There is a lot of debate surrounding UL lights vs LED. Some say that UL-approved lights are the only way to go, while others advocate for switching to LEDs. So, which is the better option? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s best for your home.
The difference between LED and traditional light bulbs
What’s the Difference Between LED Light Bulbs vs. Incandescent?
Lighting is an essential component of any home, and it should be present everywhere from the bathroom vanity to the front entrance. When you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, it not only makes you safer but also allows you to read in the dark. But should you put your money into LED lights or incandescent ones for your house? The primary distinctions between the two are discussed in the following paragraphs.
| Incandescent Bulbs | LED Bulbs |
|---|---|
| Incandescent bulbs are 100 years old. You probably grew up with them, and their comforting warmth gives them a distinct look. The wattage of your incandescent bulb may have changed throughout the years, but not much else. | LEDs are another popular household bulb, but they emit light using a chip surrounded by epoxy glue. LED bulbs, once despised for their "colder" tone, have improved in color and are replacing incandescent lamps. |
How much more do LED lights cost than incandescent lights?
LED lights are 75% more energy-efficient than incandescent lights, but comparing costs can be challenging. Single LED bulbs cost $5 to $10, while incandescent bulbs cost $1 to $2. Deceptive upfront expenses.
When replacing incandescent lights, the initial savings are lost. Incandescent bulbs last 1% to 5% as long as LEDs. LED bulbs can save $1,000 each decade or $8.33 per month.
Even though LED bulbs are twice as expensive as incandescent bulbs, you end up paying three times as much for the same number of watts.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of LED and Incandescent Lights?
You are probably curious about the benefits and drawbacks of LED and incandescent lights, as this is a question that arises whenever there is a choice between two options. Let’s shed some light on the primary distinctions between the two.
| Incandescent Lights | LED Lights | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Initially, incandescent bulbs are cheaper than LEDs. If you're in a pinch, an incandescent light bulb may be ideal. Incandescent light emits a warm, familiar glow. | LED lights conserve energy, have a long lifespan, contain no mercury, and are manufactured from tougher materials. LED lights save money, energy, and injuries. |
| Disadvantages | Now, the cons. Incandescent lights are being phased out. First, this standard light bulb requires a lot of electricity. This light emission increases your electricity bill. 2% of incandescent light's energy is visible. 98% is lost heat. Incandescent lights are more delicate, burn out faster, and need to be replaced more often. | The only disadvantage of an LED light is its upfront cost. |
Incandescent vs. LED Lights: Which Is Best?
Which light bulb is better, considering pros and cons? LEDs, duh.
LED lights are energy-efficient, safer to handle and dispose of, and free of mercury and other harmful compounds. They can also save you money over time. Though more expensive, they last longer than incandescent bulbs.
LED bulbs endure 50,000 hours, which is 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb and 8 to 10 times longer than a compact fluorescent light (CFL).
In context: A 24/7 LED light lasts 5.7 years.
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights vs. CFL Lights: Other Options for Home Lighting
While we’ve concentrated on LED and incandescent lights, there’s also CFL lighting. CFLs are more energy-efficient than incandescents, like LEDs. CFLs generate visible light by using power to generate ultraviolet light.
CFLs flicker and fade before brightening. CFL bulbs consume 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs once they’re brightened. CFLs burn out sooner and are less energy-efficient than LEDs. Consider this when choosing house light bulbs.
How to Change to Light Bulbs That Save Money
If you’ve decided to switch to LEDs, recycle your old incandescent bulbs first. Old incandescent and CFL bulbs contain mercury and other harmful substances. Bring them to a hazardous waste center.
Choose an energy-efficient bulb afterward. Decoding watts and lumens is like a math puzzle.
How to identify an energy-efficient bulb:
First, don’t only look at lightbulb wattages. Wattage is always the same. Incandescent lights require as much energy as LEDs.
To save on brightness, compare lumens to wattage. Larger numbers provide brighter lighting.
For brighter, more efficient lighting, choose high-lumen, low-wattage bulbs. Low-wattage, high-lumen bulbs consume less energy to be as bright as higher-wattage bulbs.
A 120-lumen incandescent light that requires 1,000 watts of power is more expensive than a 500-watt LED light.
Lifesaver
LED lights become a popular replacement to incandescent bulbs in the last several decades. LED lights are more efficient and cost-effective nowadays.
If you’re adding lights or planning year-round Christmas lights, consider LEDs.
If you want to install recessed lighting in your home, consider hiring a pro.
The benefits of LED lighting
LED lighting is one of the most promising new technologies in the world today. The benefits of LEDs are numerous, including their superior energy efficiency, improved environmental performance, and long lifespan.
The ability to operate at low voltages and cold temperatures also give LED lighting a distinct advantage over traditional incandescent bulbs.
With their design flexibility and instant lighting capabilities, LED lights can be seamlessly integrated into almost any application. Whether you’re looking for task lighting or decorative accents, LED lights are an ideal choice thanks to their many benefits and advanced functionality.
So if you want to stay ahead of the curve and choose cutting-edge technology for your home or business, look no further than LED lights.
See more at this link: The benefits of using LED lights in your home
FAQs
What does it mean to be UL Certified?
Conclusion
LED lights are the way of the future. They use less electricity, last longer, and give off less heat than regular light bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs at home is simple and can save you money over time. Are you prepared to change?