Coincidentally, lighting technology has evolved significantly in recent decades, and consumers can now choose from a wide range of light sources for their home or workplace. The two most common options are LED (light emitting diodes) and incandescent lamps, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this article is to discuss these benefits and drawbacks and to help readers make informed decisions about choosing the right kind of lighting.
Led lamps vs incandescent lamps: advantages and disadvantages
The rapid technological development of LED lights has brought many benefits, such as energy efficiency, long life and improved colour rendering. On the other hand, their classic design and pleasant warm light still make them a popular choice in certain situations.
Benefits of LED lamps
LED lamps have several advantages over traditional incandescent lamps when it comes to advances in lighting technology. One of the biggest advantages is their energy efficiency, which means they produce more light with less energy consumption. LED lamps consume up to 80-90% less energy than incandescent lamps and around 40% less than fluorescent lamps. This saves considerable energy, both in households and in industry.
But the benefits of LED lamps are not limited to energy savings. Secondly, their long lifetime makes them a very cost-effective alternative to traditional incandescent lamps. Incandescent bulbs only last around 1 000 hours, while LED bulbs can last up to 50 000 hours or more, depending on the model and usage. LEDs are also more environmentally friendly as they do not contain harmful substances such as mercury, which is found in fluorescent tubes. LED lamps can be used in a wide range of applications, from indoor and outdoor lighting to vehicles, electronics and various industrial applications.
A third major advantage is the better colour rendering and light quality of LED lamps compared to incandescent lamps. This means that they can represent the colours of objects more naturally and accurately. LEDs also enable more efficient lighting design, as they can be installed in small spaces and shaped into complex structures. LED lamps also have an advanced feature, namely light adjustability, where their brightness and colour temperature can be adjusted as needed. LED technology therefore offers many advantages in terms of energy efficiency and flexibility of lighting solutions compared to traditional incandescent lamps.
Disadvantages of LED lights
As LED lighting becomes more common, it is important to consider its potential drawbacks, such as higher purchase price and differences in colour rendering. The first important issue relates to the higher price of LED lamps compared to traditional incandescent lamps, which may influence consumers’ decision to purchase them. Secondly, although LED luminaires have improved in quality in recent years, their colour rendering may still differ from that of incandescent lamps and pose challenges for interior design or artistic applications, for example.
The height of the purchase price
While energy efficiency and sustainability are important benefits, it is also important to consider the high purchase price compared to traditional incandescent lamps. A comparison of purchase prices often shows that LED lights are more expensive than incandescent lights. Therefore, consumers should make a savings investment assessment before switching to LED technology. When evaluating the savings investment, not only the price of the lamp should be taken into account, but also its lifetime, energy consumption and possible maintenance and repair costs.
The initial purchase price of LED lights may seem expensive, but in the long run they can offer significant savings in energy costs and reduce the frequency of lamp replacement. Because LED lamps consume less energy and have a longer lifetime than traditional incandescent lamps, their overall cost may ultimately be lower than other lighting options. In addition, LED lamps produce less heat energy than incandescent lamps, which can be an advantage, for example in hot rooms where the energy consumption of air conditioners may otherwise increase. It is therefore important to assess the high purchase price of LED lamps in relation to their potential savings and other benefits before deciding on a replacement.
Possible differences in colour reproduction.
Different lighting technologies have different colours, and these differences can affect the look and feel of a space. LED lamps and incandescent lamps differ in terms of colour rendering performance because they use different light sources.
LED lamps are adjustable and can produce a wide range of colour tones and temperatures, while incandescent lamps are always warmer, but this also depends on the wattage and lifetime of the lamp.
The choice of light source plays a major role in the effect of colour rendering on the eyes and the aesthetics and mood of a space. Four important factors to consider when looking at the differences between technologies are colour temperature, colour variation, colour rendering index (CRI) and environmental impact.
