Incandescent vs. LED Holiday Lights: Cost, Style, and Sustainability
The holidays are in full swing and many people have been paying for their light displays since after Thanksgiving. As you look at your energy bills, you might be reflecting on what worked well this season and what to do differently next year. One of the most popular and impactful holiday decorations is lighting, which brightens the darkest months of the year and gives homes that cozy, festive feeling.
Traditionally, holiday lights were incandescent light bulbs, which give a deep glow that most people association with this holiday season. The first incandescent bulb was invented in 1879 by Thomas Edison; however, it was his colleague, Edward H. Johnson, who created the first electric Christmas tree lights in 1882 to brighten the tree in his parlor (Hollinshead n.d.). Incandescent light bulbs use a metal filament that is heated to produce light – meaning the bulbs get hot! This can be a safety hazard for dry trees and other safety concerns with pets and children. Definitely not the warm glow you want during the holidays. They are also costly to operate and have a short life span of just a few years.
Due to their short life span and high cost to operate, incandescent bulbs are being replaced by Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs have a longer life span and are more cost efficient to operate. They are up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs have an electrical current that passes over a microchip, which illuminates tiny light sources. So, in contrast, LED lighting produces very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs.
More homes are switching to LED lights to save money on their energy bill while still creating the joy that holiday lights bring to the home. To put it in perspective, a modest holiday light display at a home residence would cost around $10-15 per month if it was on incandescent lighting. If this light was display was created with LED bulbs it would cost around only $2 per month! That is a substantial amount of savings. Not only do these displays cost less to run they also have a long lifespan. LED Christmas lights can potentially last up to tens of thousands of hours depending on what brand you get!
Some people may argue that LED lights do not offer the traditional warmth and glow of incandescent lights, but technology has come a long way! Now, there are many different color and lighting options to choose from – even ones that mimic traditional incandescent. There are plenty of options to upgrade your display to enjoy the season.
As you pack away decorations or plan ahead for future seasons, consider shopping for replacement lights at your local hardware store. Right after the holidays is often one of the best times to buy lights for next year, as many retailers offer post-holiday sales and discounts on seasonal items. Walking through the aisles, you’ll get the chance to see the sparkle of displays in person and find all styles of bulbs to transform your home. Local stores often carry a mix of budget-friendly options and have knowledgeable staff who can guide you towards the right style or energy-saving solution. And this holiday season, shopping locally for your festive decorations matters more than ever. Supporting neighborhood hardware stores keeps money in your community, helps small businesses thrive, and ensures that the people who work there have job stability all season long. Consider switching to LED bulbs this season to brighten your home and help your community shine.
References
https://electricityplans.com/led-christmas-holiday-energy-efficient-save/
https://safeelectricity.org/blog/history-of-christmas-lights/
