Learn the differences between your light bulb options.
CFL vs. LED
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and
Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are
the most energy-efficient light bulb
options. They have lower wattage
than incandescent bulbs, but emit the same
light output. This allows them to
produce the same amount of light,
but use less energy. View the chart
for key differences.
A few more facts:
CFLs
An electric current flows between electrodes at each end of a tube containing gases. The reaction
produces ultraviolet (UV) light and heat. The UV light is transformed into visible light when it
strikes a
phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb.
Available for outdoor use; just make sure the packaging indicates the bulb is rated for
outdoor use.
May not hold up to the stress of power surges, so using them in areas such as workshops
isnt advisable.
If the outlet is wired for a dimmer or three-way bulb, make sure you purchase a CFL
rated for the specific use.
LEDs
These bulbs use an electrical current passed through semiconductor material to illuminate the
tiny diodes
called LEDs. The heat produced is absorbed into a heat sink, keeping the bulbs cool to the touch.
Available for outdoor use; just make sure the packaging indicates the bulb is rated for
outdoor use.
Does not contribute to heat buildup, which helps save on air conditioning.
Incandescent Bulbs
In 2007 Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act requiring new energy-
efficient standards for basic light bulbs. All standard 100-, 75-, 60- and 40-watt incandescent
bulbs are being phased out and will no longer be produced. Standard incandescent bulbs will still
be available to purchase while supplies last. A number of specialty incandescent bulbs, such as
chandalier bulbs, will remain available.
Light Bulb Legislation FAQs
Incandescent bulbs use a filament thats heated to the point of glowing. The glowing filament
produces the bulbs light.
Incandescent bulbs last on average for 1 year.
Incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury.
They can be used with a dimmer switch.
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs or tubes are filled with mercury vapor that emits UV light when electricity is
applied. The bulbs/tubes have a coating inside that turns the UV rays into visible light.
Fluorescent lights are usually long and tube-shaped, but also come in u-shaped bulbs.
Fluorescent tubes will not work without a ballast.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs use a filament thats heated to the point of glowing, the same as incandescent
bulbs, but they use less energy.
Halogen bulbs last on average 1 year.
Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury.
HID Bulbs
High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs are primarily used in larger spaces such as
warehouses, commercial buildings or in streetlights. They are filled with sodium or
mercury vapor that conducts electricity. HID bulbs don't have filaments like most
light bulbs, so they last longer.
REF: https://www.lowes.com/projects/decorate-and-entertain/Lightbulb-Buying-
Guide/project
Understanding the Different Types of Light Bulbs
Choosing a light bulb is no longer a simple choice. Understanding the differences between
incandescent, CFL and LED light will make it easier.
Buying a simple light bulb is not so simple anymore. As technology has advanced and
environmental awareness has increased, energy efficiency has become a paramount concern. It is
common knowledge that choosing the right light bulb could drastically reduce your power bills
and positively affect the environment, but which one should you choose? Understanding the
differences between incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), and light-emitting diode (LED)
light bulbs will make choosing a bulb simple once more.
There are two key terms pertaining to light bulbs: watts and lumens. A watt refers to the amount
of energy required to power a bulb. With incandescent bulbs, the number of watts has become
synonymous with the level of brightness, even though a watt really does not tell you anything
more than the amount of power necessary to light the bulb. Lumens, on the other hand, indicate
the actual amount of light emitted by the bulb. For example, a typical incandescent 40W light
bulb draws 40 watts of power and provides about 400 lumens of brightness. A CFL requires 9-13
watts and an LED light bulb uses 6-7 watts to provide the same amount of lumens.
Until recently, most homes used incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs emit light by
generating heat. Unfortunately 90% of the power required to provide the desired brightness is
emitted in heat rather than visible light. For this reason, incandescent bulbs are gradually being
phased out, and in the United States will be banned entirely by 2014. CFLs have been touted
enthusiastically in the past decade, but LEDs are beginning to surpass them because they require
as little as half the power and last 10 times longer than a CFL. The table below contrasts the
three technologies.
Incandescen CFL LED
t
Life Span 1,000 hours 6,000 50,000 hours
Watts 40W 9W 6W
Lumens 400 320 300
Heat Emitted 56.6 BTUs 20.3 BTUs per 2.3 BTUs per
per hour hour hour
CO2 3000 pounds 701 pounds per 301 pounds per
Emissions per year year year
Contains No Yes No
Mercury
RoHS Yes No Yes
Compliant
Kilowatts of 2190 KWh 531 KWh per 228 KWh per
Electricity per year year year
Used*
Annual $219.06 per $53.06 per year $22.76 per year
Operating year
Cost*
Cost of Bulb $0.84 $2.49 (average) $24.99
Months to N/A Vs. Vs. Incandescent:
Recover Initial Incandescent: <1 1.5 months
Expense month Vs. CFL: 9
months
*30 Incandescent Bulbs per Year Equivalent
As you can see, LED light bulbs outperform CFLs in almost every category, and you recover any
initial cost investment relatively quickly. In less than a year, you will have recouped your
original investment and your savings will begin to accrue rapidly. While installing LED fixtures
is an excellent way to go green, you can also use replacement LED light bulbs in your existing
fixtures. Either way, you will have energy-efficient, attractive light that will save you money as
well as help conserve the environment for years to come.
REF: https://www.elementalled.com/understanding-the-different-types-of-light-bulbs/
