The question is, do LED strip lights use a lot of electricity? We know LED to be the most energy-efficient lighting solution, with better performance than incandescent or fluorescent lights.
We can attribute this to the light-emitting diodes that convert a larger percentage of the incoming input energy to useful light.
Research shows that LEDs convert almost 90% of their energy into light, translating into almost 50% more efficient than conventional options.
On average, expect your LED strip to consume 4-14 watts/foot, which is way lower than incandescent or fluorescent light.
Today’s article looks into LED strip light electricity consumption and ways to limit it. Let’s get rolling!
What Are LED Strip Lights?
These are thin, flexible strips mounted with LEDs to support functional or decorative lighting.
Generally, these lights have circuit boards with evenly distributed light-emitting diodes and a protective coating.
Moreover, the strips are available in different shapes and lengths; you can extend or cut them to fit different spaces.
Thanks to the available clips and adhesive backing, we tried installing these LEDs and found them highly versatile and easy to install.
Furthermore, you can access these LED in multiple colors and types, including multi-color RGB and single-color lights.
How Much Electricity Do LED Strip Lights Consume?
(A girl holding an LED strip light)
We all know that LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting option, which explains why consumers are replacing incandescent and fluorescent lights with them.
However, how much electricity they consume depends on the brightness level, type/number of LEDs, and the strip length.
On average, expect them to consume about 4-14 watts per foot.
This means that a ten-foot LED strip will consume 40-140 watts while a twenty-foot will consume 80-180 watts.
But remember, these values are just estimates, and the actual value varies depending on product type and manufacturer.
If you compare LED strips with fluorescent or incandescent lights, they convert a larger percentage of their input energy into light, thus consuming less power for the same output.
And beside consuming less electricity, LED strips produce less heat than the other lighting options.
How To Reduce Strip Light Power Consumption
(A red LED glowing garland strip)
Reducing your LED power consumption can help you save energy and lower power costs. Below are the approaches you can consider to lower energy costs.
Select Energy-Efficient Strips
As the same suggests, these strips consume less energy but emit more light. Surprisingly, energy-efficient strips are the ones with the highest energy efficiency ratings.
Therefore, check for the lumens per watt rating on the LED strip and only choose the products with a higher rating.
Choose An Appropriate Brightness Level
LED strips are available in many brightness levels; Consider your lighting requirements and choose a product with an appropriate brightness.
A lower brightness level translates into lower electricity consumption, thus lower energy bills.
And since some LED strip lights come with brightness controls, ensure you only set to maximum brightness when necessary.
Optimize The Strip Length
Isn’t it obvious that a longer strip will have more LEDs and consume more power?
The trick is to limit the length of the strip but still supply the required illumination to the required area.
Take the exact measurement of the area you wish to illuminate and limit the strip length to that area.
Use Timers and Motion Sensors
The intention here is to have lights on only when they are required.
We use motion sensors to detect movement or room occupation and automatically switch on the lights.
On the other hand, we have timers to switch on the light periodically or at specific times of the day.
As a result, the lights will only be on when necessary, thus saving power.
Smart Lighting Systems
(A living room lounge with LED lights)
Smart lighting has advanced features like remote control, voice assistant integration, and scheduling.
Such features will enable you to automate power-saving settings and, where possible, optimize light usage.
Regular Maintenance
This involves cleaning the LED strips regularly to remove debris and dust.
If you allow them to build up on the strip light, the light output will reduce, and you’ll be forced to increase the brightness level to meet requirements.
But if the LEDs are clean, they’ll emit power normally and efficiently.
Educate Users
Even if you were to invest in the most energy-efficient LEDs, it means nothing if the users leave them on 24/7, even when they don’t need the light.
Therefore, educate the LED strip light users on the importance of power conservation by encouraging them to switch off the lights anytime they’re not using them.
Why Not Leave Your LED Lights On Overnight?
(An LED strip light)
Below are why you should never leave your LED strip lights on overnight.
Energy Conservation
Why would you have your LED lights on overnight when almost everyone is asleep? Perhaps this is the best time to switch the LEDs off, conserve energy, and pay fewer bills.
Even if you save $1 per day, this could translate to $30 per month and almost $360 per year, which could be helpful in other ways.
Environmental Impact
The production of electricity mainly depends on non-renewable fossil fuels. Fossil fuel is a major contributor of greenhouse gases, which causes climate change.
By having your LED lights off at night, you’ll contribute to lower power demand, thus reducing the carbon footprint.
Fire Safety
Although LED strip lights don’t contribute as much heat as conventional options, they might still overheat and malfunction if left for extended periods.
Such issues could cause a fire if ignored, thus the need to turn off LEDs at night.
Prolonged Lifespan
Although LED lights are more durable than conventional lights, they don’t have an infinite lifespan.
Most LED strip lights will function for almost 50,000 hours without malfunctioning.
Therefore, leaving the LEDs on at night, even when you don’t need the light, will significantly reduce the operating hours.
Sleep Disruption
Having the light on while sleeping affects sleep quality by interfering with melatonin production (a hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles).
You can only create a conducive sleep atmosphere by switching off the lights for total darkness.
Financial Savings
Finally, switching off the LED lights when not required will significantly lower your power costs.
Switching off lights when not needed minimizes power consumption which in turn saves you money.
FAQs
Will LED strip lights last longer?
Yes! LED strip lights last longer than conventional lighting solutions like incandescent and fluorescent lights.
If you buy the new LED, expect it to last about 50,000 hours compared to less than 10,000 hours for conventional lights.
But with better maintenance, the durability could go as high as 100,000 hours.
Do LED strip lights cost a lot to run?
Not at all! Although LED strip lights have a high initial cost, they make up for it with their low running cost.
Generally, they’re energy-efficient, thus consuming less power and emitting more light.
And since they present a longer lifespan, you won’t have to go through regular replacements and repairs, which cost more money.
Is it advisable to leave your LEDs On overnight?
Not! There is no need to leave your LEDs on overnight when you’re asleep.
This will consume more power and leave you with huge bills to pay.
We recommend using timers and motion sensors to regulate LED strip lights.
Final Remarks
Generally, LED lights don’t consume more power than conventional options like fluorescent lights.
You’ll likely save at least 50% more power using LED strips than other lighting options.
Surprisingly, they convert at least 90% of their incoming energy into useful light.
And although you’ll initially buy LEDs expensively, expect them to be very cost-effective in the long term.