Shopping for a pre-lit Christmas tree can feel overwhelming with so many lighting options available. There are two main types of lights to choose from, incandescent and LED Christmas tree lights. Each offers its own benefits, and understanding the differences will help you choose the option that best suits your home.
Incandescent Tree Lights
Traditional incandescent light strings produce light by heating a metal filament, which means the bulbs also become warm during use.
Balsam Hill uses commercial-grade filaments and durable glass casings on trees with incandescent lights. Our patented technology ensures the lights stay illuminated even if one bulb becomes loose or stops working, so your tree continues to look its best.
LED Tree Lights
LED Christmas bulbs use light-emitting diodes that produce very little heat, making them energy efficient and comfortable to use.
For Balsam Hill trees featuring Candlelight™ LEDs, the temperature is carefully controlled to maintain consistency and deliver a warm, inviting glow rather than a cool or harsh light.
Comparing Options: Factors To Consider
Energy Efficiency
LED lights are a more energy-efficient option thanks to their long lifespan and durable design.
- LED Lights: Use up to 90 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs while offering a wide range of colours and bulb styles.
- Fibre Optic Trees: These trees typically use LED lighting, making them highly energy efficient and low maintenance.
- Smart Lights: Smart Christmas lights are usually LED-based and include features such as programmable timers and dimming controls to help maximise energy savings.
Cost
LED bulbs may cost more upfront, but their low energy use and long lifespan make them more cost-efficient over time.
Incandescent bulbs can appear more affordable initially, but higher electricity use and the need for frequent replacements often lead to increased costs in the long run.
Light Quality & Durability
Traditional incandescent Christmas lights are known for their clear, warm glow that gives a Christmas tree a classic and familiar look. Modern LED Christmas lights can now produce the same warm effect, making it difficult to tell them apart from traditional options.
Balsam Hill’s durable pre-lit trees feature premium commercial-grade LED lights designed to last. If one bulb stops working or is removed, the remaining lights stay illuminated, helping your tree look its best with minimal effort.
Variety & Availability
The range of incandescent and LED lights can vary by retailer. Christmas trees with incandescent lights are widely available online and in physical stores, offering plenty of choice. Some retailers, however, may carry a more limited selection of trees with LED lights.
Balsam Hill offers a broad range of LED options, from app-controlled Twinkly® lights to delicate LED fairy lights, making it easy to find a lighting style that suits your space and preferences.
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, although they can cost more upfront. Incandescent lights are often chosen for their warm glow and lower initial price, but they use more electricity and typically have a shorter lifespan.
Is It Worth Switching to LED Christmas Lights?
Yes, LED Christmas lights are worth considering for their efficiency and longevity. While they may cost more initially, they use significantly less energy and do not rely on heat to produce light. According to energy efficiency research, LED lights use far less electricity and last much longer than traditional incandescent options.
Is There a Downside to LED Lights?
The main drawback of LED lights is the higher upfront cost, which may be a consideration for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, the long lifespan, reduced energy use, and durability of LED lights often make them a better value over time.
Are Incandescent Christmas Lights Being Phased Out?
Many retailers still carry incandescent Christmas lights, but more shoppers are choosing LED options. This shift is driven by improved energy efficiency, longer-lasting performance, and compatibility with newer smart lighting features.
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