Consumers depend upon the promises of manufacturers. With prices rising, each purchase represents an investment that demands a reliable return. Yet that reliance is sometimes tested, even disappointed. When this happens, it is little surprise that complaints -- or, at least, questions -- often follow. Such is the case with many LED light bulbs. After all, their longevity is a celebrated selling point. Why, then, are so many of them failing during their first year of use? Marketing claims come in for criticism but so too do design and assembly. Sometimes, the problem is in the house or building in which they illuminate.
What Are LED Lights?
For most of electrical history, rooms and exteriors received light by means of incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. The former contain filament that glows brightly when heated. The latter, meanwhile, contains gas that is excited by electric current, responding by emitting ultraviolet light. Both types served humanity well. Their drawback, however, was the need for continuous replacement. Enter LED lights: electrical current penetrates a microchip that irradiates components known as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Not only does this process produce light, it deposits excess heat into a heat sink that absorbs and disposes of it. Overheating and burnout, accordingly, become non-issues.
The Promise of Efficiency
The design of this bulb, the power of the diodes and the efficient diffusion of heat aim to avoid the relatively quick exhaustion typical of incandescent bulbs. While predecessor ligh tbulbs shine their illumination in all directions, individual LEDs radiate light in one particular direction. Working together, the diodes produce light that is multi-directional. Another advantage is that incandescent bulbs expend most of their energy in heat generation. On the other hand, LED light bulbs regulate heat so that more energy is available for brightness.
Promise vs. Reality
Some LED bulbs boast a lifespan of 25,000 hours -- around three full years -- before their brilliance dims. Others make claims not far behind this. The experience of many, however, demonstrates that, in some instances at least, LED bulbs begin to fail long before their supposed lifetimes. The fact is, nevertheless, that the duration cited by manufacturers is often rooted in averages and not indicative of every bulb in every circumstance. So, what are some of the reasons that certain LED bulbs under perform in terms of longevity and functional vitality?
Faulty Workings
LED bulbs are complex assemblies, containing multiple components besides the LEDs themselves. More often than not, is is one of these additional elements that is the cause of premature demise. For example, there are drivers that serve to convert the AC (alternating current) power common in homes to DC (direct current) power for the lights to function. These drivers are intricately installed and sensitive to disturbance. If temperature or other external conditions prove sub-optimal, these drivers can cease operating, causing the light to fail.
Local Grid Issues
If the grid, or segment of the grid, that serves a house or building is "dirty," the stress on LEDs is greater. Relative cleanliness of the grid refers to the frequency with which electrical current undergoes brief increases in amperage. Dirtier grids experience a higher frequency. These spikes in amps stress the AC/DC converters in the bulbs.
This Old House
likewise, the improper installation of outlets, or their old age, disrupts the smooth flow of current, affecting LED performance. Internal humidity also ages LED bulbs before their time.
LED lighting ideally utilizes energy efficiently and works for a long time. Still, they are subject to conditions that might shorten their lifespans.
