How long do LED Strip Lights last?
LEDs, also known as ‘Light-Emitting Diodes’, are one of the most popular light sources on the market. Scientist Nick Holonyak Junior invented the semiconductor device in the 1960s, using it for small electrical equipment and circuit boards.
Since then, LEDs have become brighter, more long-lasting and more diverse. You can use them to complement your interior design or for practical purposes in any environment. Of all their countless varieties, strip lights are the kind favoured by many.
Do you need colour-changing accent lights for your bedroom? What if you need illumination under your kitchen cabinets? LED strip lights lend themselves to any DIY project as a cost-effective alternative lighting source.
But how long do LED strip lights last? Are they worth the cost and effort of installation? Today, Light Supplier will answer the most commonly asked questions about LED strip lights.
How long do LED strip lights last?
On average, LED strip lights have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours! However, this is an average estimation. A LED's impressive lifespan depends on the manufacturing quality and how you use them in your home.
You can get approximately six years of continuous use out of your strip lights if you properly maintain them. For example, you should always turn your LED strip lights off when you’re not using them: this will prevent unnecessary electricity wastage and increase their lifespan.
LEDs are sensitive to temperature changes, a fact few may know! Extremely hot or cold temperatures can significantly reduce their lifespan. That’s why we recommended keeping your LEDs at a stable room temperature.
Do LED lights burn out?
Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs won’t suddenly switch off and leave you in the dark.
They will, however, slowly fade in brightness over time. Incandescent fixtures generate light via filaments, which oxidise and burn out suddenly. LEDs won’t stop working as soon as they run out of power but will experience ‘luminous decay’, meaning your lights will become noticeably dimmer.
The lighting industry measures the lifespan of LED strip lights through the L70 metric: this determines how long it will be before your lights begin to dim. The L70 metric is the light output decay point, otherwise known as the time it takes for your light to produce 30% less of its original luminescence.
For example, our Fully Bendable FLEXile IP44 LED Strip Lighting has an impressive lamp life of approximately 30,000 hours.
After three and a half years of continuous use, your LED strip lights will still produce 70% of their initial luminescence! Their longevity is one of the most attractive selling points of LED lights. However, many also appreciate them for their energy efficiency.
Do LED strip lights get hot?
LED strip lights get hot, but not in the same way the incandescent and fluorescent bulbs do. Approximately 90% of an incandescent bulb’s energy goes towards heat production. In fact, they produce so much heat that if left on for too long, the bulb could shatter.
With so much energy going into heat production, the energy efficiency of an incandescent bulb is noticeably less impressive than an LED. When an LED produces heat, it uses ‘heat sinks’ to dissipate the warmth into the surrounding atmosphere: this means the bulb can dedicate 80% of its energy towards producing light and 20% to releasing hot air.
Anything that uses electricity to produce light will also generate heat: that’s a physics guarantee! However, there’s a reason LED strip lights are now one of the most commonly used lighting sources. Their extreme energy efficiency also makes them cost-effective!
How much do LED strip lights cost to run?
As energy bills rise in the UK, more people than ever before are searching for a cheap way to light their homes. Luckily, LED strip lights are economical to run.
They convert 80-90% of their energy into light production, making them the cheapest, most cost-effective lighting source you can buy. According to the Energy Savings Trust, switching out incandescent bulbs for LEDs strip lights can save you an extraordinary amount on your bills:
|
Wattage |
Total Savings |
|
100-watt incandescent bulb |
Save up to £15 per bulb per year (Based on an 1100-lumen bulb running for 562 hours per year) |
|
75-watt incandescent bulb |
Save up to £10 per bulb per year (Based on an 825-lumen bulb running for 503.5 hours per year.) |
|
60-watt incandescent bulb |
Save up to £7 per bulb per year (Based on a 660-lumen bulb running for 445 hours per year.) |
|
40-watt incandescent bulb |
Save up to £4 per bulb per year (Based on a 440-lumen bulb running for 394 hours per year.) (Based on a 440-lumen bulb running for 394 hours per year.) |
What are the benefits of LED strip lights?
So far, we’ve found the answers to four main questions: how long do LED strip lights last, do they get hot or burn out, and how much do they cost to run?
Now, we can combine our knowledge and answer the final, most commonly-asked question: what are the benefits of LED strip lights?
Longevity
LED strip lights are the ultimate light source if you’re looking for convenience. Invest in top-quality products from Light Supplier, and you could still have the same LED light strip set-up for the next ten years!
Energy-Efficient
Replacing your old incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs with LED strip lights can save you money on your monthly bills. Your purchase is also a step towards making your home more environmentally friendly!
Versatile
As lighting solutions go, LED strip lights are some of the most versatile. You can use LED strip lights anywhere in your home. Illuminate your kitchen countertops, add ambience to your bedroom or create an inviting entryway. The possibilities are endless with LED strip lights!
Browse Light Supplier’s premium LED Strip Lights!
It’s time to decorate your home the right way. Make the change today by browsing Light Supplier’s premium range of LED Strip Lights. Our versatile collection will blow you away with linkable, flexible and waterproof RGB strips available for cost-effective prices.