Incandescent Function

• Incandescent bulbs work by running an electric current through a thin wire called a filament. The filament heats up, causing it to glow.
  
  

LED Function

• LEDs or light emitting diodes work by propelling electrons through a junction between two materials. When the electron crosses the gap, it releases some of its energy as a photon of light.
  
  

Benefits

• LEDs use far less energy than incandescent lights, since much of the energy in incandescent lights is wasted heating up the wire. LED bulbs also last much longer, with lifespans around 60,000 hours instead of 1,500 for traditional incandescents.
  
  

Drawbacks

• LED bulbs often have very directional light, making them good for spotlights but often not as good for all-around room light. LED bulbs are also often a bit dimmer than equivalent incandescent bulbs. Individual LED bulbs are often very expensive compared to incandescents, but over the life of the bulb the user will make up the cost in electricity savings.
  
  

Considerations

• CFLs, or compact fluorescent lights, are a popular alternative to LEDs and Incandescent bulbs. They are more efficient and have longer lifespans than incandescents, but do have nice, even light like incandescent bulbs.