The Odd Reason Why Your LED Lights Keep Dying

Shopping for LED lights can be similar to picking apples from a grocery store — they all look the same, but every now and then you come across a rotten one as well. The fact that the US government phased out all incandescent bulbs back in 2023 meant that LED lights became the go-to option for all residential purposes. LEDs have always promised an incredibly high lifespan, owing to their 80 to 90% energy efficiency. In fact, some of the early manufacturers even claimed that LED lights would last for 100,000 hours, which is almost 34 years for eight-hours-a-day of use. Nonetheless, a lot of LED bulbs often turn up well short of this promise. And while there could be other key reasons your LED bulbs aren't lasting a long time, one of them pertains not as much to the manufacturers but to the environment where you place the lights. Extreme humidity can significantly alter the lifespan of your bulbs.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are different from the conventional, incandescent bulbs in the sense that they work with semiconductors that glow when electricity is passed through them. A major difference between LED bulbs and incandescent bulbs is that the incandescent ones waste about 90% of the energy they generate as heat, while LEDs are more efficient. Despite the difference in mechanism of operation, LEDs can still be vulnerable to environmental stressors, like heat and humidity. In fact, apart from reducing their lifespan, excessive moisture in humid areas can even lead to moisture-induced short circuits and fire hazards. 

According to a study published in IEEE Transactions on Device and Materials Reliability, when several LED bulbs were tested in high-moisture environments at different temperatures, a decline in light output was observed with the change in moisture levels. The study found that the diffusion of moisture into the interface of the packaging materials of bulbs caused this change. According to the researchers, apart from degrading the output of light, moisture also caused electric failure, disabling the LED modules. 

Heavy moisture can corrode the internal components of the bulbs and cause electrical short circuits. It can lead to condensation of vapors inside the fixtures, which reduce output as well. Although more apparent in LED displays, extreme humidity can also reduce the luminous efficiency of LEDs.  All these factors significantly reduce the total lifespan of your lights.

This is why LED bulbs need to be hermetically sealed to avoid the entry of moisture. One way to measure your LED bulb's resistance to moisture entry, alongside other factors like rain and snow, is to look for its IP rating. The Ingress Protection rating can help you determine the longevity of the bulb in high humidity conditions. A bulb in an outdoor setting, or other high humidity areas like bathrooms, would typically require a higher IP rating for effective performance. Several other methods of protection at the manufacturing stage can also be beneficial for your LED's performance in excessive humidity. Bulbs that come with sealed enclosures or moisture-resistant coatings are more adept at preventing the corrosion of internal circuits of the bulbs.

If you're living in a region with high humidity, you need to take a few extra measures to extend the lifespan of your LED bulbs. First of all, looking out for the most reliable LED bulb brands while shopping is a no-brainer. But you also need to take a look at the place where you store the bulbs and make sure it is free from dampness. If the bulbs are not kept in a dry environment, they can be damaged by moisture even before you put them to use.

Furthermore, use only damp-rated bulbs, especially for areas like bathrooms or basements. Be wary of LED bulbs that do not have an IP rating on them, as they have high chances of failing in moist conditions. A bulb with an IP44 rating can tolerate some levels of humidity in indoor conditions, whereas an IP65 LED is good enough for outdoor settings and its lifespan should not be affected by high moisture.

Another crucial element that you should check for in a LED bulb is its heat dissipation capacity. In high humid environments, heat can get trapped within the bulbs and affect its performance. Look for bulbs with features like aluminum housing, which help in dispersing the heat better. LED diodes are more sensitive to heat and higher temperatures than incandescent bulbs. Aluminum, being an excellent conductor of heat, spreads out the excess heat over a larger surface area, away from the bulb's internal components, and prevents overheating. Furthermore, you should constantly inspect your LED bulbs for signs of damage. If any of your bulbs are already damaged by moisture, it is best to remove them to avoid the possibility of electrical mishaps.