It's easy to overlook seemingly unimportant things like turning off the light when you leave a room. But have you ever wondered how much power light-emitting diode (LED) strip lights consume and whether you can leave them on all night? Well, we've done some research on this subject to assist you.

LED strip lights use less electricity than conventional incandescent lights. The annual operating cost of a typical 15-feet strip is less than $11. So, you have nothing to fear if you leave your LED strips on all night. They won't significantly increase your electric bill, and they only produce minimal heat that is unlikely to set fire. Plus, they can even help you sleep better with their calming colors.

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What Are LED Strip Lights?

LED strip lights are a modern and adaptable type of lighting. Although there are many variations of these lights, you can usually expect them to:

• Consist of a wide array of individual LED emitters on a flexible, slender circuit board.
• Use low-voltage direct current (DC) power to operate.
• Allow you to create your project as you choose since you can cut the strip at intervals of a few inches.
• Allow for a 90-degree bend in the vertical direction.
• Offer a wide range of single colors and color-changing options.
• Fit and discreetly hide in various confined areas due to their 1/16" thickness.
• Have a back equipped with sturdy adhesive tape, allowing you to peel and stick them to different surfaces.
• Provide a variety of brightness options.
• Allow customization with specific colors, lengths, color rendering index (CRI), widths, brightness, voltages, and more.

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How Much Electricity Do LED Strip Lights Use?

To calculate the electricity cost of LED strip lights, let's use a few examples. The average price of power in the US is $0.1059 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The amount of energy equal to 1,000 Watts (W) drawn for an hour is measured in kWh. To convert W to kWh, you multiply by the number of hours and divide by 1,000. For a standard density connecting 15 feet of LED strip, you'll use 1.46 Watts per foot (W/ft). Remember that some strips can be significantly higher in thickness.

Ensure your power supply can generate enough power to run the LED strips. Use the following calculation to determine the LED strip's overall power consumption and electricity cost:

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Wattage

• LED power x LED strip length = Wattage
• (1.46 W/ft) x (15 ft) = 21.9 W

Power Consumption

• [LED Wattage x Operating Time] / 1,000 = Power Consumption
• [21.9 W x 12 h] / 1,000 = 0.2628 kWh

Electricity Cost

• Power Consumption x Electricity Price = Electricity Cost
• (0.2628 kWh) x ($0.1059/kWh) = $0.03

Some people don't typically use LED strip lights nonstop. They may just turn them on for a few hours. Electricity usage depends on your lights' usage and technology. The length and density of the LED strip lights also play a role.

Here's a chart showing the electricity cost for different usage:

That implies that even if you run a standard density LED strip over 15 feet and leave it on for the whole night, you won't spend much money on it—barely more than a cent.

What Are Some Reasons Not To Leave LED Lights On All Night?

While leaving LED strip lights on all night is generally safe, there are a few concerns you might have:

Start A Fire

Fire is a significant risk in homes and offices, especially during the night when everyone is asleep. Leaving lights on all night might increase the risk of fire. However, LEDs are much safer in this regard because they produce less heat compared to older light bulbs. Therefore, leaving LED strip lights on all night is much safer than typical light fixtures.

Cost A Lot

Reducing electricity costs is always a good idea. LED strip lights consume 85% less energy than regular light bulbs, which means you can leave them on all night without significantly impacting your electricity bill.

Affect Your Sleep

Sleeping with the lights on can disrupt your sleep because it inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. But if you must have light when you sleep, choose red light. Research shows that it can aid in your ability to sleep. Therefore, using LED strip lights with red light in your room can help you sleep better.

Do LED Strip Lights Last Longer?

LED lights last longer compared to traditional incandescent lights. The US Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that a single string of LED lights might still be in operation after 40 years. This durability is due to the way LED lights are constructed using diodes and semiconductors, which are more efficient and long-lasting compared to traditional filaments.

What Are Some LED Light Strips You Can Use All Night?

To ensure your LED light strips can operate all night, it's important to choose high-quality options. Here are a few LED light strips that are known for their durability:

Philips Hue Light Strip

This light strip creates an immersive environment and can be customized to suit your needs. It is flexible, bendable, and extendable, allowing for easy installation in various applications.

Govee Smart LED Strip Lights

These smart LED strip lights are compatible with smart hubs like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control them with just a few voice commands, making them convenient and easy to use.

Lepro LED Strip Light

This LED strip light is a more conventional option that adds a beautiful accent to any home. It comes as an all-in-one kit, eliminating the need for additional accessories.

In conclusion, leaving LED strip lights on all night is not a problem. They consume less electricity, produce minimal heat, and can even help you sleep better. Just make sure to choose high-quality LED light strips for long-lasting performance.