filaments are fragile.
Costs Per Year	Save $225 in energy saving	Cost $225 more than LED lighting
Initial Costs	It can cost $2 - $20 to buy a LED light bulb, smart LED lights will be more pricer.	You don’t have to spend more than $3-$7 on light bulbs.
Wattage	only need around 10 watts to produce light.	60-70 watts are needed to produce light.

The Winner?

There’s no doubt that LEDs have an advantage over traditional lights. They have a greater lifespan and are more cost-effective to run on a long-term basis. You also need less wattage with LEDs than traditional lights.

One of the LED lights that’s worth investing in today is the eufy smart LED Light, it not only saves energy but also lets you enjoy the latest in smart home technology.

Conclusion 

When you compare them to traditional lights, LED lights win hands down every time because they’re not only efficient. They also last long.

We hope our article has answered your question; how long do LED light bulbs last?. 

If you people want to save money and reduce how much energy they use, switching to LEDs can be the greener and cheaper option. Although burnouts can occur with poorly made or faulty bulbs, you can also make them last by following the tips discussed in the article.

FAQs

Can You Leave LEDs On All Day?

Quality-made LED lights are typically safe to run all day. This, however, isn’t recommended as you use up a lot of energy. It’s not only costly but may reduce the overall lifespan of the LEDs. 

Do LED Lights Burn Out?

Since LED bulbs don’t contain filaments or gasses, they don’t burn out in the traditional sense. Instead, they start degrading over a significant period which causes the lights to dim. This is down to many factors, such as poor maintenance, being poorly manufactured, and reaching the end of their natural lifespan. 

Can Leaving LED Lights Cause a Fire?

When installed correctly, LED lights are typically safe to use for prolonged periods and shouldn’t cause a fire. 

Do LEDs Offer Better Value than Traditional Lights?

Quality-made LEDs tend to have a runtime of around 50,000 whereas traditional lights burn out after 1,000 or so. It’s a major difference and one you can’t ignore. LEDs typically offer greater value than many traditional lights. While they can be more expensive to buy at first, you are getting a better overall runtime. It means you have to replace the LEDs less often and that’s a money-saver.