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A FACT FILE OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CFLs

& LED LIGHTS

INTRODUCTION :-

LED LIGHTS

While there are many bulbs to choose from, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are considered the
most energy efficient. Youve seen LEDs in electronics for years, in digital clocks, remote
controls and other devices with an on/off indicator light. Now these long-lasting bulbs are being
embraced for their versatile commercial and residential applications that can save up to 85% on
energy bills.
Though a good quality LED bulb can run as much as $30-40, consider this: you will rarely
replace them. Energy Starrated lights are guaranteed to last 25,000 hours with normal use, or
nearly 23 years.
LEDs do not burn out like traditional bulbs and can reduce cooling costs since they emit very
little heat, and heat is what wastes energy when youre talking about lighting. This style of bulb
is very durable, as it does not have a fragile shell or filament that may shatter, as happened
frequently with conventional incandescent bulbs.

CFLs
CFLs, or compact fluorescent light bulbs, are the tubular- and helical-shaped bulbs that use
about 75 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb. They are relatively
inexpensive, though not as efficient in comparison to LEDs. Their lifespan is about nine years
with normal usage and they can save you up to 75 percent on energy bills.

CFLs do contain a very tiny amount of mercury, about 4 milligrams per bulb, which is never
released while the bulb is in use or intact. Your local waste collection agency can advise you on
proper recycling of these bulbs.

Comparison Chart
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs vs. CFLs

Energy Efficiency
& Energy Costs
Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs)

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Life Span (average)

50,000 hours

8,000 hours

6 - 8 watts

13-15 watts

329 KWh/yr.

767 KWh/yr.

Watts of electricity used


(equivalent to 60 watt bulb).
LEDs use less power (watts) per unit of light
generated (lumens). LEDs help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and
lower electric bills

Kilo-watts of Electricity used

(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)

Annual Operating Cost


(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)

Environmental
Impact

$32.85/year

$76.65/year

Light Emitting Diodes


(LEDs)

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Contains the TOXIC Mercury

No

Yes - Mercury is very toxic to your health and the


environment

RoHS Compliant

Yes

No - contains 1mg-5mg of Mercury and is a


major risk to the environment

451 pounds/year

1051 pounds/year

Carbon Dioxide Emissions


(30 bulbs per year)
Lower energy consumption decreases: CO2
emissions, sulfur oxide, and high-level nuclear
waste.

Important Facts

Light Emitting Diodes


(LEDs)

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Sensitivity to low temperatures

None

Yes - may not work under negative 10


degrees Fahrenheit or over 120 degrees
Fahrenheit

Sensitive to humidity

No

Yes

On/off Cycling
Switching a CFL on/off quickly, in a closet for instance,
may decrease the lifespan of the bulb.

No Effect

Yes - can reduce lifespan drastically

Turns on instantly

Yes

No - takes time to warm up

Durability

Very Durable - LEDs can handle


jarring and bumping

Not Very Durable - glass can break easily

Heat Emitted

3.4 btu's/hour

30 btu's/hour

Failure Modes

Not typical

Yes - may catch on fire, smoke, or omit an


odor

Light Output
Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs)

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Lumens

Watts

Watts

450

4-5

9-13

800

6-8

13-15

1,100

9-13

18-25

1,600

16-20

23-30

2,600

25-28

30-55

Other Ways to Compare CFL vs.


LED Light Bulbs
Lets put cost aside for a moment and look at these lighting options based solely on
quality and other important factors. Here are some pros and cons of CFLs vs. LEDs:

CFL Light Bulbs


Pros:

Use less energy than incandescent bulbs

Cost less than LED light bulbs

Produce extremely bright light that spreads evenly

Available in soft, warm, and bright white hues

Cons:

Cannot be used with a dimmer switch

Take a few moments to heat up and reach full brightness

Contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal

Can be sensitive to cold temperatures

LED Light Bulbs


Pros:

Light up immediately, like an incandescent bulb

Dont 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

No sensitivity to cold temperatures

Do not contain mercury

Some models can be used with a dimmer switch

Available in soft, warm, and bright white hues

Cons:

Directional light that may not spread as evenly as other sources

Currently cost more than CFLs

CFL vs. LED Light Bulbs: Who


Wins?
After conducting research using my own personal experience and expert sources
likeConsumer Reports and EnergyStar.gov, Ive concluded that its 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.

Its Your Home, Your Choice


The bottom line: Sometime in the very near future, you probably wont be able to buy
any more incandescent light bulbs, even if you wanted to. If youre not one to
embrace change, that might seem rather depressing. However, you do have a few
options. You can either:

Run out to the score and stock up on a few decades worth of the cheap,
inefficient bulbs youre used to.

Slowly replace burned-out bulbs with low-cost CFLs, while taking special care
to dispose of them properly 10 years down the road.

Gradually replace your old bulbs with LEDs that may last a lifetime.

Personally, I would choose whats behind door No. 3. Prices for LEDs are lower than
theyve ever been (and continue to get more competitive), and they are the most
durable, efficient home lighting option on the market. Its hard to argue against a product
that more than pays for itself in energy savings and might last for the rest of your life.

You dont have to make a huge commitment now. If you want, you can upgrade to more
efficient lighting one room at a time, or as old light bulbs burn out. Or start with installing
an LED light bulb in a hard-to-reach spot, like a cathedral ceiling fixture, since you wont
have to replace it for many, many years.
There is no right or wrong way to make the switch. But the sooner you do, the sooner
youll start saving.

In Conclusion
For me, I have decided to replace all the incandescent lights in my house with
CFLs at the moment. There are some fixtures which the CFL form factors do not
support (especially the small fixtures with the E14 sockets) which I am going to
continue using bulbs on.
LED bulbs though exciting dont offer the kind of light that I am looking for.
Plus the super expensive price point puts me off.
What do you guys think? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in
the comments below.

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