When choosing the best LED lighting, there are various factors to consider. How to care for and maintain your LED lights is an important element in ensuring their longevity. LED lights have an expected lifespan on 50,000 hours of active use. However, this can only be achieved if they are cared for properly. Luckily, there are plenty of ways in which you can keep your LED lighting working optimally for longer.
In this guide, we discuss why it’s important to care for your LED lights and how you can maintain them to ensure their longevity and safe operation.
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Why it's important to care for your LEDs
Maintenance helps you save money
Part of your business's success depends on how well you can keep costs minimal. Therefore, you need your LED lights working at their best. Additionally, with proper maintenance, there'll be no need for replacements.
LED lights may not burn out like incandescent bulbs, but you'll notice a drop in the diode's brightness if they are not properly maintained. Dirt and other debris collecting on the lights will also reduce their brightness and increase the chances of damage.
Prolonging the light’s lifespan
The 50,000-hour lifespan rating is conservative, accounting for general wear and tear and average operational conditions. With excellent LED lighting care and maintenance, that figure can reach close to 100,000 hours. Regular maintenance may seem pointless, but imagine what it would mean for your business to keep your LED lights operational for longer.
If you want LED lighting that lasts for hours, check out our LED modules.
Maintenance is critical for safety and security
LED signage, security lights and other safety lighting cease to function properly without regular maintenance. The diodes can lose up to 50% of their brightness, which reduces the effectiveness of the lights. Proper maintenance not only saves on the cost of replacements, but it's also necessary for safety in a building. Besides dimming lights, maintenance ensures no section of the building misses light due to a malfunctioning diode in the chain.
Our 264w LED drivers, responsible for self-contained supply, are renowned for their long-term safety. Also, Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) wires are perfect for areas where smoke and toxic fumes may cause a threat to life and equipment.
Ensuring you have taken all necessary precautions
Should any section of your premises miss lighting, you'll be held accountable as the party responsible for fitting lights. In the event of criminal activity or an accident, those involved will question your company's reputation and sense of responsibility. Regular care and maintenance work indicate your company's dedication to the proper working of the LED lighting system.
How do I prevent damage to an LED lighting system?
Choose the right LED lights for a given space
There are many types of LED lights suitable for different places and occasions. The world of LED lighting is still new, with constant additions to the list. For example, if you need to invest in LED outdoor lighting, you need to focus your search on this specific category. Alternatively, you can reach out to an expert with your expectations and let them help you choose appropriately.
Fairground LED lights such as golf ball kits, are perfect for large signs that are placed outside. However, LED lights are not waterproof and require adequate weatherproofing to ensure their longevity outside.
Think long term
While LED lights will last a long time, you need to know if they'll need accessories and maintenance parts. Before investing in an entire system, you need to find out how long it will be relevant. Check to see what support the company will offer over time. In addition, find out the details of warranties and product guarantees.
Install the LED lights properly
After choosing the right LED lights for a given space, you need to install the lights properly. For example, if you opted for hanging LED light bulbs such as festoon lighting, check the hanging length. Placing the bulbs too close to furniture, ceiling fans or close to your head is a recipe for disaster.
Avoid cramming the diodes in a small space for recessed lights. If necessary, widen the recess to sufficiently accommodate the bulbs. Consider installing a protective glass or plastic cover for outdoor lighting to keep moisture and dirt away from the bulbs.
Also consider the operating environment of the LED lights. Ideally, you need to ensure the lights are in a cool environment away from direct sunlight. Although LEDs produce minimal heat compared to incandescent bulbs, wrong placement could mean too much heat. Heat decreases the lifespan of the diodes and reduces their light-emitting potential.
How do I clean LED light fixtures?
Before cleaning LED lights, you need to turn them off. Touching lit LED light fixtures and accessories could injure you through electric shocks. Once the lights are off, proceed with a brush, a damp cloth and, in some instances, a stain remover. However, you need to avoid using harsh chemicals on the light fixtures. If you use a damp cloth, ensure that the cloth is not sopping wet, as this can further damage your lights.
How do I maintain my LED light fixtures?
The location of the lights is a critical factor. Bulbs in the living room may only need light brushing to remove dust and debris on them. If you neglect the bulbs for too long, you may need a stain remover. Ensure you also clean the area around the light fixtures and the support installations.
At WeLoveLEDs, we understand how to choose, install and maintain LED lights for residential and commercial premises. Our online store has all types of LED lights to meet and surpass your lighting needs. Get in touch with us today.
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