The growing craze in the Christmas decorating industry is the LED light. For years incandescent lights were top of the line, however, it seems that LEDs are taking the lead. Nevertheless, is one type of light better than the other, and do LEDs really match up to all the hype about them?
Price:
As of now, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are more expensive than incandescent lights. In fact, for the price of a single LED string, two or even three incandescent light strings could be purchased.
Energy Cost:
For efficiency, LEDs are better than incandescent. LEDs use 1 to 3 kilowatt hours of energy compared to 12 to 105 kilowatt hours of energy for incandescent. In using LEDs, the savings can be 1 to 11 dollars.
Durability:
LEDs have operating life of 4000 plus hours, but incandescent only have a life of 2000 hours before bulbs begin to burn out. In addition, LEDs are more shatter-resistant than incandescent due to the bulb’s plastic composition, rather than of glass.
Brightness and Appearance:
LED and incandescent lights have different light brightnesses. LED is the brightest, however to some people, an incandescent’s mellower glow is more appealing. In this category it is all dependent on a person’s preference.
Safety:
LEDs operate at a much cooler temperature reducing fire risk although if incandescent lights become too hot a fire is possible.
LEDs do save money, nevertheless it may be more than few holiday for the savings to be significant. On the other hand, incandescent lights cost two to three times less but the electricity cost is a little more. Ultimately, it is up to the consumer if the light choice is LED or incandescent.
