LED vs Incandescent Lighting: What’s the Difference?

These days, as we look towards eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions for the home, the LED vs incandescent lighting debate will no doubt arise. Do you stick with the familiar lighting solution you know all too well, or do you move forward towards greater energy efficiency, lower electricity bills and improved performance?

Understanding the differences between LED technology and incandescent light bulbs will help you make a better decision for your home. The first step is to understand how each works and how they stack up against each other. So let’s take a look.

What are Incandescent Bulbs?

Incandescent lights are the classic light bulbs that most of us grew up with. They’re known for their warm glow and simple glass bulb design.

These bulbs work by passing an electrical current through a wire filament which heats up and produces light. But this process is very inefficient, with most of the energy wasted by generating heat.

Traditional incandescent light bulbs have a short lifespan; they are also regarded as having the worst energy efficiency and, hence are unsustainable environmentally. That’s why incandescent lighting is being phased out in Australia. The process actually began back in 2009, with LED bulbs taking over as the better and more sustainable option.

What are LED Lights?

LED lights or light-emitting diodes are the most modern and energy-efficient way to bring light to your home. Unlike incandescent bulbs that create light with a heated filament, LEDs emit visible light using semiconductor material that an electrical current passes through.

As they produce light, LED bulbs produce very little heat compared to incandescent lamps. It makes them a safer and more efficient light source. They’re also designed to last longer than incandescent and CFL bulbs, in fact up to 25000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

With colour temperatures ranging from cool white to warm tones, LED lamps and bulbs offer the versatility and cost-effectiveness that any home needs. All while cutting your energy costs and lowering your impact on the environment.

Comparing LED vs Incandescent Bulbs

The very nature of an LED vs incandescent lighting comparison means both LEDs and incandescent bulbs come with noticeable differences. Those differences come down to three key differences:

• Energy efficiency
• Lifespan
• Environmental impact

Incandescent lights generally waste most of the energy as heat, whereas LEDs use semiconductor material to convert energy into bright light with minimal heat. LEDs emit light with greater energy efficiency and can last up to 25 times longer.

While an incandescent bulb generates light that we’d consider warm and cosy, its poor energy efficiency and high environmental cost have led to the gradual phase out. LED light bulbs are now the favoured choice for home use.

The Future Of Incandescent Light Bulbs

As we know, the phase-out of incandescent bulbs in Australia that began in 2009 means their future is limited.

The Australian Government initiated the phase-out by banning the sale of non-directional incandescent light bulbs with an efficiency level of less than 15 lumens per watt, gradually extending restrictions to include lower-wattage bulbs. This process aligns with national energy efficiency targets and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumed.

Today, most conventional incandescent bulbs are basically obsolete, with energy-efficient alternatives like LED lamps and globes taking their place.

Benefits of LED Lights

LED lights have many advantages that make them the choice for modern lighting in Australia. Here are some of the benefits:

• Energy efficiency: LEDs use less energy to lower energy bills.
• Long lifespan: LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer.
• Reduced heat output: LEDs produce very little heat, making them safer and more comfortable.
• Instant brightness: Reach maximum brightness instantly with no warm-up time.
• Cost-effective: Lower energy usage and maintenance costs.
• Versatile lighting: Available in various colours and temperatures for customised lighting solutions.

Switch to LEDs for a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting solution with greater light quality.

Common LED Lighting Applications

LED bulbs have fast the standard across homes in Australia due to their lower energy use, greater versatility and improved sustainability. They are used in modern homes, offices, outdoor spaces, traffic lights and smart lighting systems.

LEDs give bright light, low maintenance and various colour temperatures, perfect for functional and decorative purposes. With the phase-out of incandescent bulbs in Australia, LEDs have become the go-to solution for their better performance and environmental benefits.

Whether for interior lighting or outdoor ambience, LED stands head and shoulders above other alternatives in meeting the needs of today’s energy-conscious consumers.

Why Use a Licensed Electrician?

If the LED vs incandescent lighting comparisons have finally compelled you to swap out the incandescent bulbs for LEDs, well you’re in good company. Thankfully, in most cases, you can just swap out the incandescent lights for light-emitting diode light bulbs. However, you are required by law to use a licensed electrician if you need brand-new LED lighting installation.

Using a qualified electrician ensures the work is done safely and professionally. They have the skills to handle electrical wiring, so your lights operate efficiently and safely. They can also recommend the best LED lighting options for you, whether you’re enhancing your home’s interior.

By using a qualified professional, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your lighting is safe, compliant with Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules, and optimised for energy efficiency and performance.

Make the Smart Choice for Your Lighting Needs

With incandescent lighting being phased out across Australia, LED bulbs are the clear choice for energy-efficient, cost-effective and sustainable lighting solutions in the home.

While traditional incandescent bulbs were renowned for their warm light, it was their inefficiency and environmental impact that effectively rendered them obsolete. LED bulbs give bright visible light and come with low maintenance costs, making them the standout better choice in the LED vs incandescent lighting showdown.

By switching to LED lighting you can reduce energy bills, minimise environmental impact and enjoy modern lighting technology. It’s the smart choice for a brighter greener future.

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