LED vs. Traditional Lighting: Which is Better?

Posted on 22 March 2018

Do you need to replace some of the light bulbs in your home? Are you interested in installing new lighting systems altogether? As a homeowner, you have a variety of options at your disposal when it comes to choosing the right kind of lighting for your home.

You may currently have some traditional light bulbs installed throughout your house, but perhaps you are looking for an upgrade. Many homeowners around the globe are making the switch to LED lighting systems, which pose a variety of benefits and advantages over the older types of bulbs. However, does that mean that making the switch to LED lighting is the right choice for you? Only you can decide.

This guide can help guide you through your decision by comparing and contrasting traditional lighting with LED lights. This can help bring a deeper understanding of LED lights, as well as why you may or may not want to replace your traditional lighting systems with them. Factors such as efficiency, energy usage, lifespan, and lighting effect can be taken into consideration when deciding what kinds of lights would work best.

The Main Differences

Typically, LED lights differ from traditional incandescent bulbs in that they use a vapor process on the electrical current to create ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light emits a strong and bright white light, unlike incandescent lights which are slightly dimmer and have a warmer glow to them. This creates a difference between the types of lighting effect one might see when putting the two side by side.

The biggest difference between LED and incandescent lights is the energy usage. On average, LED lights use about 30% of the energy that incandescent lights use. Another way to look at that statistic is to understand that LEDs use 70% less energy per bulb than incandescent lights do.

Lifespan is another differing factor between the two types of lights. LEDs can last for several years longer than incandescent lights, and they are only slightly more expensive. On average, you will be spending a few dollars more per bulb for LEDs over incandescents.

The Advantages of Both

There are several benefits to both kinds of lighting systems. When broken down, you can find that homeowners choose either LEDs or incandescents for very similar reasons when they get LED light installation Singapore, but those reasons can differ from home to home. You can use the following lists below to decide which kind of light is best for you:

Advantages of Incandescent Lights:

  • These lights are very affordable
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  • They can be used with a dimmer to provide different lighting options
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  • They can last for up to 1200 hours
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  • They emit a warm yellow glow

Advantages of LED Lights:

  • These lights use less electricity per bulb, saving money on energy costs
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  • They can last up to 25000 hours
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  • They are cheaper in the long run due to their lifespan
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  • They emit an ultraviolet light for bright daytime lighting

The Disadvantages of Both

Of course, for as many pros as these lights have, there are also some cons. You should have a full understanding about the advantages and disadvantages of these lights before making an informed decision on what kind is best for your home.

Disadvantages of Incandescent Lights:

  • They are often more expensive than their LED counterparts in the long run
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  • They need to be replaced often
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  • They use 60W of electricity, making them energy inefficient

Disadvantages of LED Lights:

  • Some forms of LED lights (such as CFLs) contain traces of mercury, a substance that is very toxic if spilled out of the bulb
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  • Most cannot be used with a dimmer and have only one brightness option
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  • They have to be disposed of in a proper fashion

Comparing Cost, Efficiency, Lifespan, and Energy Use

When comparing all of the most important deciding factors, it’s good to understand what you value the most as a homeowner. Do you care the most about energy efficiency? What about saving money on your electricity bill? Do you want your light bulbs to last a long time?

On average, you can save thousands of dollars every decade by making the switch to LEDs from incandescents. LEDs provide a stronger, longer-lasting, and low-energy bulb, which can be advantageous for your bill and for the environment. And although LED bulbs cost more up front, they end up being far more affordable when you consider how many extra hours of light you’ll get.

Of course, you may still have reasons for wanting to keep your incandescent lights around, too. It’s good to keep your options open and consider all angles before making your next big lighting purchase.


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