LED bulbs today claim life spans of up to 91 years that promise to outlive multiple generations. But in reality, many LEDs last only four to six years and fail to meet their advertised longevity.
The situation is further complicated by a new federal law mandating higher energy efficiency for light bulbs.¹
This effectively pushes LEDs as the primary option, even though their actual lifespan is much shorter than advertised.
Reality of LED Lifespan
The reality paints a less optimistic picture. According to New York Magazine, the Metropolitan Museum’s experience that their LED replacements, expected to last at least seven years, failed much sooner.(ref)
Adding insult to injury, LEDs fail in unpredictable ways. Unlike incandescent bulbs that simply burn out, LEDs may gradually dim, flicker erratically, or even change color. The light can seem functional, but the quality or color temperature becomes compromised.
Recent examples include LED streetlights inexplicably turning purple and luxury hotel bulbs unexpectedly shifting to blue.(ref)
Testing Shortcomings
The discrepancy between promised and actual lifespan of LED bulbs stems from how they are tested. The current standard focuses on “lumen maintenance,” measuring lifespan until light output decreases by 30%.(ref)
The issue is, it’s impractical to test LEDs for their entire claimed lifespan, which could be over a decade. Manufacturers can therefore take shortcuts, testing bulbs for as little as 6,000 hours and extrapolating results.(ref) This leads to overly optimistic projections that don’t hold up in reality.
Furthermore, lumen maintenance only assesses the LED itself, not the entire bulb. LED bulbs contain various components like voltage converters, heat sinks, and circuitry, each with potential failure points. These non-LED components, according to the DOE’s data, account for over 60% of bulb failures.(ref) Short testing periods fail to account for the lifespan of these components.
Environmental Impact
The short lifespan of LED bulbs isn’t just a consumer annoyance, it’s an environmental concern.
Traditional incandescent bulbs are simple and non-toxic, safely disposable in regular trash.(ref) Dead LEDs, however, are e-waste containing chips and electronics that require professional recycling.(ref) Improper disposal in landfills risks leaching harmful chemicals into the soil.
While many consumers may unknowingly discard dead LEDs in regular trash, the issue is amplified by their short lifespan. Burning out in just four to six years means millions of these bulbs end up in landfills annually, contributing to a massive amount of e-waste. A recent study estimated 26 million pounds of spent LED bulbs are improperly discarded in Canada alone.(ref)
In short, the short lifespan of LEDs not only contradicts their eco-friendly marketing but also contributes to a growing environmental problem.
Better Testing for a Brighter Future
LED bulbs are a hugely impactful technology, pivotal to the shift towards a greener economy. A single bulb can save 451 pounds of carbon emissions annually. Even with a shorter lifespan of 4-6 years, that’s still thousands of pounds of CO2 saved per bulb.(ref)
Better lifespan estimates and realistic testing will ensure only high-quality, long-lasting LEDs reach consumers. This will reduce e-waste and allow for responsible disposal of spent bulbs.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.