Shopping for a pre-lit Christmas tree? If you’re overwhelmed by the various lighting options, remember there are two types of lights — incandescent and LED Christmas tree lights. Each one offers certain benefits, and knowing the difference will help you make a better choice.
Incandescent Tree Lights
Traditional incandescent light string bulbs heat a metal filament to produce light, which makes the bulbs also heat up in the process.
Balsam Hill uses commercial-grade filaments and glass casings on our trees with incandescent lights. We also use a patented technology wherein the lights remain lit even if one bulb is broken or loose.
LED Tree Lights
LED Christmas bulbs use light-emitting diodes that don’t produce much heat.
For Balsam Hill trees with Candlelight™ LEDs, we tightly control the temperature to keep them consistent and ensure a warm glow instead of a cold, harsh light.
Comparing Options: Factors To Consider
Energy Efficiency
LED lights, with their long lifespan and durability, make them the more energy-efficient Christmas light option.
- LEDs - Consume up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs while offering a wide range of colors and bulb styles.
- Fiber optic trees - These trees often use LED lighting, making them highly energy-efficient.
- Smart lights - Smart Christmas lights, typically LED-based, feature programmable timers and dimming options to maximize energy savings.
Cost
LED bulbs may have a higher upfront price, but their low energy use and long lifespan make them far more cost-efficient over time.
In contrast, incandescent bulbs seem cheaper at first but drive up expenses through higher electricity bills and frequent replacements.
Light Quality & Durability
Traditional incandescent Christmas lights are popular for their clear, warm glow that gives your Christmas tree a timeless and familiar look. Newer LED Christmas lights can radiate the same warm glow of traditional lights that you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.
Balsam Hill’s durable pre-lit trees come with premium commercial-grade, long-lasting LED lights so that if one bulb burns out or is removed, the rest stay lit.
Variety & Availability
The assortment of incandescent and LED lights varies with every retailer. Christmas trees with incandescent lights are widely available online or in brick-and-mortar stores, giving you more options to choose from. Some retailers, however, may only have a limited range of trees with LED lights. Balsam Hill offers an assortment of LED options, from app-controlled Twinkly® lights to micro-LED fairy lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Christmas Lights Are Better, LED or Incandescent?
LED lights are more energy-efficient, last longer, and stay cooler than incandescent lights, but they can be more expensive upfront. Incandescent lights offer a warmer glow and lower initial cost but use more energy and have a shorter lifespan.
Is It Worth Switching to LED Christmas Lights?
In terms of power consumption and longevity, LEDs are worth the money. They may cost more upfront, but they are more energy efficient as they don’t need heat to produce light. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lights.
Is There a Downside to LED Lights?
LED lights often cost more upfront, so price might be a limiting factor for those looking for more affordable Christmas tree lights. But given the energy savings and durability of LED lights, the initial investment is often worth it.
Are Incandescent Christmas Lights Being Phased Out?
Many retailers still offer incandescent Christmas lights. However, more and more customers are shifting to LED lights due to their energy efficiency and adaptability to innovations in smart lighting technology.
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