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CFL light bulbs vs LED light bulbs

Views: 3 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2016-12-08 Origin: Site

A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also called energy-saving light, and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent lamp designed to replace an incandescent lamp; some types fit into light fixtures formerly used for incandescent lamps. The lamps use a tube which is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb, and a compact electronic ballast in the base of the lamp.

An LED lamp is a light-emitting diode (LED) product that is assembled into a lamp (or light bulb) for use in lighting fixtures. LED lamps have a lifespan and electrical efficiency that is several times better than incandescent lamps, and significantly better than most fluorescent lamps, with some chips able to emit more than 100 lumens per watt.

That’s probably why incandescent light bulbs are being phased out: An almost complete ban on their sale started in 2014 and will take full effect in 2020. Simply put, they waste a lot of energy and don’t last very long.

If you’re still on the fence over which energy-efficient alternative to choose, you’re running out of time. Incandescent bulbs are being phased out and will be a thing of the past by next year. Since lighting our homes accounts for about one-quarter of our electric bills, the new energy efficient light bulbs are going to save us money in the long run. But which should we choose?

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Pros
♦  CFLs use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat and last up to ten times longer than the average incandescent bulb, cost less than LED light bulbs.
♦  They save users more than $40 in electricity costs over the span of the light bulb's lifetime (two to three years), Produce extremely bright light that spreads evenly.
♦  One bulb can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of pounds, Available in soft, warm, and bright white hues.

Cons
♦  In a recent five-year study by the Program for the Evaluation and Analysis of Residential Lighting , data showed that some CFLs dimmed over a short period of time.
♦  CFLs contain about 4 to 5 mg of toxic mercury, which can be harmful to humans and the environment if bulbs are not disposed of properly.
♦  Depending on the type of bulb, CFLs require a warm-up period between one minute to three minutes before they achieve full brightness, Take a few moments to heat up and reach full brightness.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Pros
♦  Do not contain mercury, LEDs last up to 50,000 hours, which is eight times longer than CFLs.
♦  They contain no hazardous materials, Available in soft, warm, and bright white hues.
♦  Don’t heat up much at all – they stay cool to the touch even after use.
♦  Last up to five times longer than CFLs; can literally last a lifetime.
♦  Some models can be used with a dimmer switch.
♦  LED lights last longer, so even though you’re paying more at purchase, you buy fewer bulbs over time. These bulbs fit in standard light fixtures with no adaptor necessary. LED makes very nice lighting for effect and decorative purposes.

Cons
♦  LEDs Currently cost more than CFLs are more expensive.
♦  LED lights generally cost more to buy than CFLs, but manufacturing technologies are lowering these prices continually. These lights are directional, meaning they are excellent for lights under cabinetry, but not as suitable to table lamps. Some of the newer LED lights come with diffusers, which helps some.

After conducting research using expert sources like Consumer Reports, Concluded that it’s hard to beat the value offered by modern LEDs. Not only are their prices getting more affordable every day, they also lasts up to decades longer than the competition.

With soft and warm white hues that mimic the glow of traditional incandescent bulbs, the ability to use some models with a dimmer switch, and their instantaneous illumination, LEDs are simply a better option around the house than CFLs.