Can An Integrated LED Light Bulb Be Replaced?
LED lights have revolutionized the energy efficiency of lighting fixtures. Integrated LED lights give homeowners a unique lighting setup that can last for a decade in many cases. So, can an integrated LED light bulb be replaced?
Integrated LED light bulbs cannot be replaced because they are built into the circuitry. They are impossible to replace because integrated LED light bulbs connect to wires instead of a socket. You must replace the entire fixture if an integrated LED light bulb goes bad.
An integrated LED bulb can burn out fast if there is a problem with the circuitry or wiring. Luckily, you can replace an integrated LED light fixture for $230-$400. Follow along as we explore why you cannot replace integrated LED light bulbs.
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Can An Integrated LED Light Bulb Be Replaced?
You cannot replace integrated LED light bulbs because they are fixed to the circuitry. Integrated LED light bulbs connect to wires that require you to replace the module or fixture when one blows. They aren’t like traditional light fixtures that allow you to screw a bulb into the socket.
Integrated LED lights are connected to electrical circuit boards that prevent you from replacing them. However, the extended lifespan that integrated LED bulbs offer means that you won’t need to replace the fixture for a long time. You can expect an integrated LED light bulb to last for 25,000 hours or up to 10 years.
What Happens When an Integrated LED Light Burns Out?
You must purchase a new fixture, array, or module when an integrated LED light bulb burns out. That is because the bulbs are connected to complex circuitry within the module. Professionals are best equipped to replace an integrated LED light module because it entails serious electrical work.
It costs an average of $230 to replace an integrated LED light module when the bulbs burn out. However, it can cost up to $400 or more depending on the model.
How Long Do Integrated LED Lights Last?
Integrated LED light bulbs can last up to 10 years depending on how often you use them. They are rated for 25,000 hours of active use so their lifespan depends on how long they are on. Some LED light bulbs can last for up to 30,000 hours, and it’s rare for them to last less than 5,000 hours.
It typically indicates a problem with the circuitry if integrated LED light bulbs last less than 5,000 hours. Integrated LED light bulbs will last for up to 3 years if you run them 24 hours a day. However, most homeowners would never run LED bulbs 24/7 so you are likely to get 10 years out of them.
Are Integrated LEDs Common?
Yes, kind of. Traditional LED light bulbs still make the lion’s share of the market, but integrated LED fixtures are now increasingly popular. This trend is expected to continue in upcoming years as manufacturers try to limit the amount of waste that comes from lighting. To a point, they’ve become a new type of status symbol.
Why Do People Want Integrated LED Light Fixtures?
Good question! It does seem a little strange that people would be okay with getting integrated LED bulbs if you can’t replace them, right? What’s more, they’re becoming even more popular despite being more expensive. So, what’s the deal? Are they worth it? Here’s the truth about benefits of the trend:
- Longer LED Lifespan. Integrated units can last as long as 20 years without needing replacement. Regular bulbs may need replacement every year or two.
- Convenient. You only have to pick up one fixture to get it to work. There’s no other equipment to buy, and you don’t have to worry about matching up bulb size and type.
- Innovative Designs. Many integrated LED fixtures have gained attention for their unique, modern, and innovative design. If you love a modern vibe in your house, this is a good route to go.
- Safer. They don’t overheat, they are not prone to sudden failure, and they also tend to be more energy-efficient than their “retro” counterparts.
- Compact. Do you have a low ceiling? If so, integrated LED fixtures will help you get the most out of your ceiling space—possibly without the need to go for ceiling lights.
When Should You Avoid Integrated LED Lights?
Obviously, not everyone is going to want to get integrated LEDs. This is especially true if you want to have more control over what your lights do. Since you can’t choose the light types, the light hue you’re stuck with is going to be there for the lifespan of the fixture. If you were hoping to install Hue bulbs or something, you’re out of luck.
Moreover, people tend to disagree with the “planned obsolescence” that happens with integrated LED lighting. Having traditional LED light bulbs that are replaceable gives you the potential to keep your fixtures longer and also allows you to choose when you want to switch out your lights.
People also tend to keep budgets in mind when they decide to go the traditional route. If you are looking for a cheaper upfront cost, expect to stick with traditional lighting. With that said, many people note that traditional lighting still remains cheaper overall.
LED Lighting Costs: What To Know
If you are wondering what you should expect when it comes to price, it’s pretty clear that traditional LED lighting is going to be the one you want. Traditional LED lights (with bulbs) tend to run between $25 to $75 per track fixture, making them a reasonably-priced way to outfit your home.
The average cost for an integrated LED light fixture is going to be far higher. On average, integrated LED track lighting will run between $110 to a whopping $350 per fixture. This means that you can expect your integrated lights to be between four to five times as expensive as a regular lighting fixture.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Integrated LED Light Fixture?
Installing them alone can cost a pretty penny. If you choose to replace your integrated LEDs, then you will pay the same price for the equipment, plus an hour of technician work for a pair. Since an hour of electrician work tends to run between $50 to $100 per hour, you can expect a pair of integrated LED tracks to run you between $260 and $800.
This alone makes integrated LEDs prohibitively expensive for most homeowners on a budget. Don’t worry, though. Many individual lights can be bought and installed at a cheaper price, especially when it comes to lamps. Even so, you may want to wait until this trend gets a little more affordable before you dive in.
Does This Mean That You Can Keep LED Lights On All Night Long?
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you can just keep your LED lights on all night long without issues. While they’re ideal to have on for long periods of time because they don’t use much power and have low heat output, they can still fail. Therefore, you shouldn’t keep them on for longer than two days at a time tops without turning them off for at least 12 hours so they can rest.
Will My Lights Catch On Fire?
The cool thing about LED lights is that they don’t have a high heat output which means they are not hot to the touch. Therefore, if something was setting against them , or dust collected onto them, it doesn’t run the risk of fire. However, you still will want to maintain your lights and clean them once in a while regardless.
This is not to say fire can’t happen if you have faulty wiring. So when you install your integrated LED lights, it’s important to hire an electrician to make sure the electric work is up to par.
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Summing It Up
Integrated LED light bulbs cannot be replaced, but you can replace the module and fixture. LED light bulbs can last for up to 30,000 hours or 10 years depending on usage. It costs between $230 and $400 to replace an integrated LED light module.
You cannot replace blown LED light bulbs in an integrated fixture because it is connected to the circuitry. Integrated LED light bulbs last longer the less that you use them, and they cost less to run than incandescent bulbs.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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