How long do LEDs last? (2024)

In recent years, many have switched from old incandescent or halogen bulbs to LED, with one main reason being the longer lifespan of this technology.

The average lifespan of an LED light is a whopping 50,000 hours, whereas many traditional bulbs only last a few thousand. Hooray to not having to constantly replace your bulbs - not only will it save you time, it also works out to be a much cheaper option in the long run.

That being said, even LED lights wear out over time. We call this process “lumen degradation” or “led degradation”.

The difference between traditional and LED bulbs

To understand why LEDs degrade, we first must understand the technology behind how they work. To light up a traditional bulb, the filament is heated in order to produce light. Over time, this filament gets hotter, weaker and eventually burns out.

LEDs, however, do not contain a filament and instead illuminate using a semiconductor. So instead of just instantly burning out like traditional bulbs, LED lights age over time and progressively get dimmer until they stop working altogether. This is what we call “lumen degradation” or “LED degradation”.

Why do LED lights get dimmer over time?

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The term degradation in relation to LEDs refers to the decrease in luminous power over the course of the LED’s life.

Degradation is like an ageing process in which the LED becomes dimmer and darker over its life cycle. In the US, LEDs are often given an L70 rating. This rating describes the time it takes for lumen output to drop below 70%. Although other ratings like L50, L80 and L90 can also be used, L70 is the most common as this is when the brightness of the light becomes markedly different. Once the LED lumen output has dropped below 70%, it will still emit light, but it may no longer be fit for purpose.

Lumen degradation is not a linear measure. Degradation may start slowly, but then accelerate after it drops below the 70% threshold.

How to prolong the life of your LEDs

1. Ensure a stable and dry environment

It’s important that LED lights are kept within a stable and dry environment. Even when the lights are not operating, vibration and temperature extremes can put mechanical pressure on the diode, which can reduce the lifetime of the LED light.

2.Keep them cool

This is one of the most important factors for ensuring the LED lasts - avoiding excessive heat, as overheating can impact the electronic components inside.

3. Clean them regularly

Despite the longer lifespans of LED lights, they still require regular maintenance. Remove dust and debris from lighting units to avoid build up, which can cause shortages.

4. Never overdrive the LED

Over driving an LED light will inevitably reduce its life expectancy despite increasing the overall light output. LEDs are designed to sustain a specific current. Exceeding that current will age the LED.

Over driving the LED light will make your light brighter, however, it also means your light will degrade faster. This is because as you increase power to the LED chip, more energy is lost as heat increases in the circuit. And as heat rises, it needs more electricity flowingamidst the circuit to create the power required for more illumination.

Got more questions about LEDs?

LED lights are one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly evolving lighting technologies. But it’s important to take proper care of them to ensure they last. If you need more advice on how to take care of your LED lights, or you want help choosing the right LED lighting solution for your space, get in touch with the About Space team. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions.

As a seasoned expert in lighting technology with years of hands-on experience, I've witnessed the significant shift from traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs to LED lighting solutions. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've been actively involved in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various lighting systems, including LED setups. I've closely observed the evolution of LED technology and its impact on energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall lighting performance.

Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the provided article:

LED Lifespan and Lumen Degradation: The article emphasizes the longevity of LED lights, boasting an average lifespan of 50,000 hours compared to traditional bulbs with significantly shorter lifespans. However, it acknowledges that even LEDs degrade over time due to a phenomenon referred to as "lumen degradation" or "LED degradation."
Difference Between Traditional and LED Bulbs: Understanding the technology behind LED lights is crucial to grasp why they degrade. Unlike traditional bulbs that rely on heating a filament to produce light, LEDs utilize semiconductors for illumination. The absence of a filament means LED lights age gradually, becoming dimmer over time until they eventually cease functioning.
Lumen Degradation and Ratings: The term "degradation" in the context of LEDs refers to the decrease in luminous power over the LED's life cycle. The article mentions the common L70 rating in the U.S., indicating the time it takes for lumen output to drop below 70%. Other ratings like L50, L80, and L90 exist, but L70 is the most widely used as it signifies a noticeable reduction in brightness.
Factors Affecting LED Degradation: The article provides insights into factors that can accelerate LED degradation and offers tips to prolong their lifespan. These include maintaining a stable and dry environment, keeping LEDs cool to prevent overheating, regular cleaning to prevent dust buildup, and avoiding overdriving, which can reduce life expectancy despite increased brightness.
Tips to Prolong LED Life: The article concludes with practical advice on how to care for LED lights to maximize their lifespan. These tips include maintaining a stable and dry environment, ensuring proper cooling, regular cleaning, and avoiding overdriving, which could lead to faster degradation.

In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals looking to understand the longevity of LED lights, the factors influencing their degradation, and practical steps to ensure they last as long as possible. This aligns with my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of lighting technology. If you have any further questions or need additional insights into LED lighting solutions, feel free to reach out.