Introduction
It's that time of year again! Time to break out the decorations and start getting into the holiday spirit. And what better way to do that than with some holiday lighting? But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which type of lighting to choose. In this article, we'll compare LED and incandescent holiday lighting technologies to help you make an informed decision.
LED vs Incandescent: Energy Efficiency
One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lights, which translates to significant cost savings over time. For example, if you were to run a 100-light string of LED lights for 5 hours a day for the 45 days of the holiday season, you'd save around $12 in energy costs compared to using incandescent lights.
LED vs Incandescent: Lifespan
Another advantage of LED lights is their longer lifespan. LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours, compared to the average lifespan of incandescent lights, which is only about 1,200 hours. This means that you'll spend less money replacing LED lights over time, and you won't have to deal with burnt-out bulbs as frequently.
LED vs Incandescent: Brightness and Color
Some people believe that incandescent lights have a warmer and more natural-looking color compared to LED lights. However, the color of LED lights has come a long way in recent years, and now there are many options available that mimic the warm glow of incandescent lights.
When it comes to brightness, LED lights can be just as bright as incandescent lights, if not brighter. Additionally, LED lights are available in a wider range of colors and color-changing options than incandescent lights.
LED vs Incandescent: Price
While LED lights are initially more expensive than incandescent lights, they are more cost-effective in the long run due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. In fact, according to Energy.gov, the cost of an LED light string can be recovered in energy savings in just a couple of holiday seasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both LED and incandescent holiday lighting technologies have their pros and cons. LED lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, while incandescent lights are generally cheaper upfront and are perceived by some to have a warmer color. Ultimately, the decision between LED and incandescent lights comes down to personal preference and budget.
We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right holiday lighting for your home. Happy holidays!
References
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Holiday Lighting Tips. Energy.gov. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/holiday-lighting-tips
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2021). Incandescent. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incandescent
- Wikipedia. (2021). Light-emitting diode. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode