With this trick, your LED bulbs will last a lifetime

Steps to increase the lifespan of an LED

  1. Open the LED lamp

Always unplug before handling to avoid the risk of electric shock.

  • If your bulb is removable, open it with a screwdriver.
  • Carefully remove the diffuser dome. This is often clipped or secured with hot silicone.
  • You will discover a board with several small LEDs and a small power supply (driver).

  1. Add a resistor to reduce the voltage

To make the bulb heat up less, you can reducethe electrical voltagethat passes through it.

  • Insert a resistor (1 W, 100 to 330 ohms depending on the bulb) between the driver and the power input.
  • This slightly reduces the light intensity, but this has a positive effect on the indoor temperature.
  • If you are not familiar with welding, ask for help or contact a professional.

Acumen: A slightly reduced intensity is virtually imperceptible to the naked eye, but it can double or even triple the life of your bulb!

  1. Improve heat dissipation

Some LEDs are equipped with abuilt-in heat sink. If this is not the case, it is possible to add one to avoid overheating.

  • Apply thermal paste between the existing heatsink and the base.
  • If the bulb doesn’t have one, add a small metal heatsink.
  • This allows heat to be dissipated better, while protecting the internal components.

  1. Reduce the number of active LEDs (optional)

On some models, it is possible to disconnect 1 or 2 LEDsfrom the chain.

  • This reduces the total load and thus the heat generation.
  • This option is especially true if the bulb is used in areas where maximum brightness is not absolutely necessary.

Precautions to take

  • Do not modify a light bulb that is still under warranty.
  • If the bulb has a complicated SMD circuit, avoid tampering.
  • Never make this change to bulbs used in critical areas (stairwells, outdoor lighting, etc.).

The expected results

After these adjustments, your bulb may emit a little less light, but its lifespan can be extended by 2 to 5 times. Less shopping to buy new ones, less waste, and savings in the long run!

More durable bulbs for an ecological
gesture Extending the life of your LED bulbs is not only a saving, but also a gesture for the planet. By consuming less and throwing away less, you reduce your environmental footprint. A small effort that makes all the difference!

Are you ready to test these tricks on your LED bulbs? Let us know in the comments if you’ve managed to extend their lifespan!