What Is an Incandescent Light Bulb? Choose the Right Light for Your Space

Some classics never go out of style. Take the incandescent light bulb—first invented in 1879. This old design is still widely used today for many good reasons. But what is an incandescent light bulb? What makes it different from other types of light bulbs? And is it the right choice for lighting your space? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is an Incandescent Light Bulb?

Incandescent bulbs are very simply designed. A metal, threaded base is attached to a glass bulb with sealed joints. Inside the bulb are fine filaments made of coiled tungsten metal. The bulb is usually filled with inert gas, such as argon and nitrogen, to help extend the lifespan of this tungsten filament and stop it from burning out so quickly. When the bulb is screwed in, electric current flows through the tungsten, causing it to heat up until it’s glowing. And just like that, you have the first ever electric light. While modern incandescent bulbs sometimes alter the design slightly, they all use this same basic principle to work.

Incandescence essentially refers to the process of a material emitting visible light due to being heated up. In the case of a light bulb, this is the tungsten filament within—this phenomenon is where incandescent bulbs get their name.

What Are the Advantages of Incandescent Light Bulbs?

Despite being an old-school design, incandescent light bulbs are still one of the most common types of lighting used across the world. There are a few big selling points that have helped them stay popular for nearly 150 years.

Aesthetics

There’s nothing quite like the soft, warm, yellow-orange glow of an incandescent light bulb. They can make a space feel cozy and nostalgic, and their natural color closely mimics the light from the sun.

Warmth

Sometimes, you actually want a bulb that gets hot. For food-warming lamps or heating lights in bathrooms, incandescent bulbs are great because they produce heat as well as light.

Dimmable

Because of the simple design of incandescent light bulbs, they’re very easy to dim even with old dimmer switch setups. Less power equals a dimmer light, making incandescent bulbs very useful for controlling the ambiance of your home lighting.

Inexpensive

Incandescent bulbs are cheaper than other options, such as LED or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp). They can be a more cost-effective option if you need a lot of them—at least as far as upfront costs are concerned.

What Are the Downsides of Incandescent Light Bulbs?

No technology can exist for over a century without some improvements being made. With the growth of LED lighting as the preferred way to light a space, it’s easier to see the shortcomings of the old-school style of incandescent light bulbs. Cons of incandescent bulbs include:

Shorter Lifespan

What is the average lifespan of an incandescent light bulb? When you compare incandescent light bulbs vs. LED, it’s not all that great. Most incandescent bulbs will last for about 1,000 hours of use (about 42 days of being on continuously). Fluorescent bulbs usually last 8,000 to 10,000 hours (12 to 14 months). LEDs, on the other hand, can easily last for 50,000 to 100,000 hours—that’s about 4 or 5 years.

Increased Energy Usage

Incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient than more modern options like LED. If your whole home uses incandescent lighting, you’ll be paying a noticeably higher amount in energy costs over the long term. This is because a huge amount of energy is wasted as the bulb heats up.

Bigger Safety Risk

Incandescent bulbs become hot to the touch after being switched on, and they can potentially start a fire, damage your electrical system or fixtures, or even cause a burn if you’re not careful. The thin, glass shell is also quite delicate, making them prone to breaking.

Incandescent Light Bulbs vs. Fluorescent and LED

If you’re looking for the right type of lighting for your space, it’s a good idea to consider all the options before making a decision. The three main options to compare are incandescent bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, and LED lighting. Why might you choose one over the other?

Light Temperature

If you prefer cooler lights, fluorescent or LED might be the better option for you. Incandescent lights are almost always warmer and orange or yellow in color, so they’re best for those who prefer a cozier, more natural light. Warm vs. cool light is a personal preference, so have a look at which one works best for you.

Maintenance

If you’re not interested in changing light bulbs all the time, it could be worth investing in a lighting option with a longer lifespan. The upfront costs can be quite a bit more when comparing incandescent vs. fluorescent bulbs or LED lighting, but the reduced energy and replacement costs mean that they’ll eventually pay for themselves.

Environmental Laws

In the U.S., current energy-efficiency regulations mean that most incandescent bulbs won’t be allowed to be manufactured anymore by the end of 2023. The bulbs aren’t exactly being banned, but most aren’t able to meet the new standards of energy use. This may change in the future but is worth considering if you’re on the fence about what kinds of lights to use.

Choosing the Right Light for Your Space

Lighting is a seemingly small detail that can actually transform a space. It’s always worth putting some thought into this step of the process to make sure your home looks exactly how you want when the lights are on. And if you’re not sure where to start, it’s never a bad idea to contact a local lighting installation expert for a little further guidance.