Incandescent, Fluorescent, and LED: What's the Difference?

There are three types of lights bulbs commonly used in homes: incandescent, fluorescent, and LEDs. They are all effective in giving sufficient light, but there are some key differences between them that would affect which bulb you choose for your home.

First, let's discuss bulb life. Homeowners don't want to change their light bulbs too often, so having a bulb that lasts is important. Incandescent lights last around 1,000 hours. If you have your lights on for 4-6 hours a day, you'd have to change your bulb before the year is up. Fluorescent bulbs last longer, at 20,000 hours, and would be a smarter pick, but LEDs last a whopping 50,000 hours. That means any homeowner who uses LED lighting likely wouldn't have to change the bulb for 20+ years.

What about dangers? Is any bulb more dangerous than the other? Incandescent bulbs create an intense heat, especially in areas with poor air circulation. This heat can far exceed the heat needed to start fires, so a badly monitored incandescent bulb can possibly start a housefire. Fluorescent bulbs aren't nearly as hot and are therefore safer in that department, but due to the nature of the bulb, they contain mercury, which can be very dangerous to people. the safest option would be LED lighting. They don't emit very much heat, nor do they have mercury in them.

And now, cost. Which bulbs use the most electricity, therefore, costing you the most long-term? Up front, LEDs would be the most expensive, costing you the most per bulb, but they use far less electricity than both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, making them money-savers in the long run.

What's best for your household? It seems that LEDs consistently come out on top. If you'd like to switch from incandescent or fluorescent to LEDs, contact a licensed electrician.