Based in Pittsburgh, lighting distribution executive James Mahoney leads Mason James Lighting and Supply, LLC, and Mason James Distribution. Since founding his lighting company in 2018, he has expanded a nationwide client base that includes municipalities and large enterprises, and his team surpassed 13 million in sales in 2024. Drawing on earlier experience in medical device sales and ongoing involvement in professional organizations, he focuses on energy efficient solutions and practical guidance for buyers. His firms support utility programs and midstream distribution, and he also participates in community service initiatives, including energy conservation and veterans efforts. With that background, he understands how product lifespan, wattage, and availability affect total lighting costs, along with how evolving technology shapes purchasing decisions for homes and businesses.
Comparing Incandescent and LED Light Bulbs
The history of the light bulb stretches back more than 150 years. Although constant electric light existed for many decades prior, Thomas Edison famously patented and commercialized the incandescent light bulb in 1879, and again in 1880. Today, the average home devotes about 6 percent of annual electricity costs to lighting, translating to roughly 81 billion kilowatt-hours for the nation, according to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). Over the decades, engineers have designed numerous variations on the light bulb, each with its own impact on lighting quality and costs.
For many years, American homeowners could attribute nearly all residential lighting to incandescent bulbs. The traditional light bulb produces a warm, yellowish light that many people find comforting. In addition to familiarity and perhaps nostalgia, incandescent light bulbs are very affordable in terms of up-front costs. On average, an incandescent bulb costs about $1. While many alternatives have gained popularity over the years, the incandescent light bulb remains one of the most popular home lighting options, making incandescent bulbs easy to find in most stores.
Unfortunately, incandescent bulbs also present homeowners with several drawbacks. The upfront savings are offset by the incandescent bulb’s short lifespan: a person may need to purchase between six and 20 incandescent bulbs in the time it takes to exhaust alternative light bulb technologies.
Furthermore, incandescent bulbs are less efficient than other light bulbs. An incandescent bulb requires 40 watts to produce between 400 and 500 lumens, a measurement of brightness. More energy-efficient light bulbs require as little as six watts to achieve this level of brightness, translating to electricity bill savings that offset the higher upfront costs.
Finally, incandescent bulbs produce heat. While the level of heat produced is relatively low, individuals can still burn themselves if they accidentally touch an incandescent light bulb. In some cases, incandescent bulbs may pose a fire hazard.
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology dates back to 1907, though a viable working version of the LED light bulb did not exist until 1962. Following the invention of white LED lights in 1995, LED bulbs began to function as a reasonable alternative to incandescent lighting. With each passing year, LED technology becomes more efficient and affordable. According to the EIA, about half of American households use LED bulbs for most or all of their lighting needs.
LED lights represent the peak of energy efficiency, using as little as six watts to produce 500 lumens. They typically last up to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs, up to 25,000 hours. The average incandescent bulb lasts just 1,200 hours. Most LED bulbs produce a bright, white light, though manufacturers release more colors, styles, and sizes as the technology progresses.
American homeowners using LED light bulbs face a few disadvantages. LED bulbs can cost $4 or more apiece, which can represent a notable increase over incandescent bulbs, especially when homeowners purchase large quantities at the same time. As mentioned, LED bulbs represent significant electricity savings over time: on average, homeowners spend more than $200 on incandescent light bulbs over 20 years, compared to just $34 for LED bulbs.
Although LED technology has advanced considerably over the last few decades, individuals with specialized lighting needs may struggle to find LED bulbs in certain sizes or styles. Homeowners can also consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which also provide similar cost and energy efficiency benefits compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
About James Mahoney
James Mahoney is chief executive of Mason James Lighting and Supply, LLC, and leads Mason James Distribution. He has built a client base spanning municipalities and major corporations, supported midstream utility programs, and guided his lighting firm to 2024 sales exceeding 13 million. Educated in health policy and administration at Pennsylvania State University, he is active in industry groups and community service. His experience centers on energy efficient products and tailored distribution solutions from his base in western Pennsylvania.