One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is whether to go with LED or incandescent fixtures for their outdoor lighting. The short answer is LED for almost every application, but understanding why helps you make a confident decision.
Energy Efficiency
LED fixtures use 75 to 80 percent less electricity than incandescent equivalents. A typical LED landscape light draws 3 to 5 watts, compared to 20 to 50 watts for incandescent. Over a year of nightly operation, the energy savings are substantial.
For a typical landscape lighting system with 15 to 20 fixtures, LED technology can save $200 to $400 per year in electricity costs compared to incandescent.
Longevity
LED fixtures are rated for 40,000 to 50,000 hours of operation. At 8 hours per night, that translates to 13 to 17 years before the LEDs need replacement. Incandescent bulbs typically last 1,000 to 2,000 hours, meaning you will be replacing them every few months.
The reduced maintenance alone makes LED the clear winner for outdoor lighting where fixtures are often difficult to access.
Light Quality
Early LED technology earned a reputation for harsh, bluish light that felt cold and unnatural. Modern LEDs have solved this problem completely. Today's professional-grade LED fixtures produce warm white light in the 2700K to 3000K range that is visually indistinguishable from the warm glow of incandescent bulbs.
Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value
LED fixtures cost more upfront than incandescent alternatives. However, when you factor in energy savings, reduced bulb replacement costs, and longer fixture life, LED systems typically pay for themselves within two to three years.
Our Recommendation
Spark Lighting KC exclusively uses LED technology for landscape and holiday lighting installations. The performance, efficiency, and longevity advantages are too significant to ignore. Contact us at (816) 866-3614 to discuss LED lighting for your property.