LED Light Bulbs Vs CFLs

Overview

Eco-friendly options for replacing incandescent lighting are typically compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED Lights) bulbs.

Compact fluorescent lamps

CTLs work similarly to conventional fluorescent lamps where electricity is used to activate mercury vapor residing in the glass tube. The current affects mercury atoms to produce ultraviolet (UV) light that is not visible to the eye. Photons of ultraviolet light strike a layer of phosphor inside the bulb housing to emit photons of visible light, thus creating the light output of the tube. Ultraviolet light can cause fading in paints or textiles.

Mercury contained inside the lamp means that bulbs must be disposed of properly as compact fluorescent bulbs dumped in landfills explode, causing mercury to be released and drained to the ground, contaminating finally the food chain. Some states, such as California, prohibit the removal of mercury-containing light bulbs in the trash.

Some state laws require fluorescent bulbs to be collected as hazardous waste or recycled properly. Check with the EPA site to help you with appropriate disposal procedures based on your condition, or you can find a recycling center near you on Earth911.

Unlike fluorescent tubes that do not contain circuits, compact fluorescents generally integrate all the necessary circuits at the bottom of the light, allowing the individual unit to be used in an incandescent lamp holder Standard. CFLs come in a variety of styles and shapes, but you’ll often see them in a tube or spiral option. A higher surface area allows for greater light output in CFL.

LED lighting

Solid-state lighting, more commonly known as LED (light-emitting diode) lighting, is a solid semiconductor light source that does not use a gas pipe like the CFL. The light of an LED is generated when electricity is applied through the impurity-impregnated semiconductor to create a half that is a “p-side” and another half that forms the “side” The charge carriers (electrons and holes) flow into the p-n junction where these two halves are located, and release energy in the form of a photon, thus creating light.

The color of the light output depends on the materials that make up the p-n junction. There is no filament to burn, and unlike ACLs, LED lights do not contain toxic mercury, nor do they emit ultraviolet light.

For a brilliant output, many older models of LED bulbs had resorted to grouping many individual LEDs into a single housing, however, many newer LED bulbs conduct a single high-power LED element. These LED bulbs are considerably smaller than their CFL counterparts and are offered in form factors that produce a directional beam by using a glass or plastic lens or enclosed behind a frosted diffuser to provide wider light coverage.

Summary of benefits

Less expensive electricity bill:

Although the cost of light bulbs is initially more expensive, both CFL and LED lamps to save you money in the long run. Less electricity is used and bulbs are replaced much less frequently. LEDs use about half the amount of electricity used by ACLs that emit the same brightness.

Long service life:

The operating times of CFL bulbs generally range from 6,000 to 15,000 hours, while the typical lifespan of an incandescent lamp is around 1,000 hours. An LED lamp can last from 50,000 to 60,000 hours, which equates to about 5 or 6 years (10 times longer than a CFL).

High-quality light output:

Both CFL and LED bulbs can now provide a range of color temperatures. Consumers are no longer restricted to bluish blue, “cold white”, from previous bulbs, and can now buy warmer colored lamps. Lower quality CFL bulbs that use a magnetic ballast will flash. Look for an electronic ballast when you purchase a CFL. THE LEDs are controlled so they don’t blink.

Versatility:

LED and CFL bulbs for indoor, outdoor, home or commercial can be used in many different types of applications where conventional bulbs were previously used. LED bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps can be used in rail lighting, table lamps, task lighting, built-in accessories, and ceiling accessories. Both types of bulbs are available in adjustable models for use with a standard dimming switch.

Durability:

Since LED bulbs do not use a filament like an incandescent, they are shock resistant and can be used in high vibration applications.

Summary of inconveniences and limitations

CFL:

No Spotlights: Since CFLs do not project a focused beam like an LED bulb, they are best used for area lighting.

Temperature sensitivity: CLLs are heat sensitive, their lifespan will be reduced if the device does not properly dissipate heat. CFLs are also affected by the cold. CFLs will take considerably longer to reach full brightness in cold climates. In extreme situations, they may not heat up properly.

Warm-up time: LED lights turn on instantly, while CLLs take a few minutes to heat up and provide full brightness.

Hazardous waste: CFLs contain mercury and must be disposed of properly. The EPA website offers appropriate disposal options. LEDs do not contain mercury.

Frequent cycles reduce service life: In high-traffic areas, such as home baths, where CFLs are frequently turned on and off, their lifespan will decrease rapidly.

Ultraviolet light: CFL bulbs may emit ultraviolet light that may not be desirable for certain applications.

LEDs:

High upfront cost: LED Lights are expensive, but initial investment recovers quickly on lower electricity bills.

Heat generation: certain high power LED bulbs (5w and more) can produce significant heat. Heat sinks are often incorporated into bulbs and may require specific LED accessories to ensure adequate airflow.

LED bulbs are becoming the low-power lighting option due to their varied light bulb options and the ease with which light output can be stratified and controlled compared to CFL bulbs.