LED lights offer a wider range of colour temperatures, while incandescent bulbs tend to produce a more uniform light. LED lights often have a greater variation in CRI than incandescent lamps, which is because making an LED lamp cheaply always means poor colour rendering performance. The colour rendering of incandescent lamps is traditionally CRI98.
Colour rendering therefore assesses the ability of a light source to reproduce the true colours of objects compared to natural daylight.
The choice of light source can also have an environmental impact, as more energy-efficient and longer-lasting LED lights can reduce waste and save energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Benefits of incandescent light bulbs
There are many advantages to using incandescent light bulbs, such as warm light and easy installation. Incandescent light bulbs have been the lighting standard in homes and businesses around the world since 1800, when Thomas Edison developed the first successful light bulb. Incandescent lamps are available in many different shapes, sizes and wattages, allowing them to be used for a wide range of lighting needs. Their simplicity ensures easy installation and troubleshooting.
The main advantage of incandescent light bulbs is the pleasant and warm light they produce, which is similar to natural daylight. This is because the light source of the light bulb, the filament, produces broadband radiation, which includes not only visible light but also the infrared and ultraviolet spectra.
Incandescent bulbs are well suited for artists’ workspaces, for example, where true colour rendering is important, as they often have a better colour rendering than LED lights in supermarkets. When buying an LED lamp for professional use, check the colour rendering index (CRI) of the LED lamp. It should be at least CRI95.
Although incandescent light bulbs are generally not as energy efficient as LED lights, they can have advantages in some situations. For example, in cold conditions, incandescent lamps can be more efficient than LEDs because their thermal output helps to compensate for heat loss to the outside of the luminaire. In addition, the long-standing popularity and wide availability of incandescent lamps has led to lower purchase prices compared to many LED alternatives, making them an affordable solution for short-term or occasional lighting needs.
Disadvantages of incandescent light bulbs
The disadvantages of incandescent lamps include a shorter lifetime and higher energy consumption compared to LED lamps. A shorter lifetime means that incandescent lamps have to be replaced more often, which increases costs and environmental impacts. Higher energy consumption makes incandescent lamps less energy efficient and cost-effective than many other lighting options.
Shorter lifetime
While energy efficiency is better, it is important to note that in certain situations the lifetime of lighting solutions may be shorter. This means that using LED lamps or other energy-efficient alternatives can lead to more frequent lamp replacements. Light quality is an important factor when choosing a lighting solution, and in older buildings, replacing incandescent bulbs can involve significant design and installation changes. It is also important to consider lamp recycling, as new technologies are increasing the need for a sustainable and efficient recycling system.
However, replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED lamps or other energy-efficient solutions can have other disadvantages besides shorter life. For example, for outdoor lighting or industrial applications, LED lamps can quickly lose performance due to temperature fluctuations and humidity. This can lead to shorter lamp life than stated, which ultimately reduces their energy efficiency. In addition, the manufacturing process of LED lamps can cause harmful emissions and chemicals to the environment, so it is important to improve sustainable production methods and recycling opportunities.
Higher energy consumption
While the shorter lifetime of incandescent lamps is a major drawback, their higher energy consumption is also a factor to consider. LED lamps offer a better alternative in this respect, as they consume less energy and thus reduce both electricity bills and greenhouse emissions. Energy saving opportunities are particularly important for today’s environmentally conscious consumers and businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Lighting optimisation
Optimising lighting is a key part of improving energy efficiency, and the use of LED lamps can help achieve this goal. Some of the concrete advantages that LED lamps offer over incandescent lamps are:
- Lower heat output: incandescent lamps convert only about 10% of their energy input into light; the remaining 90% is converted into heat. This inefficiency leads to higher energy consumption.
- Longer burn time: LED lamps can last up to 50 000 hours or more depending on the model and use. As a result, fewer lamps need to be replaced, reducing waste and the resources needed to manufacture new lamps.
- Better energy efficiency: LED lamps require only about 20-30% of the energy used by incandescent lamps to produce the same light output. This means significant savings in electricity costs in the long term.
