How Long Do LED Strip Lights Last?
LED strip lights last a long time and work well for many different spaces. But how long do they actually last? And what can you do to help them stay bright and strong?
In this guide, you’ll learn what affects their lifespan, what signs to watch for, and how to make them last longer. Whether they’re under a shelf, behind your TV, or lining your kitchen cabinets, the tips here will help.
Average Lifespan of LED Strip Lights
Most LED strip lights have an expected lifespan ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Rather than simply blinking out at that point, however, the LEDs will continue to work—they just might not be as bright.
An LED strip is considered to be at the end of its lifespan when the lights have dimmed to about 70% of their original brightness. How long it takes depends on the quality of the product, whether it’s installed correctly, and how you use it.
Flexfire LED strip lights have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours before dropping in luminosity. So, if you leave them on for 12 hours a day, they could last as long as 10 years at full brightness. After that point, you can continue to enjoy your LEDs at reduced brightness or replace the strip.
Factors That Affect LED Strip Light Lifespan
How long your LED strip lights last depends on several key factors. Some conditions can shorten their lifespan quickly, while others help them shine for years.
- Heat: Too much heat is one of the fastest ways to wear out LEDs. If the strip is bunched up or installed without good airflow, it will run hotter and age faster.
- Power Supply: Using the wrong power supply can cause flickering, dimming, or burnout. Always check the voltage and amperage needed for your strip before you plug it in.
- Brightness Settings: Running your strips at full brightness all the time can wear them out faster. Lowering the brightness even a little can help.
- On/Off Cycling: Turning the lights on and off often doesn’t hurt them like old bulbs, but an unstable power source can still cause wear.
- Moisture and Dust: Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas can shorten a strip’s life if it’s not made for those spaces. Use a strip with the right protection rating and consider using mounting channels for improved heat dissipation and added defense against dust.
If you keep your lights cool, use a matching power supply, and avoid moisture or dust, they’ll last a lot longer. These small details make a big difference over time and can help you avoid early replacements.
5 Signs Your Strip Lights Are Wearing Out
Improper installation and overuse aren’t the only factors that can negatively impact the longevity of LED strips. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of product quality. Poor-quality LED strip lights may wear out more quickly than premium products like ours at Flexfire. Here are some common signs that indicate a low-quality LED strip is wearing out sooner than it should:
- Parts of the strip are dimmer than others
- Certain colors no longer show up or look faded
- Flickering, especially at the ends or in small sections
- The adhesive backing won’t stick anymore
- A yellow or brown tint shows up on the plastic or LEDs
These issues don’t always mean you need a new strip. Sometimes you can fix them by cleaning the connectors, reattaching loose sections, or swapping out the power supply.
How to Make Them Last Longer
If you want your LED strip lights to last a long time, it helps to think about how they’re set up and used each day. Most don’t realize that a few small adjustments can go a long way.
Start by installing your strips on a surface that lets heat escape. Aluminum channels are a great way to do this, since they help pull heat away and give your lights a clean, secure fit.
Lowering the brightness is another easy win. Most strips don’t need to be at full power all the time, and even dropping it a little can reduce wear.
Lastly, make sure your power supply matches the strip. Using the wrong one can cause flickering or burnout over time.
Get Longer Lasting LED Light Strips With Flexfire
Flexfire LED strip lights are designed to go the distance. We use upgraded, thicker copper PCB for better heat control, high chip density for smooth brightness, and CRI ratings up to 98+ for true-to-life color. Every order is reviewed by our team, and with up to a 15-year warranty and lifetime support, you’re backed every step of the way.
Not sure which LED strip lights are right for your project? Our experts at Flexfire are happy to help. Submit a contact request or email us directly at info@flexfireleds.com.
