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 agood 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.

CFLsCFLs, 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 ChartLED Lightsvs.Incandescent Light Bulbs vs. CFLs

Energy Efficiency& Energy Costs

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Life Span (average)50,000 hours8,000 hours

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 bills6 - 8 watts13-15 watts

Kilo-watts of Electricity used(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)329 KWh/yr.767 KWh/yr.

Annual Operating Cost(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)$32.85/year$76.65/year

EnvironmentalImpactLight Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Contains the TOXIC MercuryNoYes- Mercury is very toxic to your health and the environment

RoHS CompliantYesNo- contains 1mg-5mg of Mercury and is a major risk to the environment

Carbon Dioxide Emissions(30 bulbs per year)

Lower energy consumption decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide, and high-level nuclear waste.451 pounds/year1051 pounds/year

Important Facts

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Sensitivity to low temperaturesNoneYes- may not work under negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit or over 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Sensitive to humidityNoYes

On/off CyclingSwitching a CFL on/off quickly, in a closet for instance, may decrease the lifespan of the bulb.No EffectYes- can reduce lifespan drastically

Turns on instantlyYesNo- takes time to warm up

DurabilityVery Durable- LEDs can handle jarring and bumpingNot Very Durable- glass can break easily

Heat Emitted3.4 btu's/hour30 btu's/hour

Failure ModesNot typicalYes- may catch on fire, smoke, or omit an odor

Light Output

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

LumensWattsWatts

4504-59-13

8006-813-15

1,1009-1318-25

1,60016-2023-30

2,60025-2830-55

Other Ways to Compare CFL vs. LED Light BulbsLets put cost aside for a moment and look at theselighting options based solely on quality and other important factors. Here are some pros and cons of CFLs vs. LEDs:CFL Light BulbsPros: 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 huesCons: Cannot be used with a dimmer switch Take a few moments to heat up and reach fullbrightness Contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal Can be sensitive to cold temperaturesLED Light BulbsPros: Light upimmediately, like an incandescent bulb Dont heat up much at all they stay cool to the touch even after use Last up tofive times longer than CFLs;can literally last a lifetime No sensitivity to cold temperatures Do not contain mercury Some models canbe used with a dimmer switch Available in soft, warm, and bright white huesCons: 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 ReportsandEnergyStar.gov,Ive concluded that its hard to beat the value offered by modern LEDs. Not only are their pricesgettingmore affordable every day, theyalso 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 modelswith a dimmer switch, and their instantaneous illumination, LEDs are simply a better option around the house than CFLs.Its Your Home, Your ChoiceThe 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 embracechange, 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-costCFLs, while taking special care to dispose of them properly 10 years down the road. Gradually replaceyour 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 ConclusionFor 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.