There are several differences between incandescent light bulbs and LED bulbs that we are going to outline within this guide. From an initial glance, it might be hard to notice the differences but the fact is that LED bulbs are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Incandescent bulbs are considered outdated. They are not efficient compared to the modern bulbs that are available on the market right now. They don’t have a long lifespan due to outdated technology. LED bulbs are slightly different from incandescent bulbs in terms of the type of lighting that they offer. They are extremely energy efficient and have much longer lifespans than most incandescent bulbs.
LED bulbs are so much more efficient than incandescent bulbs that some energy experts believe that it costs five times more to operate a traditional incandescent bulb than an LED bulb. Energy.gov says that “LED’s are today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology.” Source.
We will continue to spend time looking at the differences between incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using an LED bulb and compare those factors to traditional incandescent bulbs.
What are the Benefits of Incandescent Bulbs?
If you have been using incandescent bulbs in your household for decades, then it might be difficult to understand why it might be in your best interest to transition to a different type of light bulb. The fact is that switching to a different bulb could save you a lot of money in the long run and we are going to explain why below.
Before we analyze the energy efficiency of incandescent light bulbs, it’s important to mention that these types of bulbs are extremely affordable and can last for thousands of hours before they need to be replaced. It should also be mentioned that incandescent bulbs were banned in the U.S. for a while, but the ban was lifted when they realized not everyone could afford the new style of bulbs. Source.
The largest problem with incandescent bulbs is that they use a lot more electricity due to their design. This means that while you might be able to fit incandescent bulbs around your entire house, your electricity bill will likely be much higher due to their inefficient energy production.
What are the Benefits of LED Bulbs?
LED Bulbs are well-known for outperforming other types of light bulbs due to their energy efficiency. Most LED bulbs can be expected to last for decades before needing to be replaced. They have a slightly higher price than incandescent bulbs but they will not require a ton of electricity when they are turned on, which can ultimately save you money on your monthly electric bill. Source.
If you put an LED bulb in a traditional lamp and compare it to an incandescent bulb, you might notice that the light source appears to be different. The main difference is that LED bulbs can struggle to emit an equal amount of light in every single direction. This isn’t necessarily an issue but it means that the overall color of the light source may be different.
LED bulbs aren’t for everyone but it really depends on your specific circumstances. If you are looking for a traditional light source without worrying about the amount of electricity required to power your bulb, then you’ll probably like an incandescent light bulb.
If you’re trying to be as efficient as possible and want to save money on your electric bill, and also help the environment, then an LED bulb is probably the way to go. In addition, LED bulbs have much longer lifespans than incandescent bulbs. They can last 30 times longer, equalling a total of around 30,000 hours before they need to be replaced.
Differences | Incandescent Bulbs vs LED Bulbs
Here’s an in-depth chart of some of the most prominent differences between an incandescent light bulb and an LED light bulb.
| Incandescent Bulb | LED Bulb |
| Incandescent bulbs have been around for a long time and provide a traditional light source with equal light being outputted in all directions. | LED Bulbs are newer and can struggle to output equal amounts of light in all directions. This means that the LED bulb may appear to be different from a traditional bulb. |
| Incandescent bulbs can last for around 1,000 to 2,000 hours before needing to be replaced. | LED bulbs can last for 20,000 hours or longer. This is 10 to 20 times longer than an incandescent light bulb. |
| Incandescent bulbs are not considered to be very energy efficient. They use a ton of energy and may contribute to having a higher monthly electric bill. | One of the benefits of LED bulbs is that they are energy efficient. You can save money if you use LED bulbs in your household instead of other less efficient bulbs. |
| Incandescent bulbs are generally cheaper than LED bulbs. However, they are not cheaper in the long run due to their inefficiency. | LED bulbs are a little bit more expensive than incandescent bulbs. They can contribute to saving you money because they don’t require as much energy when they are turned on. |
Both types of light bulbs may be ideal for your circumstances. You should compare the two bulbs between this chart so that you can understand the pros and cons of each type of light bulb. You may even want to experiment with both types of bulbs to find what is right for you.
It’s understandable why it may be challenging to transition from one type of bulb to another, especially if you’ve been using a specific type of bulb for a long time. Both options may be viable, but it’s possible that you will feel more motivated to take action if you can become more efficient and save money over time.
Conclusion
There are some very important differences between incandescent vs LED bulbs. By understanding the differences, you will be able to make a well-informed decision to make sure that you are taking advantage of the right type of bulb for your household.
