What Are Lumens? And Why LED Lighting Outshines Incandescents
When shopping for light bulbs today, you’ll likely come across the term lumens far more often than watts. But what exactly are lumens—and why have they replaced watts as the measure of brightness? Let’s break it down and explain why switching to LED lighting is one of the brightest choices you can make.
Lumens vs Watts: What's the Difference?
- Lumens measure brightness—how much light a bulb emits.
- Watts measure energy consumption—how much power a bulb uses.
In the past, we chose bulbs based on wattage: a 60W incandescent bulb, for example, was a standard go-to for general lighting. But wattage doesn’t tell you how bright the bulb is—just how much energy it uses. That’s where lumens come in.
LED vs Incandescent: Better Light, Less Power
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are dramatically more energy-efficient than old-school incandescent bulbs. They use a fraction of the power to produce the same—or even better—brightness.
Here’s how wattage stacks up:
| Brightness (Lumens) | LED Wattage | Incandescent Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 450 lumens | ~5–8W | 40W |
| 800 lumens | ~8–12W | 60W |
| 1100 lumens | ~10–15W | 75W |
| 1600 lumens | ~14–20W | 100W |
As you can see, LEDs use up to 80% less energy to deliver the same brightness. That’s not just good for your power bill—it’s better for the planet.
Longevity That Pays Off
Another major benefit of LED lighting? Long life.
- A typical incandescent bulb lasts around 1,000 hours.
- A Cree Lighting LED bulb can last 15,000 to 25,000 hours—or more.
That means fewer replacements, less hassle, and significantly lower lifetime cost. In fact, one Cree Lighting LED bulb can outlast 15 or more incandescent bulbs.
The Bottom Line
LED lighting gives you:
- More brightness for less energy
- Massively longer lifespan
- Cooler operation (less heat)
- Instant-on performance and full dimmability (with compatible fixtures)
And with Cree Lighting, you’re not just getting the efficiency of LED—you’re getting industry-leading technology, trusted American quality, and the backing of our 10-Year Replacement Guarantee.
Make the Switch Today
Still using outdated bulbs? It’s time to modernize your lighting—without sacrificing brightness. Look for lumens, choose LEDs, and light smarter with Cree Lighting.
