LED lights are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Unlike traditional light bulbs, LEDs don’t fail or burn out at the same rate. Are LEDs capable of failing? Yes, but only when not properly installed and maintained. In this blog, we are going to talk about how you can avoid LED light decay, making your LED lights last for decades!

The Cause and Effect of LED Light Decay: Heat

We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again: heat is the enemy of LEDs. Traditional light bulbs, such as fluorescent and incandescent lighting, need heat simply to power on and then stay on. They are usually hot to the touch and use the majority of their energy generating heat instead of light. LEDs are designed with heat sinks, which draw any heat the light creates away from the diode. You can touch an LED light without burning your hand even after it’s been on for hours!

This is why LEDs perform well in conditions where traditional bulbs do not, such as outdoor signage, cooler and freezer lighting and more.

Avoiding LED Light Decay

While all LEDs come with heat sinks, not all LEDs are created equally. Depending on the manufacturer, there a few types of heat sinks you may encounter. There are three main categories: metal heat sinks, heat pipe heat sink, and ice heat sink.

All of the above choices are better options than LEDs you may find with fans or plastic heat sinks used to pull heat away from the diode. The first step in avoiding LED light decay is making sure you purchase LED lights from a retailer or seller that uses reputable manufacturers.

Another way to avoid LED light decay is to properly install them. If you are using LED lighting, be sure to leave the bulb bare. You do not want to encase LED lights in sealed glass fixtures often seen in outdoor lighting or even hog barns. This traps the heat and causes the bulbs to fail.

Lastly, if you are replacing fluorescent lighting with LED linear tubes, be sure to bypass the ballast. Your LED bulbs may appear to be failing, when in actuality your ballast is failing. You can read more about the benefits of bypassing ballasts when installing LED linear lamps here.

Find LEDs at Sitler’s!

Not only will you find great LED lighting products from over a dozen reputable manufacturers at Sitler’s LED Supplies, you’ll have them installed by professional and experienced electrical contractors. Call us today at (319)-519-0039 or send us an email to schedule a free walkthrough and proposal!

Posted in LED Installation and Maintenance

Tagged Avoid LED light Decay, LED installation, LED light decay, LED lighting, LED maintenance

Marissa

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