People are switching back to incandescent bulbs for several reasons that go beyond simple nostalgia, even though LEDs are far more energy efficient. The primary reason is light quality: many people feel that incandescent bulbs produce a warmer, more natural, and more flattering light with a perfect color rendering index of 100, making skin tones, wood furniture, and food look better than under some harsh or bluish LEDs. Incandescents dim smoothly and completely with standard dimmers, while many LEDs flicker, buzz, or do not dim to very low levels. Some people are sensitive to the subtle flicker or blue light spike present in cheap LEDs, reporting headaches or eye strain. Others appreciate that incandescents produce heat, which can be welcome in cold areas like chicken coops, well pump houses, or for keeping paint from freezing. There is also a backlash against the complexity of LEDs: incandescents are simple, cheap to buy, work in all fixtures, and do not contain electronic drivers that can fail prematurely in enclosed or hot fixtures. Finally, there is an aesthetic and political dimension: vintage Edison-style incandescents are popular for decor, and some consumers resist government bans on incandescents on principle, preferring choice over mandated efficiency.
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