Light Bulb Life Expectancy – Which Bulb is Right for You? (2024)

FAQs

Light Bulb Life Expectancy – Which Bulb is Right for You? ›

One of the biggest advantages of LED light fixtures, is their extended lifespan. While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years.

One of the biggest advantages of LED light fixtures, is their extended lifespan. While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years.

LEDs are the longest-lasting light bulbs, lasting for years longer than their counterparts, with lifespans of up to 50,000 hours.

New LEDs can last 50,000 to 100,000 hours or more. The typical lifespan for an incandescent bulb, by comparison, is 1-5% as long at best (roughly 1,200 hours). LEDs are extremely energy efficient relative to every other commercially available lighting technology.

LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option, followed by CFLs, halogen bulbs, and incandescent bulbs.

Cons of LED Lighting

The cool white LED can also cause more “blue pollution” when used as outdoor lights compared to traditional lighting. As a result, use is discouraged by the International Dark-Sky Association for color temperatures above 3,000K.

Unlike incandescent light bulbs, LEDs don't produce light using heat. This is part of what makes them so energy efficient. The downside is that their components can be sensitive to overheating, which can cause them to burn out prematurely.

LED Bulbs. LEDs usually have the longest lifespan, often lasting over a decade. Mostly, they are several times better than incandescent bulbs and most fluorescent bulbs.

Westinghouse not only offers LED light bulbs that last much longer than those of any competing brand, but this also saves you money from having to replace them as often.

How to get free LED lights? ›

Can you still buy incandescent light bulbs? You can buy some incandescent and halogen bulbs, as there are some exemptions to the federal ruling. However, since the goal is to move towards more energy efficient light, most products are no longer available because they cannot meet efficiency requirements.

Why certain light bulbs are now banned. General service lamps, or lightbulbs, are now being regulated to conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. New technology, such as LED lights, are proving to be much more efficient at lighting homes.

A bedroom requires soft, relaxing lighting. Choose LED or CFL bulbs with a color temperature of 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white) and a brightness level between 1,000 – 2,000 lumens.

Which light bulb is the most energy efficient? LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option available, and can therefore save you the most money on your electricity bills. They produce 40-80 lumens per watt, and offer several other benefits, including longevity and brightness.

Studies have shown that warm white or soft white lights in the 2700K-3000K (Kelvin) range can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality, making them the perfect choice for cozy reading nooks and bedroom study sessions.

LEDs are heat sensitive. Exposure to intense heat or cold can dramatically reduce the lifespan.

LED bulbs are especially sensitive to heat, though too much heat can shorten the lifespan of incandescent and CFL bulbs, as well. Light bulbs that are fully enclosed (like in globes in ceiling fans) are more susceptible to premature failure from excessive heat because the enclosure traps the heat.

While the lifespan of LED lighting depends on its use and application, most standard lamps last 50,000 hours, while dimmable LED lamps can last nearly 100,000 hours. For facilities like hospitals and distribution centers that have lights on 24/7, that (theoretically) could mean longevity of six years.