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electrical

LED vs Incandescent Lighting

LEDs save $100+ per bulb over lifetime despite higher upfront cost. Incandescents are being phased out. Switch to LED for all regular-use lighting.

Option A

LED Bulbs

$3-$15

per bulb

Lifespan15-25 years
MaintenanceReplace rarely

Pros

  • ✓90% energy savings
  • ✓Last 25x longer
  • ✓Run cool
  • ✓No UV emissions

Cons

  • ✗Higher upfront cost
  • ✗Some have poor color
  • ✗Dimmer compatibility issues
  • ✗Complex disposal

Best for: All permanent lighting applications

See LED Bulbs Costs
Option B

Incandescent Bulbs

$1-$3

per bulb

Lifespan1-2 years
MaintenanceReplace frequently

Pros

  • ✓Lowest upfront cost
  • ✓Warm familiar light
  • ✓Works with all dimmers
  • ✓Easy disposal

Cons

  • ✗High energy use
  • ✗Short lifespan
  • ✗Gets very hot
  • ✗Being phased out

Best for: Rarely-used lights and decorative applications

See Incandescent Bulbs Costs

Side-by-Side Comparison

CriteriaLED BulbsIncandescent BulbsWinner
Upfront Cost$3-15$1-3 ✓Incandescent Bulbs
Lifetime Cost$5-20 ✓$100-150LED Bulbs
Lifespan15-25 years ✓1-2 yearsLED Bulbs
Energy Use8-15 watts ✓60-100 wattsLED Bulbs
Heat OutputCool ✓Hot (fire risk)LED Bulbs
Light QualityVariableWarm/familiar ✓Incandescent Bulbs

The Verdict

LEDs save $100+ per bulb over lifetime despite higher upfront cost. Incandescents are being phased out. Switch to LED for all regular-use lighting.

Choose LED Bulbs if:

All permanent lighting applications

Choose Incandescent Bulbs if:

Rarely-used lights and decorative applications

Cost Over Time Comparison

LED Bulbs

Lifespan: 15-25 years

$3-$15

per bulb

⚖️

Long-term value

Incandescent Bulbs

Lifespan: 1-2 years

$1-$3

per bulb

Consider the full picture: A higher upfront cost may provide better long-term value if the product lasts significantly longer. Factor in maintenance costs, energy savings, and replacement timing when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do LEDs really save?
A single 10W LED replaces 60W incandescent, saving $8-10/year in electricity. Over 15 years, that's $120-150 savings minus $5-15 bulb cost = $100+ net savings per bulb.
Why do some LEDs look bad?
Low-quality LEDs have poor CRI (color rendering). Choose LEDs with CRI 90+ for natural light. Color temperature matters too: 2700K = warm, 5000K = cool/harsh.
Do LEDs work with dimmers?
Not all LEDs are dimmable. Look for "dimmable" on packaging. Some dimmer switches need upgrading for LED compatibility. Expect to spend $20-30 for LED-compatible dimmers.
Are incandescents being banned?
Yes, most incandescents are being phased out due to energy inefficiency. Some specialty bulbs remain available. LED technology now matches incandescent warmth and quality.
When should I use incandescents?
Only for rarely-used fixtures (closets used 5 min/day), vintage/decorative applications, or when heat is desired (heat lamps). Otherwise, LED is always better.

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Ready to get a cost estimate?

Calculate LED Bulbs CostCalculate Incandescent Bulbs Cost