THE BETTER LIGHTING: LEDS VS CFLS

Lighting having accounted for about 20-25% of the energy costs in homes since the past decadeswhen many consumers shifted from the use incandescent tocompact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs).

CFLs though serving as a placeholder for LED lights while less efficient than them will always be a better replacement for incandescent bulbs. Moreover, LEDs are available in the overhead andrecessed lighting, lamps and fixtures; we clearly discuss on the CFL and LED bulb for betterlighting.

Pros of CFLs

• Longevity –approximately have the lifespan of 10,000 to 15,000 hours which enable for their less often replacement while lasting more than incandescent lighting bulbs.
• Efficiency – accorded to have four times efficiency in wattage than the incandescent bulb e.g. 15W CFL is equivalent to a 60W incandescent bulb output.
• Price –one is able to make savings while paying energy bills in the cause of using this light bulb though it costs a little more than incandescent.

Cons of CFLs

• Mercury Concerns – though CFLs pose a little risk when they break but many people are concerned with the mercury contents in them which is a neurotoxicant.
• Usage Limitations – they aren’t dimmable and efficient in recessed lighting since about half of the energy they produce are wasted most especially when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Pros of LEDs

• Longevity –has an approximate lifespan of 25,000 to 35,000 hours making it to last 2 to 4 times longer than the CFL and 25 to 35 times than the standard incandescent bulb.
• Efficiency –translates less wasted energy e.g. a 16.5-watt of LED bulb is equivalent to 20-watt CFL and 75-watt incandescent bulbs according to technical research
• Benefits – a smaller size and greater durability with reliability while withstanding high temperature and do not contain toxic mercury.

Cons of LEDs

• Color Quality – since LEDs are most efficient while emitting a blue-white color but some people prefer a yellower (warmer) color of light.
• Expense – provides substantial energy savings over time but are more expensive for so.

Conclusion – The Bottom Line

LED lighting still remains the best bet due to their high efficiency and lack of toxic mercury while reducing the energy bill and protecting the planet.