LED vs. Incandescent: A Comparison of Lighting Technologies

Do you ever wonder how incandescent vs LED bulbs compare? Of course we all do while investing in lighting products. 

As per the US Energy Information Administration, lighting accounts for about 15% of a typical home's energy use. 

That means these everyday bulbs you choose can have a big impact on your energy bills and the environment.  But with 2 popular options: incandescent and LED bulbs on the shelf, it's easy to feel lost. Don't worry! This guide on incandescent vs LED will highlight the key differences between the efficiency, lifespan, and cost of these 2 lighting solutions to help you make informed decisions for a brighter and more sustainable future! Let’s begin by learning about these lighting technologies.

What Is an LED Light Bulb?

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulb is an energy-efficient lighting solution that uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs produce light through electroluminescence, where electrons recombine with holes in the diode to emit photons. Outdoor and indoor LED lights are highly efficient, consuming up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and have a long lifespan, often exceeding 25,000 hours. They produce minimal heat and are available in various colors and brightness levels. Additionally, LEDs are environmentally friendly as they contain no toxic materials and reduce carbon footprint due to their lower energy consumption.

What Is an Incandescent Light Bulb?

An incandescent light bulb produces light by heating a tungsten filament until it glows. When electric current passes through the filament, it reaches a high temperature, emitting light in the visible spectrum. These bulbs are known for their warm, inviting light but are highly inefficient, converting only about 10% of energy into light and the rest into heat. They typically last about 1,000 hours and are inexpensive upfront. Incandescent bulbs contain no hazardous materials.

LED Vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs: A Comprehensive Comparison

Here's a breakdown of how LED vs incandescent efficiency compares across key factors to help you choose the perfect bulb for your needs:

Brightness and efficiency

• LED (Light Emitting Diode): LEDs are highly energy-efficient, converting approximately 90% of their energy into light. LEDs consume about 6-8 watts to produce the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.
• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs convert only about 10% of their energy into light, with the remaining 90% lost as heat. This is because incandescents produce light by heating a tungsten filament until it glows, which is a less efficient process. A standard incandescent bulb consumes 60 watts to produce the same amount of light as a 6-8-watt LED.

This means LEDs are 5-6 times more energy-efficient. So, if you are looking for brighter bulbs, you can go for incandescent bulbs, while if you are looking for energy-efficient options, LEDs are better.

Light Quality

• LED: They are available in a wide range of color temperatures, from warm white (2700K-3000K) to daylight (5000K-6500K). They can also offer high Color Rendering Index (CRI) values, typically above 80, which means they can render colors more accurately compared to other light sources.
• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs generally produce a warm, yellowish light with a color temperature of around 2700K. They have a high CRI (close to 100), meaning they render colors very accurately.

Lifespan

• LED: These bulbs typically last for 15,000 to 50,000 hours. This longevity is due to their solid-state construction, which is less prone to failure compared to the fragile filaments in incandescent bulbs. Over the course of its lifetime, an LED bulb can last about 20-25 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs have a lifespan, usually lasting around 1,000 to 2,000 hours. The filament in an incandescent bulb burns out relatively quickly due to the high temperatures required to produce light, leading to more frequent replacements.

Cost

Upfront, incandescents seem like the budget-friendly pick. However, their short lifespan necessitates frequent replacements, making them more expensive over time.  LEDs, despite the higher initial cost, are a long-term investment that pays off through energy savings. Here’s a breakdown of the cost per month for both incandescent and LED lights:

Dimming Capabilities

• LED: Many LED bulbs are dimmable, but they require compatible dimmer switches designed for LEDs. These switches provide smoother and more precise dimming control. Some early LED models may not dim smoothly, but newer versions have improved performance.
• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs are naturally dimmable and work well with traditional dimmer switches. They provide a smooth dimming experience, with the light color becoming warmer as it dims.

Safety

Safety first!  LEDs run cool, reducing the risk of burns and fires, especially around flammable materials. Incandescent bulbs get hot, posing a potential safety hazard. Additionally, LEDs are free of harmful materials like mercury, often found in incandescents.

Cold Performance

Freezing temperatures can dim incandescent bulbs' performance, causing delays in reaching full brightness and reducing their efficiency.  LEDs are the winter warriors, starting instantly and maintaining brightness even in cold environments.

Size and Design

• LED: LED bulbs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, including standard A-shape bulbs, floodlights, spotlights, and decorative bulbs. They are available in different bases and can be used in almost any lighting fixture, providing versatility for various lighting needs.
• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs also come in various shapes and sizes, such as A-shape, globe, and candle, but the variety is more limited compared to LEDs. They are generally used in traditional lighting fixtures and decorative applications.

Choosing the right light bulb is crucial for energy savings and environmental impact. In the incandescent vs LED battle, LEDs stand out for their efficiency, longevity, and versatility, while incandescent bulbs offer a familiar, warm light but fall short in terms of energy use and lifespan. Transitioning to LED lighting can lead to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.