You’ve probably heard that LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent lights, which sparks the debate: RV LED lighting vs. incandescent bulbs. But should RV owners switch to LED? This post will review some 10 facts about these two types of bulbs and give you a verdict on whether it makes sense to replace all your incandescent RV lights with LED bulbs.
First, What Is a LED Bulb?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. These bulbs contain a semiconductor material that allows a current to pass through electrodes, emitting visible light. Developed in the early 1960s, the initial versions of LED bulbs only emitted red, green, and yellow light, which limited their applications. It wasn’t until the 1990s that advancements in LED technology made them suitable for home, RV, and workplace use, providing a broader spectrum of colors and improved brightness.
What is an Incandescent Bulb?
The incandescent is your classic bulb. This type of bulb produces light by heating a wire filament until it glows. When an electric current passes through the wire, it heats up and emits light. These bulbs have been around since the late 1800s and have not changed much. An incandescent bulb typically consists of a fragile glass enclosure.
Now, here’s what you need to know about RV LED lighting vs. incandescent light bulbs.
1. LEDs Use Around 5x Less Power Than Incandescent Lights
LED lights consume significantly less power than incandescent bulbs, using about 75-80% less energy. A 10-watt LED provides the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. That means you can have 5 to 6 LEDs on for the electrical cost of one incandescent light.
This substantial reduction in power consumption translates to decreased energy usage when boondocking and lower electricity bills when hooked up to a metered campsite. LEDs convert most of their energy into light, whereas 90% of the power draw of an incandescent is emitted as heat, not light.
2. Traditional Incandescent Light Bulbs can No Longer be Produced or Sold in the US
To encourage the use of more energy-efficient alternatives like LED lights, the United States government banned the production and sale of incandescent bulbs starting August 1, 2023, and that ban is still in effect as of this writing. This ban focuses solely on preventing the manufacture and sale of new incandescent bulbs, so if you already have them in your wheeled home, you can continue to use them until they burn out.
However, you’ll have to replace them with LED as you will not have the option to purchase incandescent bulbs. Fortunately, most modern RVs now come equipped with LED bulbs, so you won’t have to worry about making the switch yourself.
3. LED Bulbs Have More Lumens (Brightness) Per Watt
LED lights have more lumens per watt (lm/W) than incandescent bulbs, meaning they are much more efficient at converting electricity into visible light. Lumens measure the amount of light produced, while watts measure the energy consumed. LEDs typically produce 80-100 lumens per watt, with some models reaching up to 160 lm/W.
In contrast, incandescent bulbs only deliver around 10-17 lumens per watt. This means LEDs provide significantly more light per unit of energy consumed. The superior luminous efficacy of LEDs translates to brighter illumination with much lower energy consumption, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting solution.
4. LED Bulbs Have a Longer Lifespan
LEDs can last between 15,000 to 100,000 hours, depending on usage and quality. A quality LED bulb will easily last over 10 years when used for eight hours daily. In contrast, an incandescent light bulb typically lasts only around 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
The extended lifespan of LEDs means fewer replacements, which translates to cost savings over time. A longer lifespan also contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing landfill waste.
5. LED Lights Offer Superior On/Off Durability
The operating life of a LED bulb is unaffected, no matter how many times you turn it on and off. This makes them ideal for large RVs with separate living spaces where lights are turned on and off regularly. In comparison, incandescent bulbs have wire filaments that can weaken and break with frequent switching, leading to a shorter lifespan.
6. People May Have a Preference for One or the Other
LED bulbs offer bright, clear illumination with options for various colors, tones, and shades ranging from warm yellow to cool white. This allows greater customization of lighting ambiance. They also maintain consistent light quality throughout their lifespan without noticeable dimming or color shifts.
However, incandescent bulbs are superior when it comes to giving off a nice warm light with an appealing, soft glow. In fact, many RV owners who have sensitive eyes feel that the warm light of a LED bulb is still harsh. And indeed, even high-quality LED bulbs struggle to replicate the soft glow of incandescent lights. RVers with light intolerance should consider leaving some incandescent lighting in the most commonly used areas.
7. Incandescent Lights Pose a High Shatter Risk
incandescent bulbs have fragile glass enclosures that can shatter easily upon impact, potentially creating hazardous situations with sharp glass fragments. On the other hand, LEDs are made from durable materials like plastic, making them less likely to break if dropped or knocked.
They are also less likely to shatter as the RV vibrates and bounces when driving on rough roads. This durability further makes LEDs a safer choice. It’s also worth noting that LED bulbs don’t contain any toxic materials. Fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain mercury.
8. LED Bulbs Have a Low Risk of Fire
Incandescent bulbs can pose a fire hazard if they come into direct contact with flammable materials because they generate a significant amount of heat. This excessive heat can damage the RV light fixture, potentially leading to a fire. They are also likely to explode during power fluctuations or fixture vibrations. Additionally, touching a hot incandescent bulb can burn your skin.
In contrast, LED lighting is designed to be highly efficient, converting most of its energy into light rather than heat. As a result, they produce significantly less heat compared to traditional bulbs, reducing the risk of overheating and fire hazards. This efficiency also helps keep your space cooler, which is particularly beneficial on hot summer nights.
9. LED Bulbs are Slightly More Expensive, But Cheaper in the Long Run
LED bulbs are typically more expensive upfront compared to what people were used to paying for incandescent bulbs. However, their higher initial cost is often offset by their long-term benefits. LEDs have a much longer lifespan and consume less energy, leading to lower electricity bills over time. Their efficiency and durability make them a cost-effective choice.
10. LED Lights are Super Versatile in an RV Setting
RV LED lights offer flexibility in placement, making them suitable for various areas of your RV. They can be installed in ceiling light fixtures for general illumination, under cabinets for task lighting, and in the bathroom for focused light. LED lighting systems are also ideal for exterior RV use, providing visibility and safety around the RV.
Their compact size and low-heat output allow for creative placement, such as in overhead compartments or along shelves. Incandescent bulb options don’t offer the same flexibility.
RV LED lighting vs. Incandescent Bulbs FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about incandescent vs LED RV lights:
How Do You Replace RV Lights With LEDs?
Each RV features various light styles and wattage. To replace your old bulbs with LEDs, you’ll need to check each light fixture individually. Remove the existing incandescent bulbs or fixtures to identify their specifications. Once you know what you have, select compatible LED replacement bulbs to ensure a proper fit and performance.
How Much Does it Cost to Switch From Incandescent to LED Lighting in an RV?
Replacing old bulbs with new LED lights typically costs between $2 and $10 per LED bulb. If you want to switch out 20 RV bulbs, the total cost can range from $40 to $200+. Total expenses vary based on the number of bulbs, fixtures being replaced, and installation costs if you hire someone.
Verdict: Is it Worth Replacing Your RV’s Incandescent Bulbs With LED Lights?
Absolutely! Replacing your RV’s incandescent bulbs with LED lights is a brilliant move. As an RV tech, clients often ask me to do this for them, but you can also do it yourself. The energy efficiency of LEDs dramatically reduces power consumption, which is especially advantageous when relying on battery power. They emit significantly less heat, enhancing comfort and safety inside your RV.
Additionally, LEDs boast a much longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements. It’s definitely a smart upgrade that improves your RV experience and contributes to a more eco-friendly journey.
