Shopping for a pre-lit Christmas tree? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the different lighting options, remember there are two main types — incandescent and LED Christmas tree lights. Each offers its own benefits, and knowing the difference will help you make the best choice.
Difference Between LED and Incandescent Christmas Tree Lights
Balsam Hill offers a wide range of pre-lit trees with either incandescent or LED Christmas tree lights in various colours. The main differences between these two types of lights are their energy efficiency and longevity.
Traditional incandescent light string bulbs heat a metal filament to produce light, which also causes the bulbs to heat up. Balsam Hill uses commercial-grade filaments and glass casings on our trees with incandescent lights. We also use patented technology that keeps the lights on even if one bulb is broken or loose.
LED Lights
LED Christmas bulbs use light-emitting diodes that produce very little heat. For Balsam Hill trees with Candlelight® LEDs, we carefully control the temperature to keep it consistent and ensure a warm glow instead of a cold, harsh light.
Comparing Options: Incandescent vs LED Tree Lights
Here are some points to consider when choosing between these two types of lights, such as power usage, brightness, and durability, to help you compare.
Cost
Although incandescent lights are available at lower price points, they burn out over time and use more energy. When comparing the cost of LED vs incandescent Christmas lights, keep in mind that while LEDs may cost more upfront, they’re more energy-efficient, emit brighter light, and last longer. In the long run, LED lights save you money on both electricity and replacement bulbs.
Brightness and Light Quality
When comparing Christmas light brightness, consider whether you prefer cool or warm lighting. Traditional incandescent Christmas lights are popular for their clear, warm glow that gives your tree a timeless and familiar look. Newer LED Christmas lights can produce the same warm glow as traditional lights, so you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.
Variety and Availability
The assortment of incandescent and LED lights varies with each retailer. Christmas trees with incandescent lights are widely available online and in stores, giving you plenty of options to choose from. However, some retailers may only carry a limited range of trees with LED lights. Balsam Hill offers a variety of LED options, including app-controlled Twinkly® lights and micro-LED fairy lights.
Durability
Balsam Hill’s pre-lit trees come with premium, commercial-grade lights that are long-lasting, so if one bulb burns out or is removed, the rest stay lit. The lights are also professionally strung on the tree by hand to minimise the appearance of wires. When properly maintained and stored, our pre-lit trees will last for many seasons.
Warranty
Balsam Hill offers a three-year limited warranty that guarantees the quality of our artificial Christmas trees’ factory-installed lights (excluding burned-out bulbs), frame, foliage, hinges, and tree stand. Visit our warranty page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about Christmas tree lights.
Is It Okay to Use Incandescent Lights on a Christmas Tree?
Yes, incandescent Christmas lights remain popular for their warm, traditional glow. However, they can get hot and are less energy-efficient, so it’s important to monitor them and switch them off when unattended to reduce any fire risk.
Are LED Christmas Lights Worth the Extra Cost?
In terms of power consumption and longevity, LEDs are worth the investment. They may cost more upfront, but they’re more energy-efficient as they don’t require heat to produce light. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lights.
What Are the Pros and Cons of LED vs. Incandescent?
LED lights are more energy-efficient, last longer, and stay cooler than incandescent lights, but they can be more expensive initially. Incandescent lights offer a warmer glow and lower upfront cost but use more energy and have a shorter lifespan.
How Many Watts Are LED Christmas Lights Compared to Incandescent?
It varies, but generally, incandescent lights use 80–90 per cent more wattage than LED lights.
Can You Leave LED Christmas Lights on All Night?
Yes, you can leave LED Christmas lights on all night because they’re energy-efficient and produce very little heat, reducing fire risk. However, it’s still good safety practice to turn them off when you’re not around or before going to bed.
As with any décor, there are no hard and fast rules when buying pre-lit trees. Whether traditional or LED, the best type of lights for your Christmas tree is the one that suits your style and budget. Compare your options to see which lights fit your decorating needs. Visit Balsam Hill to browse our collection of pre-lit artificial Christmas trees.
Learn More About Christmas Lights
For more information on Balsam Hill’s different types of Christmas tree lights, read the guides below: