In recent years, demand for incandescent Christmas lights has sharply declined. By 2010, all our commercial clients switched to LED lights, given their efficiency and evolving technology.
Compared with incandescent, there are multiple compelling reasons to use LED lighting in Christmas displays, making them a worthwhile investment.
Whether you’re a seasonal purist who waits till after Thanksgiving to start Christmas decorating or a Christmas obsessive who starts planning their display in September, one thing is certain: you’re going to need Christmas lights, and probably a lot of them.
Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights, What’s the Difference
1. Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights：Durability
LED lights have superior durability to incandescent lights because they use solid-state lighting technology and have no breakable filaments or fragile glass. This makes LED lights more able to withstand vibration and daily wear and tear. Incandescent lights, on the other hand, contain thin glass bulbs and fragile filaments that are easily damaged during installation or transportation.
What's more, LED lights last significantly longer than incandescent lights. An LED light can last between 25,000 and 50,000 hours of use, which is much longer than the 1,000 hour life of an incandescent light. And incandescent bulbs require more frequent replacement, adding to long-term costs and inconvenience.
2. Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights：Energy Efficiency
LED lights are so energy efficient that they consume a fraction of the electricity of an incandescent light of the same brightness. This high energy efficiency can significantly reduce electricity bills. Incandescent lamps, on the other hand, are less energy efficient, converting only 10-20% of the total electricity consumed into light energy. The remaining electricity is converted into heat energy, resulting in increased energy waste.
3. Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights: Ease of Installation
While LED and incandescent lights are similar in terms of installation, LED lights are lighter and often feature modern designs, sometimes with easier connection systems that simplify the installation process. Incandescent lamps are still traditionally installed, and while less complicated, the fragile nature of the bulb may result in the need for more care during installation.
4. LED Christmas Lights vs Incandescent: Color Payoff
Any competent holiday designer understands the significance of color payoff when it comes to their lights. Nothing is more frustrating than methodically hanging light string after light string on your house or tree, anticipating a spectacular display of light and color, only to plug it in and be disappointed with faint hues and low light output.
LED light strings were formerly thought to be inferior to incandescent light strings due to their weaker light output, but technological developments have rendered the two practically identical in terms of brightness. However, when it comes to color payoff, LED is the obvious victor. Because of the tinted glass that covers the bulb, incandescent lights appear multicolored, whereas LED strings truly emit multiple hues of light.
When everything is said and done, this results in a far more dramatic, accurate color payoff on your tree or residence.
5. LED Christmas Lights vs Incandescent: Power Usage
Incandescent lights use a lot of energy and are quite inefficient. They only convert around one-twentieth of the energy they use into visible light. The overwhelming bulk (about 90%) of the energy is wasted as heat. All of this adds up to money.
LEDs, on the other hand, are a different matter. Do LED Christmas lights last longer than incandescent? Yes, they consume up to 75% less energy and last 25 times as long, according to the US Department of Energy.
LED Christmas lights also require minimal maintenance. You don’t have to worry about changing bulbs and fuses since LED bulbs don’t burn out; they only grow dimmer over time. Just install them, and they will illuminate reliably year after year. Furthermore, home improvement retailers sometimes have trade-in programs where you may exchange your old Christmas lights for a few dollars off new, energy-efficient ones.
6. LED Christmas Lights vs Incandescent: Color Temperature
Incandescent bulbs seem so beautiful because they produce all hues of light, but LEDs and other more efficient light sources only manage a subset of all visible light colors.
However, LED lights are becoming better; first-generation LED Christmas lights couldn’t compete with the pure white light of incandescent Christmas lights. The light was considerably bluer, which was naturally off-putting to many individuals. LED Christmas lights, on the other hand, are now available in both varieties. Choose cold white bulbs for a bluer tone, or warm white lights for a more golden tone.
7. Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights：Energy Policy
LED lights align with energy conservation policies pursued in most parts of the world. Many countries encourage the use of LED lights to reduce electricity consumption and environmental impact. Incandescent lamps, on the other hand, have been restricted or banned from sale in many countries due to their energy inefficiency, especially high power models.
8. Incandescent vs Led Christmas Lights : Safe
LED Christmas lights are safer than incandescent lights primarily because they produce less heat, operate at lower voltages, consume less power, and are more durable. The low heat output of LEDs minimizes fire risks, while their lower voltage and power consumption significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards.