- More versatility: LED lamps can be designed in different shapes, brightness levels and colour temperatures, giving more possibilities to optimise the lighting in a space.
Overall, the higher energy consumption of incandescent lamps is a major drawback, in addition to their shorter lifetime. The use of LED lights offers significant environmental and economic benefits, which is why they are now integrated into many homes and workplaces.
How to choose the right LED bulb for different situations and uses.
Choosing a luminaire for different situations and uses is an important part of designing your home or workspace. There are three key aspects to consider in this design:
- the purpose of the room
- lighting style and atmosphere
- assessment of energy costs and environmental impact
The use of a room determines the amount and quality of light needed.
For example, the requirements for reading light are very different from those for relaxation or social areas.
The style and mood of the lighting should be in harmony with the interior design and colour schemes. At the same time, energy and environmental impact assessments focus on finding sustainable solutions that are cost-effective, both economically and ecologically.
Use of the room
The purpose of a room is an important factor when choosing lighting, as different rooms require different light sources and wattages. For example, a living room usually needs both spotlighting and mood lighting, while a workspace needs more even and adequate lighting for working. For work use, you should choose the most efficient LED lamp possible.
The acoustics of the room also affect the choice of light source: soft surfaces diffuse sound and reduce reflections, so they are better suited to indirect or diffused light with a milky LED bulb. On the other hand, in rooms with hard surfaces, it may be necessary to use direct and strong light to avoid disturbing reflections.
The positioning of the light source is also an essential part of the design based on the room’s purpose: for example, kitchen worktops should be equipped with efficient downward-facing light for working, while the bedroom can be equipped with more pleasant reading lights.
Not only the different rooms, but also the way they are used can vary throughout the day, so versatile and adjustable lighting is often necessary. For example, in the living room you can use brighter light during the day and dimmer mood lighting in the evening, while in the workspace it can be useful to adjust the amount and intensity of light to suit different tasks. In this case, you should choose a colour temperature controlled lamp (CCT). Note that adjustment usually requires a separate application to control the LED lamp.
With today’s technology, many LED lamps allow easy wireless light control via a smartphone or tablet, increasing convenience and energy efficiency. With incandescent lamps, this type of adjustment is often more limited. When designing lighting solutions, it is therefore worth considering not only the intended use of the room, but also its changing needs, in order to create an optimal environment with light sources and their placement for different situations.
Lighting style and mood
Lighting style and mood are important factors in creating a pleasant and functional interior. Different light sources, their intensities and placement affect the overall appearance of a space. Modern decorative LED lamps allow you to create beautiful lighting groups and decorate with LED lamps. These retro and design led lamps can be found in many different types nowadays.
The warm light of incandescent bulbs is ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere, while the brighter and more adjustable colour spectrum (CCT) of LED bulbs allows for a wider range of lighting design trends.
Energy consumption and lamp life must also be taken into account when designing the lighting style. In the long term, LED lamps are more cost-effective and more durable than incandescent lamps.
On the other hand, the traditional design and warm light of incandescent light bulbs may be desirable in certain spaces where creating atmosphere is a priority. It is therefore important to consider the purpose of the lighting and the desired atmosphere before choosing the type of lamp.
Assessment of energy prices and environmental impacts
When choosing light sources, it is important to consider energy consumption and environmental impact. Different types of lamps have different impacts on costs and the environment. The comparison of energy efficiency is an important factor as it helps to estimate the operational costs of a lamp.
LED lamps are known for their high energy efficiency and their popularity has grown in recent years. Recycling is another important consideration when sourcing light sources. Incandescent bulbs are not recyclable and can have a short lifespan, while LED lights are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
Many countries have specific recycling schemes for electronic waste, including the disposal of LED lamps. The general trend is towards more sustainable lighting solutions in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
How long do LED and incandescent lamps usually last before they need to be replaced?
