LEDs have taken over CFLs, but what’s next?
What will replace LEDs, and how will it improve? Will the new tech last longer or cost less? When will we see it on store shelves?
Maybe some kind of self-luminescent materials, either organic or synthetic. Could be the next step forward.
I think LEDs are here to stay for a long time because they’re cheap, efficient, and durable compared to older tech. If anything replaces them, it might be bioluminescent materials, either natural or synthetic. Another possibility could be lighting tech using room-temperature semiconductors, but that’s likely far off and would depend on cost and efficiency improvements.
@Keegan
I feel like LED bulbs don’t last as long as advertised. I’m replacing them more often than I did with incandescents.
Bela said:
@Keegan
I feel like LED bulbs don’t last as long as advertised. I’m replacing them more often than I did with incandescents.
That’s usually due to heat buildup or poor-quality circuit boards in the bulbs. Many LED bulbs aren’t rated for enclosed fixtures, so they overheat. Also, cheap drivers in the bulbs tend to fail before the LEDs themselves. Incandescents were simpler and didn’t have these issues.
@Aris
The lack of options is frustrating. I have enclosed fixtures that burn out LEDs multiple times a year, but I can’t go back to incandescents because they’re not available anymore. The recommendations for orientation on the box feel ridiculous—shouldn’t they be designed better? What’s a good solution for enclosed fixtures now?
@Bela
You can still find LED bulbs rated for enclosed fixtures online or at hardware stores. Avoid the cheap brands. Phillips, Cree, and IKEA make reliable bulbs, and they’re worth the extra cost. For enclosed fixtures, proper ventilation is key, but high-quality LEDs should still last longer than what you’re describing.
@Aris
Seconding Phillips bulbs. They’re more expensive but have excellent CRI and color accuracy, plus they last much longer.
Bela said:
@Keegan
I feel like LED bulbs don’t last as long as advertised. I’m replacing them more often than I did with incandescents.
Hopefully the market adjusts as people get fed up with poor-quality bulbs. There’s definitely a demand for more reliable products, even if they cost a bit more.
Bela said:
@Keegan
I feel like LED bulbs don’t last as long as advertised. I’m replacing them more often than I did with incandescents.
What kind of bulbs are you using? I’ve been running LEDs for over 10 years and haven’t had issues, even in enclosed fixtures. Maybe it’s a brand or installation issue?
VR headsets might be the future. If no one lives in the real world anymore, why even bother with lights?
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for it because I hate LEDs.
Micah said:
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for it because I hate LEDs.
You probably hate the cheap LEDs on the market. Good-quality LEDs are fantastic. Maybe try better brands?
@Jesse
Any recommendations for good brands? I’d like to try something better.
Micah said:
@Jesse
Any recommendations for good brands? I’d like to try something better.
Check out Soraa for excellent quality.
Micah said:
@Jesse
Any recommendations for good brands? I’d like to try something better.
Check out Soraa for excellent quality.
Here’s a great video on a $3.50 bulb with excellent CRI and no flicker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeR2uPPCA2k. Worth a watch!
Micah said:
@Jesse
Any recommendations for good brands? I’d like to try something better.
For screw-in lamps, I don’t have specific recs since I don’t spec those. For fixtures, look for ones with Cree LEDs and high operating hours, like Lithonia or Gotham.
Micah said:
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for it because I hate LEDs.
Why do you hate LEDs? What’s the main issue?
Micah said:
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for it because I hate LEDs.
LEDs have been a game changer for designers. They’ve expanded what’s possible in lighting design.
Micah said:
I don’t know what’s next, but I’m ready for it because I hate LEDs.
Good-quality LEDs are nearly indistinguishable from incandescents in light quality but use far less power. The trick is avoiding the garbage sold at big-box stores and online.