So, do LED lights get hot?
With LEDs being the go-to choice for their energy efficiency, we’re looking at how they compare with other lighting types in terms of heat and safety.
Unfortunately, all lights emit heat to some degree, but LED bulbs are at the lower end of this spectrum. We will explore further…
Do LED lights get hot?
This is a question that often confuses people - most of us would probably avoid touching a light bulb when it’s on. After all, when you touch a halogen or incandescent bulb, the scalding feeling is immediate - so, wouldn’t LED bulbs be the same?
Well, the short answer is: yes. However, they are far more efficient than other types of bulbs so, though they do emit heat, it’s minimal.
Energy efficiency of LEDs
LEDs offer numerous benefits and you are likely to find them in many buildings and properties, including homes and commercial spaces. A key benefit that puts LEDs at an advantage against other types of lighting is that it is extremely energy efficient.
To compare, incandescent lights only convert about 10% of the electricity used into light, with the rest wasted as heat. Meanwhile, LED lights consume electricity more efficiently - using around 75% less energy, meaning that they last longer and also emit light without wasting energy.
It’s no surprise that incandescent bulbs are hot to touch, particularly if they convert around 90% of energy into heat. Meanwhile, halogen bulbs get even hotter than incandescent bulbs.
With this in mind, it is important to remember that LED lights still get hot - but not necessarily in the way that you might think.
Looking for long-lasting LEDs?
At Vision Lighting, some of our most popular bulbs include:
Any questions on any of our LED product range, do give us a call.
What affects how hot your LEDs get?
Infrared radiation is what causes traditional light bulbs, like halogen and fluorescent, to heat up. LED bulbs will still warm up due to their internal components - however, modern LED light bulbs are designed with a heat sink at the base to regulate temperature.
This doesn’t mean that LEDs will always remain at a low temperature - if they are continuously left running in a poorly ventilated and enclosed space, they may produce more heat than normal.
High-power LEDs may also emit more heat than standard LEDs, but, compared to traditional light bulbs, the amount of heat generated from LEDs is still relatively low. As a result, it’s not surprising that LED bulbs have become a replacement for halogens - and not just because of the halogen light bulb ban.
Could LED lights ever get hot enough to start a fire?
Despite the fact that LED lights do produce some heat, it is unlikely that they will generate enough heat to start a fire.
However, there are rare cases where LED lights may lead to a fire, especially if:
- LEDs were installed poorly or incorrectly
- Wiring circuit is faulty or old
- LEDs, namely LED strip lights, are installed near flammable materials
- Socket is overloaded
Can you leave LED lights on all the time?
Due to their low energy consumption and low heat production, LED lights can be kept on for long periods of time. In some cases, you can even leave them on for days on end without worrying about hazards or damages to the bulb itself.
That said, it is not recommended to keep your LED lights on all the time. While it may not significantly impact your energy bills as they’re cheap to run, keeping the LED lights on can lead to potential issues, including sleep disruptions.
In particular, keeping the lights on all night can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, and may potentially prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. On top of this, keeping your LED bulb on will also shorten its lifespan.
Are there any LED lights that don’t emit heat?
Unfortunately, there are no LED lights that don’t emit heat. This is simply just the case with all lighting types. To prevent LED lights from overheating (which cuts their life short), you should be proactive in thermal management.
Regardless of whether you are installing an LED bulb in your home or a retail shop, don’t forget to take the necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of excessive heat production.
Ways to reduce heat emissions from LEDs
So, how can you minimise the amount of heat that LEDs produce?
Here are a few ways that you might want to consider:
Turning off when not in use - while LED lights can be kept on for a long period of time (without generating too much heat and consuming large amounts of energy), if they are not in use, why bother keeping them on? Leaving them on for an extended period of time may lead the LED bulb to overheat and shorten its lifespan.
Ensure appropriate ventilation and space - if you plan on using a shade for your LED bulb, make sure that there’s enough space for the LED bulb itself. Small and narrow shades can result in poor ventilation, which can produce more heat. Small and stuffy rooms might also be a bad choice for LED light bulbs, compared to larger rooms that have better air circulation.
Follow manufacturer’s guide for installation and application - following the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation of the LED bulb is essential to ensuring that the bulb doesn’t overheat. This can also include making sure that it’s connected to an appropriate power source.
Reasons why customers choose us for energy-efficient LED bulbs
So, there you have it - the answers to ‘Do LED lights get hot?’!
Here at Vision Lighting, we supply a wide selection of LED lighting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. This includes energy-efficient LED light bulbs that produce little heat. We are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 UKAS accredited, ensuring you get high-quality supplies with every purchase.
For more information about our range of products, or for any further enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Vision Lighting team today.