Comparison of Incandescent & LED Lighting: A Complete Guide by Murphy

Lighting plays a bigger role in our lives than most of us realise. From the cosy glow in our living rooms to the bright, functional light in our kitchens and workplaces, the right bulb can change the entire mood of a space. For years, the incandescent bulb was the standard choice in homes. But as technology has advanced, LED lighting has stepped into the spotlight, and with good reason.

At Murphy, we believe in helping people make smarter choices about lighting. So today, we’re diving deep into the comparison of incandescent and LED bulbs. We’ll look at how they work, their pros and cons, costs, energy use, and why more and more people are making the switch to Murphy LED solutions.

What Are Incandescent Bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional style of lighting that many of us grew up with. They’ve been around for over a century. The bulb works by passing electricity through a thin filament, usually made of tungsten. This filament heats up until it glows, creating light.

The glow is warm and familiar, which is why many people associate it with comfort. However, it’s also worth noting that most of the energy in an incandescent bulb doesn’t go into making light – it’s lost as heat.

Quick facts about incandescent bulbs:

• Operate with a filament heated until it glows
• Produce a warm, yellowish light
• Short lifespan (around 1,000 hours)
• Consume a lot of electricity compared to newer options

What Are LED Bulbs?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. Unlike incandescents, LEDs don’t use a filament. Instead, they work through a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current passes through it. This process is far more energy-efficient.

Murphy’s LED range offers everything from soft, warm tones that mimic incandescent light to brighter, cooler options ideal for kitchens, offices, or outdoor lighting.

Quick facts about LED bulbs:

• Use semiconductors to create light
• Long lifespan (often 25,000–50,000 hours)
• Extremely energy-efficient
• Available in different colour temperatures

Energy Efficiency: Incandescent vs LED

One of the biggest differences between the two is energy use.

• An incandescent bulb typically converts only about 10% of the energy it consumes into visible light. The remaining 90% becomes heat.
• An LED, by contrast, uses up to 80–90% less energy for the same brightness.

For example, a 60-watt incandescent bulb can often be replaced by a Murphy LED bulb that uses just 8–10 watts. That’s a massive saving, especially when you multiply it across all the lights in a home.

Over time, these savings add up not just on energy bills but also in reducing the carbon footprint. For eco-conscious households, LED is clearly the winner.

Lifespan Comparison

When you buy a bulb, you don’t just think about how bright it is – you also want to know how long it will last.

• Incandescent bulbs usually last around 1,000 hours. That means if you use the light for about three hours each day, the bulb will last just under a year.
• Murphy LEDs, on the other hand, can last 25,000 hours or more. That’s over 20 years if you use them for three hours daily.

This difference makes LEDs not only cost-effective but also convenient. No more changing bulbs every few months.

Light Quality and Appearance

Some people hesitate to switch from incandescent to LED because they worry the light will feel harsh or “unnatural.” That might have been true in the early days of LED technology, but modern Murphy LEDs are designed to give you the perfect light for every space.

• Warm white LEDs mimic the cosy glow of an incandescent bulb.
• Cool white LEDs are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or offices where clarity is key.
• Daylight LEDs offer a bright, crisp light that’s close to natural sunlight.

With Murphy, you don’t have to compromise. You can enjoy the traditional look you love while benefiting from modern efficiency.

Cost Comparison

At first glance, incandescent bulbs are cheaper. You might pick one up for less than a pound, while an LED may cost a few pounds more. But here’s where it gets interesting:

• Incandescent bulbs burn out quickly and consume more energy. Over a decade, the cost of replacing them and paying higher electricity bills adds up significantly.
• Murphy LEDs last years longer and save you money on energy. Even with the higher upfront cost, they quickly pay for themselves.

Think of it as an investment. You’re not just buying a bulb – you’re buying years of light and savings.

Environmental Impact

In today’s world, we all want to make choices that are kinder to the planet. Lighting is one of the simplest places to start.

• Incandescent bulbs use more electricity, which means higher carbon emissions from power plants.
• LEDs, like those from Murphy, dramatically reduce energy consumption and therefore lower emissions.

Plus, because LEDs last longer, fewer bulbs end up in landfill. It’s a small change with a big impact.

Heat Emission

If you’ve ever touched an incandescent bulb after it’s been on for a while, you’ll know just how hot they get. That heat isn’t just wasted energy – it can also affect the comfort of your room, especially in the summer.

Murphy LEDs, however, emit very little heat. That means your home stays cooler, and your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s a win-win.

Versatility and Design

Another point worth noting is the design flexibility of LEDs.

Murphy offers LEDs in different shapes, sizes, and styles. From traditional bulb shapes to sleek modern designs, there’s something for every fixture. LEDs can even be integrated into smart home systems, giving you full control over brightness and colour.

Incandescent bulbs, by contrast, don’t have this flexibility. They offer one type of light, with no dimming or colour options unless paired with additional equipment.

Safety Matters

Because incandescent bulbs get so hot, they can sometimes pose a fire risk if placed too close to flammable materials. LEDs run much cooler, making them a safer choice for homes with children, pets, or busy environments.

With Murphy LEDs, safety and reliability go hand in hand with quality light.

Why Murphy?

When comparing incandescent and LED, it’s clear that LEDs come out on top in almost every category. But not all LED bulbs are created equal.

At Murphy, we’re dedicated to creating lighting solutions that combine efficiency, durability, and style. Our bulbs are carefully designed to meet modern needs while keeping that familiar warmth people love in their homes.

By choosing Murphy, you’re not just choosing a bulb – you’re choosing years of comfort, savings, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The comparison of incandescent and LED lighting shows just how far technology has come. Incandescent bulbs served us well for over a century, but their time is clearly coming to an end. With rising energy costs and growing awareness of environmental impact, LEDs are the smarter, more sustainable choice.

Murphy’s range of LED lighting brings together the best of both worlds: the warmth and charm of traditional light with the innovation and efficiency of modern technology. Whether you want to create a cosy living space, brighten your kitchen, or cut down on energy bills, Murphy LEDs are the way forward.

It’s time to leave behind the short-lived, energy-hungry bulbs of the past. Step into the future with Murphy LEDs – brighter, better, and built to last.