LED vs. Traditional Christmas Lights: Which is Better for Your Business?

Are you shopping for Christmas lights for your business? You must consider various factors, including color, brightness, and energy efficiency. These issues can be addressed by deciding between LED and traditional Christmas lights. Each type has unique characteristics that will guide your decision.

This article will explore LED vs. traditional Christmas lights so you can decide which is suited to your needs. 

LED lights for business use light-emitting diodes to produce light. They don’t contain mercury, which could be hazardous to health. LEDs don’t get as hot as traditional lights, so they are safer to handle. Their energy efficiency and durability make them today's most popular light bulb option.

These lights can be used in most common fixtures and are often integrated into Christmas light displays. Their long-term cost-savings make them affordable for businesses that decorate during the holiday season. 

Traditional Christmas lights for business are often incandescent. They use a filament to produce light. Although they have a lower initial cost than LED lights, they are less energy efficient and don’t last as long. They are also hot to the touch. 

Incandescent lights can be used in different types of lights. However, the Department of Energy has restricted the sale of some incandescent bulbs, including those that produce fewer than 40 lumens of light and general service varieties commonly used in lamps. Incandescent Christmas lights are still available.

Here are some other differences to consider when deciding between LED vs. traditional Christmas lights for business:

One difference between LED and traditional Christmas lights is energy efficiency. 

LEDs use up to 90% less energy than their incandescent counterparts because they use almost all the energy they produce rather than wasting it. Businesses may spend more initially, but expenses will balance with savings on their energy bills, which can be especially beneficial during the holiday season. The reduced energy use also makes LEDs more environmental, pleasing eco-friendly customers.

LED lights are much more durable than traditional Christmas lights. Incandescent lights are made from glass, which can break easily. LEDs are encased in a durable epoxy resin and made with solid-state components. 

As a result, LED lights can last 25 times longer than traditional Christmas lights, making it through up to 40 holiday seasons.

Incandescent lights are limited in color options, while LED lights produce a wide range of colors. Additionally, LEDs are available in various color temperatures that affect the specific hue. For example, LEDs with a high temperature will produce a cooler, more true color, while a low color temperature can make the color warmer, adding a yellow hue. 

LED lights are also brighter than incandescent varieties because they emit more lumens per watt. Incandescent lights diffuse light when turned on, making it less concentrated.

However, brightness can vary from bulb to bulb. Lumes measure a bulb’s brightness. Consider the lumen measurement of your light bulb to make a smart purchasing decision. 

LED lights are less affordable, considering initial costs. On Amazon, the cost of traditional Christmas lights for a 20’ string of Christmas lights is $11.99. The cost of LED lights for the same-length string is $18.99. However, considering how much you will save on energy and replacement costs, the seven-dollar difference is almost nothing. 

LED lights produce various benefits for businesses. Here are some to consider.

Christmas lights are more affordable due to their energy savings and durability. Businesses will see considerable savings on their energy bills, allowing them to increase profitability during the holiday season.

LED lights are much safer than incandescent lights because they stay cool. Traditional lights work by heating a filament emitting a significant amount of heat, making them dangerous to touch. They can even be a fire hazard when close to flammable materials. 

The lack of glass also makes LEDs safer. They won’t shatter like incandescent bulbs, which can result in wounds and cuts and increase fire risk. 

Incandescents have long been an aesthetic favorite due to their ability to emit soft, warm light. However, LEDs have come a long way in replicating this glow. They also come out on top due to their versatile colors and ability to produce warmer and cooler color temperatures. 

LED color options make them a versatile choice. They also offer directional emissions, so you can direct them as you see fit. Some lights are dimmable. They are also suited for indoor and outdoor use. 

LED lights are generally better for outdoor use. Their sturdy components can withstand various weather conditions. The solid-state components also help them stand up better to impact, shock, and vibration.

Choose an outdoor-rated LED light for your display needs to ensure optimal safety. 

Although LEDs have quickly become a favorite among companies looking to set up Christmas displays, incandescent lights offer various benefits, such as:

LEDs offer energy savings and durability that make them good investments. However, incandescent bulbs provide lower upfront costs, which could benefit companies doing one-time displays or dealing with cash-flow issues. 

Incandescent lights are known for providing a soft, warm glow that could enhance traditional displays. LEDs manufacturers have worked to duplicate this aesthetic, but nothing substitutes the real thing.

It may be easier to find incandescent Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights are not as accessible. Specifically, pre-decorated Christmas trees are more likely to feature incandescent bulbs.

There is no one solution to the debate on LED vs. traditional Christmas lights. LED is ideal for companies prioritizing energy efficiency and cost savings. They may also be a better choice for outdoor settings. 

Incandescent lights may be suited for companies focused on creating a nostalgic aesthetic or looking for short-term cost savings due to cash flow issues or temporary displays. 

Consider the goals of your Christmas display to determine the solution that best suits your needs.

The traditional vs. LED Christmas lights debate is one for the ages, but whichever you choose, Dekra-Lite will be there to support you. We offer a wide variety of decorations featuring LED and incandescent bulbs. Our company also provides various non-illuminated decorations, including sprays and garlands. 

We can take care of everything from product choice to installation. Our team will help you find the best solutions for your business needs. Contact us to ensure this year’s display stands out. 

LED Christmas lights for business are more expensive to purchase than incandescent. However, considering durability and energy efficiency, they save consumers money in the long run. 

LED lights are becoming more popular due to their durability and energy efficiency. However, many prefer incandescents due to their nostalgic aesthetic and lower upfront costs.

LEDs have a longer lifespan than incandescent lights They typically last 25 times longer.

Yes, you can use traditional Christmas lights for outdoors. However, LEDs may be a better choice due to their durability.

Traditional Christmas lights are generally safe for business use. However, their glass construction can increase the risk of injuries. The lights are also prone to heating and could present a fire hazard.