You're considering LED strips for under-cabinet lighting or backlighting. Two questions matter:

1. How long do they actually last?
2. Are they worth the investment?

Here's what you need to know to make a smart decision.

How Long Do LED Strip Lights Last?

30,000 to 50,000 hours for quality strips.

Here's what that means in real years:

Daily Usage	30,000 Hours	50,000 Hours
4 hours	20.5 years	34 years
8 hours	10.3 years	17 years
12 hours	6.8 years	11.4 years
24/7	3.4 years	5.7 years

Unlike traditional bulbs that burn out, LEDs gradually dim through "lumen depreciation." At their rated lifespan (L70), they still produce 70% of original brightness—plenty for most uses.

The 3 Factors That Actually Matter

Heat Management (Biggest Impact)

The Problem: Heat degrades LEDs faster than any other factor.

The Numbers:

• LED strips at 25°C (77°F): Full 50,000-hour lifespan
• LED strips at 35°C (95°F): Reduced to ~35,000 hours
• LED strips at 45°C (113°F): Drops to ~20,000 hours
• LED strips over 60°C (140°F): May fail within 10,000 hours

The Solution: Mount strips in aluminum channels. They act as heatsinks, keeping temperatures 15-20°C cooler. A $3-per-foot channel protects your $10-per-foot LED investment.

Power Supply Quality

Cheap drivers kill LEDs through:

• Voltage spikes (±20% fluctuation vs. ±5% for quality drivers)
• Electrical noise causing micro-damage over time
• Inadequate current regulation leading to overdrive

What to look for:

• UL/CE certification (non-negotiable)
• Efficiency rating >85%
• Voltage regulation ±5% or better
• 3+ year warranty

LED Chip Grade

Chip Quality	Initial Brightness	After 3 Years	After 5 Years	Typical Price
Premium (Samsung, Cree)	100%	95%	90%	$8-12/ft
Standard (Epistar)	100%	85%	75%	$5-8/ft
Budget (Generic)	100%	70%	50% or dead	$2-5/ft

Real Cost Analysis

Upfront Investment vs. Long-term Savings

Example: Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting (20 feet)

	LED Strips	Traditional Lighting
Initial Cost	$200-300	$80-120
Annual Energy Cost*	$8	$35
Lifespan	15 years	1-2 years
10-Year Total Cost	$280	$470+

*Based on 8 hours daily use at $0.13/kWh

Break-even point: 2-3 years

10-year savings: $190+

Installation: What Actually Matters

Must-Haves for Longevity

1. Aluminum channels - Non-negotiable for heat dissipation
2. Proper power supply sizing - Use 80% rule (100W of LEDs = 125W power supply minimum)
3. Clean connections - Poor connections cause 40% of failures

Common Mistakes That Kill LEDs

• Direct mounting on wood (traps heat)
• Undersized power supplies (overdrive stress)
• Sharp bends over 90° (breaks circuits)
• Covering strips with fabric/insulation (heat buildup)

Buying Guide: Key Specifications

Brightness (Lumens per Foot)

• 100-200 lm/ft: Accent/mood lighting
• 200-400 lm/ft: Under-cabinet task lighting
• 400-600 lm/ft: Primary room lighting
• 600+ lm/ft: Commercial/workshop lighting

Color Temperature

• 2700K-3000K: Warm white (living rooms, bedrooms)
• 3500K-4000K: Neutral white (kitchens, bathrooms)
• 5000K-6500K: Daylight (garages, offices, detail work)

CRI (Color Rendering Index)

• CRI 80+: Acceptable for general use
• CRI 90+: Colors appear natural (important for kitchens, art, makeup areas)
• CRI 95+: Professional photography, retail displays

IP Rating (Water/Dust Resistance)

• IP20: Indoor use only
• IP65: Splash-proof (bathrooms, kitchens)
• IP67: Weatherproof (covered outdoor areas)
• IP68: Submersible (pools, marine)

FAQs

Can I leave LED strip lights on 24/7?

Yes, with proper installation. Quality strips in aluminum channels can run continuously for years. Without heat management, expect these reduced lifespans:

• With aluminum channel: 5-7 years continuous use
• Without channel, open air: 2-3 years
• Without channel, enclosed space: 12-18 months

Energy cost for 24/7 operation (16ft strip): ~$2.50/month

How much electricity do LED strips really use?

Actual consumption:

• 16-foot strip at full brightness: 24-30 watts
• Equivalent light from incandescent: 150-200 watts
• Savings: 80-85% less energy

Real example: Replacing five 60W bulbs with equivalent LED strips:

• Before: 300W × 8 hours × 365 days = 876 kWh/year ($114)
• After: 60W × 8 hours × 365 days = 175 kWh/year ($23)
• Annual savings: $91

Why did one color stop working on my RGB strip?

Diagnosis steps:

1. Test connections (70% of cases): Unplug and firmly reconnect all points. Corrosion or loose connections are usually the culprit.

2. Check for physical damage (25% of cases): Look for:

   • Sharp bends (>90°)
   • Visible cracks in the strip
   • Dark/burnt spots on individual LEDs

3. Controller test (5% of cases): Connect strip directly to power supply. If all colors work, replace controller.

Prevention: Use corner connectors instead of bending. Apply dielectric grease to outdoor connections.

Can I cut LED strips anywhere?

No—only at marked cut points (copper pads with scissor icon), typically every:

• 1 inch for 12V strips (3 LEDs)
• 2 inches for 24V strips (6 LEDs)
• 4 inches for 120V strips (varies)

After cutting:

• Each section needs power connection
• Use solderless connectors or solder wires
• Cut sections can be reused with proper connectors
• Seal cut ends in wet locations

How do I know if my LED strips are dying?

Early warning signs:

Stage	Symptoms	Timeline	Action Needed
Normal aging	5-10% dimming	Years 3-5	None
Degradation	20-30% dimming, slight color shift	Years 5-8	Plan replacement
End of life	40%+ dimming, yellowing, dead spots	Years 8-10+	Replace

Quick test: Compare to a new strip or photo from installation. 30% dimming is typically when people notice.

Do LED strips damage walls or surfaces?

Heat damage: Quality strips reach 40-50°C—safe for all common materials

Adhesive damage: 3M VHB tape may pull paint when removed

Safe removal tips:

• Heat with hair dryer to soften adhesive
• Use dental floss to cut through tape
• Clean residue with Goo Gone or isopropyl alcohol

Bottom Line

LED strips are worth it if you:

• Buy quality (look for 3+ year warranties)
• Install aluminum channels for heat management
• Size your power supply correctly
• Avoid the cheapest options

Expected lifespan with proper installation:

• Premium strips: 15-20 years
• Mid-range strips: 8-12 years
• Budget strips: 2-5 years

Questions about your specific project? Decktok here to help you get it right the first time.