A typical LED bulb lasts up to 25 000-50 000 hours, while a traditional incandescent bulb only lasts around 1 000 hours. This means that while the initial investment in LED lights may be higher, the savings in lamp replacement costs and energy consumption make them an excellent long-term choice.
Are LED and incandescent lamps environmentally friendly and is it easy and safe to dispose of them?
LED lamps are more environmentally friendly than incandescent lamps due to their lower energy consumption, longer life and lower content of harmful substances. Incandescent lamps can usually be disposed of with household waste, while LED lamps require special recycling points or methods due to the electronic components they contain.
What is the amount of energy saved by replacing an incandescent bulb with an LED bulb, and how quickly will the investment in LED bulbs pay off?
A comparison of energy efficiency shows that LED lights are significantly more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their energy consumption is up to 80-90% lower than that of traditional light bulbs. This is because LED technology converts more of the electrical energy into light rather than heat, reducing wasted energy. The payback period for an investment in LED lights depends on a number of factors, such as the price of the lamp, the number of hours of use and the cost of electricity. Generally speaking, the investment in LED lights pays for itself quickly, usually within 1-3 years, thanks to the energy costs saved. In addition, the longer lifetime of LED lamps brings additional savings in lamp price and reduces the environmental burden as the replacement intervals become shorter.
Can LED lamps and incandescent lamps be used together in the same lighting system, or do I have to choose only one of these options?
In short, yes. It is possible to use LEDs and incandescent lamps in the same system, but their different technical characteristics, such as wattage, voltage, light colour and dimmability, must be taken into account. It is therefore advisable to investigate compatibility issues before mixing different lamp types. On the other hand, the full replacement of LED lights with incandescent lamps can offer significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, durability and reduced maintenance needs.
How does the colour temperature of LED and incandescent light bulbs affect the atmosphere in a room and how to choose the right colour temperature for different situations?
The influence of colour temperature on the atmosphere of a room is an important factor in lighting design, as it can create different visual and emotional experiences in a space. Atmospheric lighting can be achieved by carefully selecting a colour temperature that describes the colour spectrum of the light source in Kelvin (K). Generally speaking, low colour temperatures (around 2700-3000K) create a cosy and soothing atmosphere, while high colour temperatures (4000-6500K) create a cool and energising mood. Choosing the right colour temperature depends on the purpose of the room: for example, a lower colour temperature is recommended for lounge areas to create a relaxing atmosphere, while a higher colour temperature is recommended for work or study areas to improve concentration and refresh the mind.
Result
In summary, a comparison of LED lights and incandescent lamps reveals different advantages and disadvantages for both types of lighting. As a result, consumers should weigh up their own needs, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and aesthetic preferences.
After all, choosing between LED lights and incandescent bulbs is like choosing between two sides of a coin – both options offer unique benefits that serve different needs. Therefore, individuals need to carefully assess their individual priorities and circumstances when choosing lighting to ensure that they make an informed decision that best suits their particular environment.
Specialist in Led lamps
LedStore has been an expert in led lighting since 2010. We have our own product design, so our products are technologically state-of-the-art.
We focus on light colour temperature controlled and high colour rendering index lights. We do around 500 lighting designs in a year.
We offer a service of custom made led strips, i.e. custom made led light strips in profile. Also installed.
Remember that we are always ready to offer our help to you along the way, by email (myynti@ledstore.fi) and by phone (045 251 4510). As always, feel free to share photos of your own projects on social media at ledstore.fi at Instagram and ledstore.fi at Meta. We love to see the cool things done by our LEDs, and it also helps to provide inspiration for those who are not sure about the power and awesomeness of LEDs. Did you know that we already have over 3500 pictures of our LED installations in our Gallery!
Led light bulbs Gallery:
Product gallery: Pictures of products in different installation locations
Indirect light: Indirect light in different spaces
Room-specific: Light in different rooms
References: Complete houses that have been photographed
