LED vs. Incandescent Lights: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering lighting options for your home, you’ll want to look closely at LED and incandescent lights. LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, and more people than ever are opting to go LED. But is LED better than the older incandescent lighting technology? This blog post will examine the advantages and disadvantages of LED and incandescent lights. After reading this, you can decide which light is best for you.

Key Takeaways

• LED bulbs are known for their long life, low power consumption, and ability to produce bright light. They produce more lumens with lower wattage compared to the traditional light of incandescent bulbs.
• Incandescent lights have been around for a long time and are still widely used, but they’re not very efficient and can cause higher energy bills.
• LED lights have a higher initial cost than incandescent lights. Still, you’ll save money in the long run because of their low power consumption and long lifespan.
• LED lights are relatively safe and unlikely to damage your eyes.

What Are LED Lights?

LED stands for “Light Emitting Diode.” And since their inception in 1962, they have been the most efficient lighting source available and continue to be so today. LEDs are known for their long life, low power consumption, and ability to produce bright light. And they’re widely used in both commercial and residential applications. They’re one of the best ways to maximize energy savings for homeowners.

What Are Incandescent Lights?

Incandescent lights (i.e., your standard halogen light bulb) were invented in 1879 by Thomas Edison and are composed of a filament that is heated until it glows. Incandescent lights produce a warm light, but they’re not very energy-efficient. They consume a lot of electricity and can cause higher energy bills. However, this type of bulb is still widely used because they are inexpensive to purchase.

LED vs. Incandescent

	LED	Incandescent
Cost	LED lights typically cost more than incandescent lights, with the initial purchase price being higher for LED lights. This is because LED lighting technology uses a more advanced process of producing light and thus requires more resources to create. The cost of LEDs has been steadily decreasing year by year as technology advances, so in the long term, you’ll likely save money on energy costs.	Incandescent lights have a lower upfront cost than LED lights since they use older technology and do not require as many resources to produce. They’re also less hassle to find in stores, as many places still carry incandescent bulbs. Although they cost less initially, you’re likely to pay more in the long run because of their higher energy consumption.
Efficiency	LEDs are more efficient than incandescent lights, making them a better option for long-term savings on energy bills. LED lights use far less energy than incandescent lights and last much longer. LED lights will save you money on energy costs, and you’ll have to replace them less often.	Incandescent light bulbs are much less efficient than LED lights and thus consume more energy. You’ll likely pay more for energy costs with incandescent lights over time.
Lifespan	LED light bulbs have an incredibly long lifespan. These lights are designed to last up to 50,000 hours or more, depending on the type of LED. You’ll have to replace them much less often, saving you money in the long run.	Incandescent lights have a much shorter lifespan than LED lights. Incandescent bulbs will typically last anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 hours before needing to be replaced. This is due to  the heated filament, which wears out over time.

LED Safety

Do LED Lights Damage Your Eyes?

LED lights are unlikely to cause any damage to your eyes. The level of light produced by LED lights is relatively safe and non-harmful.

Do LED Lights Pose a Fire Hazard?

LED lights do not pose much fire hazard, unlike incandescent lights. Due to LED technology, they don’t generate much heat, which greatly improves their safety levels.