Whether you’re looking for light bulbs for your residence or a small business, you need to find the ones that work best for you. The light bulb aisle at your local hardware store may seem intimidating, but some of the most popular bulb options are LED and incandescent lights. Here are three differences between LED and incandescent light bulbs to help you decide which one works best for you.
1. How They Generate Light
The most obvious difference between the two types of bulbs is how they generate light. LED bulbs have semi-conductive materials inside, and as an electrical current runs through them, special diodes in the bulb emit photons from the current that translate to visible light.
Incandescent bulbs use electricity to run through and heat up a thin wire in the bulb that generates light. Because of this process, incandescent bulbs are typically hotter to the touch than most LED bulbs.
2. General Life Span
One of the differences between LED and incandescent light bulbs is how long they last. LED bulbs generally have much longer life spans but are more of an initial investment as a result. However, they also use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, which may help you save money on your utility bills over time. In addition, many LED lights have life spans of around 50,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs may only last between 1,000 and 2,000 hours before needing replacing.
3. Light Quality
Incandescent bulbs have a significant advantage over LED bulbs by offering higher light output. Many LED lights have directional lighting that may not illuminate a room as well as incandescent bulbs. Likewise, many LED bulbs do not work with dimmer switches, offering homeowners less control over the amount of light in their room.
Both lights have pros and cons, but many consider LED lights well worth the investment. If you want to learn more about which lighting options work best for your house, contact Anson Electric. If you need an emergency electrician in San Diego that can help with your electrical wiring and fixture needs, we’ve got you covered. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
