With the holidays coming up, you’re probably wondering whether to go with incandescent or LED lights. It is essential to understand the pros and cons of each lighting type available to us. We have to look at both the initial cost of the lights and the overall energy costs to keep them up all season long. For real-world examples and pricing, explore our Seasonal Lighting Packages or compare longer-term options under Permanent Lighting.
Here are five reasons why LED lights are better than incandescent lights.
Energy Efficiency
LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent Christmas lights, making them the energy-efficient option. In reality, incandescent or regular lights are being phased out entirely due to their inefficiency, making them harder to find (Source). The greenhouse gases emitted by incandescent bulbs may have an environmental impact. LED bulbs emit fewer greenhouse gases than incandescent light bulbs, making them not only more effective but also more environmentally friendly (Source).
LED bulbs consume less power to operate, allowing you to use less power for the same number of lights as conventional series lights. This can save you around 80 percent on your electrical bill this year compared to the traditional Christmas lights (Source). Reduced power consumption is an advantage for people who prefer to really light up their house with many lights (Source). See typical layouts in our Project Gallery and get a custom estimate via Get Started.
LED Energy-Efficient Lights
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| More energy-efficient Cost-effective Better for the environment Safer Lasts for 50,000 hours (Source) Very bright lights | More expensive Colors may be seen as non-traditional |
For seasonal rooflines using LEDs, review options here: Seasonal Roofline Installations. If you’re considering year-round control with app-based scenes, check out Smart Rooflines.
Incandescent Lights
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Extremely affordable Traditional color range | Becomes hot Harder to dispose of Less energy-efficient Lasts only 1,000 hours |
Durability Between Incandescent & LED Bulbs
From a durability standpoint, it follows that you’ll receive 50 times the sum of use from a series of LED lights compared to a series of incandescent lamps (Source). Therefore, while LED lights are more expensive to buy than incandescent lights, you save on the life of the bulbs and on power expenses.
LED bulbs are less likely to short out than standard bulbs, so you’ll spend less time replacing them. See how we handle in-season support and labeling on our Seasonal Packages page.
Installation Pros & Cons
Because of their low wattage, you can connect many more LED strings so that you will need fewer extension cords and fewer power outlets. This will make installing LED lights easier. For complex layouts (trees, peaks, long runs), start a quick plan here: Get Started.
Brightness
With technological development, LEDs are the same or even brighter.
A few years back, LED lights were dimmer than incandescent lights, leading people to stick with traditional string lights. It has changed, however, and the two bulbs put out a similar quantity of light. Browse recent LED results in our Project Gallery.
Heat
LED lights stay cool even after prolonged use.
After hours of use, incandescent lights can become scorching to the touch (Source). This means making sure you turn off the lights to avoid hazards. LED lighting gives a safer option and peace of mind. Learn about our safety-first approach and insured crews on Get Started.
Ready to switch or compare options side by side? Review seasonal pricing, explore Permanent Smart Rooflines, or book your consultation.
