One of the most important concerns that we all have is the lifespan of smart bulbs. There are several ratings on the market from smart bulb manufacturers claiming that they would last more than 15 or 20 years.
As the year passes by, there is a lot of buzz about smart homes. Anyone interested in making their home into a smart home or has already begun has considered purchasing smart bulbs to control their illumination.
Because smart bulbs have some intelligence, they can be much more expensive than regular light bulbs. They can change brightness, colors, and be controlled by a smartphone, among other things, thanks to their intelligence. However, like any other bulbs, they still burn out.
Do Smart Light Bulbs Burn Out?
You cannot use Smart bulbs forever, but smart bulbs last on an average of about 25,000 hours. Therefore, the answer is yes. This relatively decent lifespan results from the implemented LED technology, which is much better than fluorescent light bulbs. (Read Do Ceiling Fans Reduce Radon)
This is according to the manufacturer’s rated data taken from 31 smart lights. This is 25 times longer than standard incandescent and fluorescent bulbs and five times longer than a regular CFL. It is also two times lower than pure LED bulbs.
What Causes Smart Bulbs to Burn Out?
1. Incandescent Bulb
Manufacturers will not build bulbs that last indefinitely. Still, to make more energy-efficient bulbs that emit as much light as possible with as little heat and other radiation as feasible, the filament must be extremely hot when in use. The catch is that the greater the filament’s working temperature, the more energy-efficient the bulb is, and the faster it burns out.
2. Smart LED Bulbs
LEDs are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs in converting electrons to light. But not in converting light into electrons. Some of the electricity is released as heat condenses in the bulb’s neck.
The heat builds up inside the bulb, raising the temperature of the air trapped inside, causing the LED bulb’s electronic components to degrade, finally leading the bulb to fail. Many of the bulbs have heat sinking built in to help dissipate the heat.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Smart Bulbs?
Because smart bulbs are 90 percent more efficient than incandescent light bulbs, you should expect smart bulbs to live far longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.
In hours:
- Eufy White A19- 21,000
- Philips Hue Bulbs White and Color A19- 25,000
- Yeelight White A19- 20,000
- TP-Link Kasa White A19- 20,000
- LIFX White and Color A19- 20,000
Others:
- Regular Non-LED Light Bulb- 2,000 hours
- LED Bulb- 50,000 hours
- Filament bulbs
What to Exactly Look for in a Smart Bulb
We prepare some tips for choosing the correct smart bulb if you are new to this smart bulb craze.
1. Choosing the right platform
Because many systems can support smart bulbs, choosing the optimal platform is crucial. You should choose a smart bulb compatible with Google Home, Alexa, or Apple Homekit if you use any of these smart devices or services. These options aid in the selection of the ideal platform for your home.
2. Brand
There is a trade-off between quality and pricing when it comes to brand. A well-known smart bulb brands does not sell inferior goods. If they do, their brand will suffer as a result.
However, those huge companies can charge a premium price for the same goods that a small business can provide. As a result, balancing both points is a difficult task.
3. Life Span
Life span is one of the most important factors that you must look for a smart bulb. Smart bulb’s lifetime will save you from spending more.
4. Wattage
This is the amount of energy used by the smart bulb. The lower the wattage, the less money you’ll spend on electricity.
5. Lumens
It is a unit of measurement for the brightness of a light bulb.
6. Environmental Conditions
This is an important factor that many buyers overlook. There are operating conditions for some goods. As a result, some may not function well in extreme heat or cold.
So, if you’re looking for a smart bulb that may be used outside or near a window, make sure to look at the product’s specifications.
7. User Friendly
Some smart items can be challenging to set up. They may only work on their native app at times.
If you want to link your smart light to Alexa or Google Home, make sure the model you choose supports those features.
8. Shape
Smart bulbs have different shapes and sizes, depending on the brand. You should think about whether a particular shape is appropriate for the environment.
9. Color
Some smart bulbs have a color range of up to 16 million hues, allowing you to change the look of any area in a second and gives you a color temperature. Others are only available in white.
What is the Best Way to Extend the Life of a Smart Light Bulb?
Several variables must be considered to extend the life of a smart bulb.
- Components for Smart Bulb. Choose a smart light with electrical parts of grade A. Grade B or C components are often utilized to lower the price of a product. Although the bulb may be less expensive, the lower-quality parts are more susceptible to voltage fluctuations, heat, and humidity.
- Operating Conditions. A complicated control module is hidden inside smart lamps. Moisture, heat, and dust must be kept away from these delicate circuits. It can burn out quickly if it isn’t safeguarded.
- The craftsmanship of the highest caliber. The bulb is made up of more than simply internal components. Primary circuits, heat dissipation mechanisms, enclosures, safety circuits, and other components are included. Bulb components are of poorer quality, and their lifespan is significantly reduced.
- The consistent electrical power. The parts of the bulb can be damaged if your electricity fluctuates a lot. The bulb will eventually burn out as a result of this.
Are Smart Bulbs Energy-Efficient?
When compared to incandescent light bulbs, smart bulbs are more energy-efficient. They save between 25 and 80 percent of the energy used by an incandescent or fluorescent bulb. Traditional light bulbs only last for roughly 1000 hours.
The majority of the energy they use is converted to heat, with only approximately 10% being used to emit light. Of course, incandescent bulbs are far less expensive. They don’t, however, last long. Before a smart bulb burns out, you’ll have to replace it multiple times.
You’ll spend more money replacing incandescent lights over time than you will buy a single, smart bulb. Smart bulbs use less energy than other typical bulb kinds.
In addition, smart bulbs can help you save money on your electricity cost. You can also program your lamps to turn off on their own. This type of functionality can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills. (Read Can A Gas Stove Explode)
Furthermore, as you are aware, it employs LED technology, which is currently one of the most energy-efficient options available. However, some new customers say that smart bulbs use electricity even when they are turned off, resulting in a hefty cost.
Even if the smart bulb is turned off, it is technically correct to utilize electricity. It does not, however, result in additional costs on the account.
Even though smart bulbs use electricity in their circuits, the light does not appear to be on. However, you must be aware that the amount of electricity consumed is relatively minimal.
For a month’s use, the quantity of electricity used may cost one or two pennies. That’s how little it is.
Is it Worthwhile to Invest in Smart Bulbs?
Smart lamps are well worth the investment. There’s no denying it. On the other hand, the purchasing decision should be made after careful consideration of the appropriate needs.
If you want a light that uses the least amount of energy, an LED bulb is the way to go. Choose a smart bulb if you want a bulb that can change color or be programmed to turn on and off automatically. You will not be sorry.
Last but not least, do not choose the cheapest bulb. That is not the best strategy to select a smart bulb. There are more things to think about.
Take note that smart bulbs burn out. You can get more light hours per day, week, and year out of them if you are ready to pay extra for higher quality components and well-made bulbs. They’re low-energy and simple to control with an app or home automation system.
When you decide to add smart bulbs into your smart home, they are well worth the investment. This is because they last longer and save you money on your electricity bills. Because smart bulbs can be turned on and off using your smartphone or even voice assistants, they provide a sense of ease. When it comes to lighting, they are an absolute must-have in your smart home.
