The Simple LED Lightbulb Tip That Can Help Them Last Even Longer

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than their incandescent counterparts. But that doesn't mean they last forever. If your LED bulbs are burning out well before expected, you might be overlooking one simple aspect: how long you're leaving them on each day. When manufacturers advertise how many years an LED lightbulb will last, they don't always use the same set of data to calculate daily usage. For example, one manufacturer might calculate a lightbulb's lifespan based on three hours of daily use, while another might use a more reasonable allotment of six or more hours. Using LED lightbulbs for fewer hours each day will help them last longer.

You can find single-day usage information on the back of most LED lightbulb boxes. Simply look for the "lighting facts" section; it will detail the bulb's brightness and light appearance, along with estimated energy costs and lifespan, which both show the bulb's estimated daily usage. Overlooking this single-day usage information is a sneaky reason your LED lightbulbs may not be lasting as long as expected, so it's a good idea to become familiar with this number.

Even if your LED bulbs are burning out before their advertised lifespan, there's light at the end of the tunnel: they're still lasting longer and saving you on energy costs compared to older, incandescent bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy-Star rated LED lights can save you up to 75 percent on energy costs and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. You can extend their lifespan even further by using them for fewer hours each day and avoiding common mistakes, like overtightening the bulbs. It's also important to make sure your new LED bulbs are compatible with classic fixtures, so that you're not selecting a bulb with more wattage than the fixture can handle.

Next time you're shopping for replacement bulbs, take a proactive approach. Instead of focusing on the manufacturer's stated lifespan in years, look at the bulb's estimated lifespan in total hours. Comparing bulbs by total hours allows for a more accurate, apples-to-apples comparison. You can also opt for the most reliable LED lightbulb brands for added peace of mind.