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Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to replace light bulbs? In a perfect, but imaginary, world, they would last forever. You may have been put off by the higher price of smart bulbs and wondered if they were worth the extra dollars.
Initially, it was thought that they would last nearly forever. It might feel that way sometimes, but they do eventually wear out. But the question, do smart bulbs burn out?
Smart bulbs do eventually quit working. How long do smart bulbs work? They may burn out due to age or use. Generally, you can expect smart bulbs to last between 15 and 25 years or from 15,000 to 25,000 hours.
When you compare them to a regular bulb without led technology or smart functionality, this is significantly longer.
What is a smart bulb, anyway?
In the most basic terms, a smart led bulb is described as lighting and fixture that are controlled via wireless technology. Their use is automated, and you won’t have to control them manually.
Instead, you use a mobile device or a remote to control them. Once you install a smart bulb, you can use it to create different lighting and color effects. It’s a very easy way to add a nice ambiance to your home.
And it’s all done with just a swipe of your finger on a smartphone.
Is a smart bulb energy-efficient?
Smart bulbs are more energy-efficient when compared to incandescent light bulbs. They use from 25 to 80% less energy than an incandescent bulb or a fluorescent bulb.
Traditional light bulbs provide only about 1000 hours of light. Most of the energy they use converts to heat while only about 10% goes toward emitting light.
Incandescent bulbs are much cheaper, of course. But they don’t last very long. You will have to replace them several times before a smart bulb goes out.
Over time, you’ll spend more money replacing incandescent bulbs than buying one smart bulb. Smart bulbs consume less energy than other popular types of bulbs.
How do you control a smart bulb?
A smart bulb is controlled through the use of an internet connection. You customize and control them using a smart device, like your phone or tablet. Using your smartphone, you can easily turn lights off or on, dim them, or change their color.
If you have a home network connected to a smart device like Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant, they can be controlled using just your voice. That can save you some energy and steps!
Steps to Set Up A Smart Bulb
Smart bulbs come from a variety of manufacturers like Philips hue. Each company will have a few small differences when it comes to setting them up. But basically, the processes will be similar. Setting them up is an easy DIY project.
Here are the basic steps you need to perform.
Step 1: Choose the type, make, and model of the smart bulb you want.
There are many popular brands of smart bulbs available. Choose the one that meets your need, then choose where you want to install it.
Check to see if the bulb needs a hub to operate, or if it can work through just an application on your phone. You will need a wi fi connection to use the app. A hub has a wireless router that bulbs use to connect to the internet.
Some bulbs come with built-in wi-fi capabilities. Most can connect with smart devices like Google Assistant or Alexa.
Step 2: Put the smart bulb in the light fixture.
Make sure your smart bulb will work in your existing light fixtures. Most of them do, but there are a few types that are not compatible with traditional light fixtures.
Once the fixtures are in place, place the smart bulbs into the fixtures.
Step 3: Add your smart bulb to your home network.
Most brands today have apps for either iOS or Android platforms. You can search for the appropriate app. There should also be instructions that came with the product when you purchased it.
It will have a picture of the app. Download the right app, then add the smart bulb to your network. Then, turn the power switch on.
The bulb should blink three times, and the app will prompt you to click “Next.”
The apps are all slightly different, but there is always a way to connect the bulb and your wi-fi.
What’s the difference between a hubless and a hub bulb?
A hub bulb has all the hardware inside that allows it to access your Wi-Fi network. In these cases, the smart bulb interacts with the hub which interacts with your app or a smart home device like Alexa or Google Assistant.
A hubless bulb, on the other hand, has a built-in capability to connect with Wi-Fi. They can interact directly with their specific app seamlessly. Hubless are often preferred over those that need a hub to work.
How can I maximize the life of a smart light bulb?
To help lengthen a smart bulb’s lifetime, you’ll need to consider several factors.
- Smart Bulb Components. Choose a smart bulb that has grade A high-quality electrical parts. Sometimes you’ll see grade B or C components used just to reduce the product’s price. You may pay less for the bulb, but the lower quality parts are more vulnerable to voltage fluctuations, heat, and humidity.
- Operating Environment. Inside smart bulbs is a complex controlling module. These sensitive circuits need protection from moisture, heat, and dust. If it’s not protected, it can burn out early.
- Quality Craftsmanship. There is more to the bulb than just the internal components. There are main circuits, heat dissipation mechanisms, enclosures, safety circuits and more. Cheaply made bulbs have lower quality components and a much shorter lifespan.
- Stable Electrical Power. If your electricity has a high fluctuation rate, it can degrade the parts of the bulb. This will eventually cause the bulb to burn out.
In Conclusion
Yes, a smart bulb can burn out. However, if you are willing to pay for higher quality components and well-made bulbs, you can get more light hours a day, week, and year out of them.
They are energy-efficient and easy to control using an app or home automation system.
