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
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
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | LED Bulbs | Incandescent Bulbs | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $3-15 | $1-3 ✓ | Incandescent Bulbs |
| Lifetime Cost | $5-20 ✓ | $100-150 | LED Bulbs |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years ✓ | 1-2 years | LED Bulbs |
| Energy Use | 8-15 watts ✓ | 60-100 watts | LED Bulbs |
| Heat Output | Cool ✓ | Hot (fire risk) | LED Bulbs |
| Light Quality | Variable | Warm/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
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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