Additionally, LEDs are constructed with sturdy plastic casings, making them less likely to break compared to the fragile glass bulbs of incandescent lights. Overall, the safety features of LED Christmas lights make them the preferred choice for holiday decorations.
To Summarize, the Advantages of LED Christmas lights are as Follows:
- They are long-lasting and safe to touch.
- They are energy-efficient and will help save money on your utility bill.
- They are available in a wide range of designs, colors, and sizes.
LED Christmas lights excel in energy efficiency, lifespan, and safety, but they do have some drawbacks. These include a higher initial cost and potential compatibility issues with older lighting control systems, especially for dimming.
Early versions of LED lights could also emit a colder, more unnatural light compared to the warm glow of incandescent bulbs did. Additionally, the high brightness of LEDs can sometimes lead to excessive illumination, which might detract from the desired decorative effect.
Despite these challenges, the energy-saving and long-lasting nature of LED lights make them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice. Technological advancements have significantly improved color rendering and compatibility in newer models, overcoming many earlier limitations. As a result, LED Christmas lights remain a highly popular option for modern holiday decorations.
Which One is the Best?
LED Christmas Lights Incandescent Lights
LED Christmas lights are often considered a better choice than incandescent bulbs because they are more energy-efficient, last longer, and generate less heat. LEDs can provide the same or brighter light while using less energy, and smart light bulbs usually last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, much longer than the approximately 1,000 hours of incandescent bulbs. In addition, LEDs generate less heat and are safer to use, especially around flammable materials such as Christmas tree decorations.
Although the initial cost of LED lights is higher than that of incandescent bulbs, the long-term savings in energy and maintenance costs make LEDs a more economical choice. LEDs also offer a wider variety of colors and flashing patterns, allowing for more diverse and personalized decorations, making them the preferred option for modern holiday decor.
Can You Mix Incandescent And Led Christmas Lights
DO NOT combine incandescent and LED tiny light strings. This advice’s rationale is based on the quantity of electrical current. Incandescent light strings need a higher power current than LED light strings.
Connecting incandescent and LED lights one after the other causes the power taken by the incandescent lights to overload, causing the LED strings to fry. It is preferable to keep the LEDs and incandescent lights separate, with each powered by a distinct outlet.
How Do You Know if Your Christmas Lights Are LED?
Identifying whether your Christmas lights are LED rather than incandescent can be done through several distinguishing features:
- Look at the Bulbs: LED bulbs are typically smaller and have plastic covers, whereas incandescent bulbs are usually larger, glass, and shaped more traditionally like the bulbs you might find in household lamps.
- Check the Light Emitted: LED lights emit a bright, vivid light that often appears whiter or bluer compared to the warmer, softer glow of incandescent lights. However, LED technology has advanced to include warmer tones, so this isn't always a definitive test.
- Examine the Wire and Base: LED light strings often have a more complex base and wiring system due to the low voltage technology they use. This can sometimes be noticed in the form of thicker wires or additional electronic components at the plug end.
- Feel the Heat: After being on for a while, touch the bulbs lightly. LEDs generate very little heat compared to incandescent lights, which get quite hot to the touch.
- Read the Packaging or Labels: If you still have the original packaging, it should clearly state whether the lights are LED. Some strands may also have information printed on the wires or tags attached to the cord.
- Energy Use: If you have a way to measure electrical use (like a smart plug), LED lights use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. Observing a noticeable difference in energy consumption can indicate the type of light.
These steps should help you identify whether your Christmas lights are LED.
Finally
In conclusion, choosing between incandescent and LED Christmas lights depends on your priorities and preferences. Incandescent lights offer a nostalgic glow, while LED lights provide energy efficiency and durability. Each type has its unique benefits, and your decision may come down to factors such as energy consumption, cost, lifespan, and environmental impact.
At Yeelight, we offer a wide range of LED Christmas lights that combine cutting-edge technology with festive charm. Our lights are designed to be energy-efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly, ensuring that your holiday decorations are beautiful and sustainable.
Explore our collection today and make the switch to LED lights for a brighter, greener holiday season. Happy holidays!
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