What the life number really means
Makers usually describe LED life as the hours it takes for a light to fade to a set share of its first brightness. The light does not switch off at that point. It just looks dimmer than when it was new. So a long life number is a useful guide, but it is not a date when the light will die.
Why some LED lights fail early
The small LED chips often outlast the parts around them. The power supply, or driver, is the part that fails most often. Heat, damp air and poor airflow can all wear it down faster. A light that is boxed in with no air around it can run hotter than one that has room to breathe.
Color can change over time
All light sources slowly change color as they age. With LEDs, the shift is usually small, but it can show up when several lights sit side by side and one is much older. If matching color matters, such as in a kitchen or a row of garage lights, buy all the lights for one space at the same time.
Built-in LED or a bulb you can swap
If a driver or chip fails in a built-in LED fixture, you usually replace the whole fixture. With a replaceable bulb, you swap only the bulb. Our guide on built-in LED or replaceable bulb fixtures walks through this choice. Think about how easy the light is to reach, and how much you want to handle later.
Habits that help a light last
Match the light to where it will live, such as a dry indoor room or a covered porch. Pair dimmable lights with a dimmer made for LEDs, as our guide on LED dimming and flicker explains. Give lights some airflow, and check the product page for the exact details of each model.
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Common questions
04 questions
Does turning LED lights on and off often shorten their life?
For most home LED lights, normal switching is not a worry. Heat and a weak power supply matter far more than how often you flip the switch.
Will an LED light just stop one day?
It can, if the power supply fails. More often the light slowly gets dimmer and its color may shift a little.
Is a longer life number always better?
Not always. It is a helpful clue, but build quality, heat and where you use the light matter too. Read the product page for exact details.
Can I fix an LED light that has stopped working?
Check that the bulb or fixture is the problem first. If you are unsure, turn off power at the breaker, follow local code, and use a licensed electrician.