How Long Do LED Strips Last? 5 Ways To Make Yours Go The Distance

If you’ve ever wondered, “How long do LED strips last?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a homeowner updating your kitchen lighting or a designer working on a commercial space, understanding LED lifespan isn’t just a technical curiosity; it directly impacts your investment. At The Accent Light, we help customers make smart, lasting lighting choices by offering products engineered for long-term performance and style.

How Long Do LED Strips Last?

So, how long do LED strips last?

LED strip lights typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, which equals roughly 8 to 17 years if used for 8 hours a day. Higher-quality products – like COB LED strip lights from The Accent Light – can last up to 100,000 hours, or nearly 34 years with moderate use. Longevity depends on build quality, heat management, environmental conditions, and usage habits. Choosing strips with proper certification (UL, ETL), solid power supplies, and aluminum channels for cooling can significantly extend their life.

1. What is the Typical Lifespan of LED Strip Lights?

Most high-quality LED strip lights last between 25,000 to 50,000 hours. But how long do LED strips last in hours?

• 25,000 hours = ~8 years at 8 hours/day
• 50,000 hours = ~17 years at 8 hours/day

However, not all LED strips are created equal. COB LED strip lights from The Accent Light are designed for seamless illumination and extended lifespan due to their premium construction and dot-free design.

You can extend this even further by using dimmers and smart controllers that reduce load and heat output. Investing in high-performance lighting kits is not just a style upgrade – it’s a long-term cost-saving strategy.

2. What Affects How long do LED strips last?

Here are the biggest factors that influence LED strip longevity:

• Heat Dissipation: Poor heat management leads to faster wear. Use aluminum channels to reduce heat build-up.
• Power Supply Quality: Undervoltage or overvoltage damages diodes. Use a reliable driver or power supply.
• Environmental Exposure: Humidity, dust, and UV light can degrade strips.
• Installation Techniques: Bending strips sharply or poor adhesive application can cause premature failure.
• Run Time Per Day: The more hours per day your LEDs operate at full brightness, the shorter their overall lifespan will be.

Pro tip: Avoid leaving LEDs on 24/7. Schedule timers or use motion sensors to optimize use.

5 Ways to Make Your LED Strips Last Longer

Want to get every hour out of your lighting? Follow these five expert strategies:

1. Use Aluminum Channels for Heat Management

Mounting your LED strips in aluminum channels ensures optimal heat dissipation, improving lifespan and stability. The added structure also protects against sagging or adhesive failure.

2. Choose High-Quality Lighting Kits

Opt for integrated LED lighting kits that come with pre-matched components, like dimmable drivers and efficient power supplies. These kits are engineered to ensure stable voltage and compatibility, eliminating common causes of LED burnout.

3. Install in Dry, Clean Environments

If installing outdoors or in humid areas, use waterproof-rated strips and sealant to protect them. IP65-rated products provide added resistance to moisture, while indoor-rated strips should be kept away from kitchens or bathrooms without proper housing.

4. Don’t Overload Your Power Supply

Always calculate total wattage and leave a 20% buffer on your driver capacity. Overloaded drivers generate heat, which damages LED circuits. For longer runs, consider splitting the load across multiple power supplies.

5. Dim Your Lights When Full Brightness Isn’t Needed

Dimming reduces stress on LEDs, which helps prolong their lifespan. Consider lighting controllers with tunable white (CCT) functionality for even more control over output and ambiance. A lower brightness setting can significantly increase usable life.

Signs Your LED Strips Are Wearing Out

Keep an eye out for these indicators:

• Flickering or pulsing light
• Yellowing or dimming brightness
• Hot spots or unresponsive sections
• Noticeable drop in uniformity (for COB strips)
• Burn marks or discoloration along the strip

These are signals to inspect your power source, connections, or consider a replacement. Early troubleshooting can help prevent damage to other components in your lighting system.

Are COB LED Strip Lights Worth It for Longevity?

Absolutely. Compared to traditional SMD strips, COB LED strip lights:

• Deliver more uniform, dot-free lighting
• Handle heat more efficiently
• Offer better bend flexibility
• Have a denser array of diodes per inch, reducing the strain on each LED

At The Accent Light, our COB LED strips are tailored for long-term reliability with cut-to-length flexibility and eco-friendly design. They’re ideal for both style and substance. Their seamless illumination isn’t just better-looking – it’s also an indicator of consistent performance over time.

Maximize Your Lighting Investment

Now that you know how long do LED strips last and what truly affects their longevity, you’re equipped to choose better, install smarter, and enjoy longer-lasting light. The Accent Light’s curated collection of LED strip lights and all-in-one lighting kits offers everything you need to light beautifully and wisely.

Whether you’re upgrading under-cabinet kitchen lighting, highlighting architectural features, or building out retail displays, choosing products designed for longevity will always pay off.

Explore our collection today and bring lasting brilliance to your space.