LED vs. Incandescent Light Fixtures
If you are looking for new lighting for your home or business, you may have come across many options and wondered which type is right for your light fixtures.
Consider how light-emitting diode (LED) and traditional incandescent lights stack up against each other. When comparing them, you’ll want to look at factors like energy efficiency and lighting life span. We’re breaking down both choices to help you choose the right type of lighting fixtures. Read on to learn more about these lighting options and why LED is likely the best option for you.
Types of Light Sources Used in Commercial and Residential Settings
LED and incandescent lighting are among the most popular types of lighting for both homes and businesses. When looking for the type of fixture that’s best for your applications, consider the following types of light sources and their key characteristics.
Incandescent vs. LED Fixtures
Incandescent and LED lights have a few key differences.
Incandescent lights work by heating an internal filament until the heat produces light. For decades, these were the most common type of lighting in homes. While incandescent light has excellent light quality, this type of lighting typically has a short life span and poor energy efficiency.
In 1962, researcher Nick Holonyak developed the light-emitting diode as we know it today, and the technology continues to evolve every year. LEDs are the most energy-efficient option in today’s market. They have a long life span and are compatible with modern technology to customize brightness and temperature, among other handy controls.
LED fixtures are often more physically durable than their counterparts. They incorporate no toxic elements and are easy to use, thanks to the little amount of heat they generate. Businesses and homeowners can benefit from lower energy consumption and years of use.
Other Common Types of Light Sources
In addition to LED and incandescent lights, you can also find the following additional lighting types in commercial and residential settings:
- Fluorescent: Often utilized in schools and offices, fluorescent lighting is known for being energy efficient and very versatile. They work using a chemical reaction within the tube. While they can offer great illumination, they do not have a comparable life span to LEDs.
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL): Since engineers designed these lights specifically for energy savings, a compact fluorescent lamp is more energy efficient than an incandescent lighting option. They work using the same internal process as traditional fluorescent lights and have a spiral or curved shape that helps to elongate their life span and save energy costs.
- Gas discharge: While uncommon in residential settings, parking lots and gymnasiums sometimes use gas discharge lights for illumination. They emit light via an electrical discharge through an ionized gas, which typically offers only limited brightness. They are relatively inexpensive and have an efficient life span.
5 Ways LED Fixtures Perform Better in Indoor and Outdoor Applications
Whether you are looking for security or decorative lights, LED lighting’s illumination and energy efficiency makes it the superior choice for nearly every application.
LEDs are a good choice if you want to light up an outdoor space because they can withstand cold temperatures and are typically very durable. Most LED lights are made with plastic instead of glass, making them less susceptible to breaking. Indoor spaces can also benefit from LED lighting. Modern technology makes controlling the color temperature and dimness of LEDs easier than ever. You can create the effects you want without worrying about excessive heat or hiking up your utility bills.
LED lighting has many advantages for all kinds of applications and types of fixtures. Explore all the ways that LEDs perform better than alternative options:
1. Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant benefits of utilizing LED lights is that they are highly energy efficient. Because LEDs work by emitting light in a specific direction, they don’t require as many reflectors and diffusers as incandescent lighting systems.
Compared to incandescent lighting, LED lights consume up to 90% less energy. Lower energy usage is better for the environment and gentler on your wallet.
2. More Savings
Opting for LED lighting can help save you money in several ways. Because they use less energy, you can enjoy lower electricity bills than if you were to use other types of lights, like fluorescent or incandescent options. LED lights’ durability can also help boost your savings over time. With fewer maintenance needs and less frequent replacements, you can get more out of every dollar you spend on this type of lighting fixture.
3. Longer Lifespan
Another advantage of this type of lighting is its extended life span. LED lights utilize significantly fewer watts than other options. Because of this, they can last as much as 25 times longer than incandescent lights and three to five times as long as compact fluorescent lighting options.
When it comes to lighting in both residential and commercial settings, reliability is a priority. The quality and dependability of LEDs make them an excellent choice for all sorts of lighting needs.
4. Low Radiant Heat
Despite their impressive brightness and intensity, LED lighting does not generate as much heat as other sources. While many forms of lighting release high percentages of their energy as heat, an LED light emits very little warmth.
Another benefit of the low temperature of LEDs is their easy installation. With its low radiant heat, an LED light is often safer to handle compared to options that can get very hot during usage.
5. Lighting Technology
Ongoing technological advancements have allowed LED lights to become more:
- Sustainable
- Efficient
- High-quality
- Affordable
Modern LED lighting pairs with technology to achieve numerous effects, ranging from changing the light’s color temperature to dimming its brightness. The amount of control you can execute over LED lights is unparalleled compared to other options. Whether your fixtures are outdoors or indoors, you can find the right custom settings to achieve the mood and look you desire with responsive LED lights.
Learn More About LED Lighting Solutions From WAC Lighting
Don’t settle for mediocre lighting fixtures. At WAC Lighting, we have diverse solutions to enhance your space with human-centric lighting.
We design our smart products with integrated technology that allows you to control a range of features, from dimness and temperature to rhythm cycles and sleep/wake patterns. In addition, we are a zero landfill company and our LED fixtures have a life span of 15 to 20 years.
Are you looking for innovative LED fixtures for your space? Contact WAC Lighting to learn more today!