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Today, more and more people are looking for energy-efficient ways to light their homes and businesses. Everything changes. Technology is not standing still. New types of lighting appear from time to time helping you not just save energy, but decorate your home as well.
Not too long ago, we didn’t have much of a choice when we needed to get a bulb. Incandescent bulbs were all we had. Now we have compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and light emitting diodes (LED) to choose from. Each bulb has its own pros and cons. Let’s analyze the three types in order to understand which bulb is really worth buying.
If you want to create a functional lighting plan for your home, you should really know which bulbs to use to make your living environment warm, bright and cozy. And most importantly, you have to realize how to lower your energy bills. So, which light bulb can help you with that? Let’s dig deeper to answer all of your questions and help you make the right choice.
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are probably the most recognizable bulbs. However, when it comes to energy-efficiency, these bulbs are considered the worst. They generate only 5-20 lumens per watt. These bulbs get very hot just because most of their energy is released as heat and not light. The bulb can last only 750 hours. LEDs and CFLs last much longer. The incandescent lamp is very fragile and can be easily broken.
Despite all these disadvantages, incandescent lamps are still chosen by some homeowners. And the price plays the decisive role in this decision. Incandescent bulbs are less expensive in comparison with the other bulbs. They produce warmer color temperature which is more preferable by some homeowners. Incandescent bulbs can be dimmed or controlled. Plus, they are very easy to install.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
These days, compact fluorescent lamps are gaining popularity. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. However, these lamps are not as efficient as LEDs. If you have a 100-watt incandescent bulb in your room, you can easily replace it with a 22-watt CFL. As a result, you will get the same amount of light. Compact fluorescent lamps use 50 or even 80% less energy in comparison with the traditional incandescent bulbs.
CFL bulbs are not just energy-efficient. They also have long life and low operating cost. Plus, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The average lifespan of each compact fluorescent lamp is about 8,000 hours. These bulbs can be used in almost any light fixture including table lamps, ceiling lighting, track lighting and recessed fixtures.
Compact fluorescent lamps are a more eco-friendly and a safer choice in comparison with incandescent bulbs. By switching to these bulbs you can significantly reduce carbon emissions and make our environment a better place. The fact that CFL bulbs produce less heat makes them a better choice for various light fixtures. In fact, CFL bulbs cost more than incandescent bulbs, but in the long run they prove to be less expensive just because these bulbs last up to 10 times longer. No doubt, compact fluorescent lamps are a great choice for your home. However, these lamps still have some drawbacks you should know about before you choose to buy them.
Probably, one of the most significant drawbacks is the mercury content. Mercury is a chemical element that can be dangerous to humans and pets. In fact, the bulbs contain only a small amount of mercury. But when the bulb is broken, this mercury can be released into the environment.
Despite the fact that CFLs have to work for more than 8,000 hours, this lifespan can be reduced significantly by constantly turning them on and off. If used outdoors, the bulbs should be protected just because they are sensitive to cold temperatures. CFL bulbs also need some time to warm up in order to reach their full brightness. If you are planning to use a compact fluorescent bulb with the dimmer, keep in mind that not all CFL light bulbs can be used with them. You should also remember that these bulbs are meant for ambient light and are not very good for focused light.
LED Lights
LED lights are becoming extremely popular among homeowners because they are the most energy-efficient bulbs available on the market today. These bulbs are 90% more efficient in comparison with incandescent bulbs. LEDs do not contain mercury, unlike compact fluorescent lamps. That’s why, disposing of them is much easier and safer for the environment.
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Long life span is another reason why so many people switch to LEDs. Obviously, nobody likes having to replace the bulbs on a regular basis. In this case, LEDs would be ideal just because they last 2 or even 3 times longer than CFLs and 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. On average, most LEDs can last about 25,000 hours. Imagine only how much money you will be able to save if you choose to replace your household bulbs with LEDs.
Due to the fact that LEDs do not emit infrared heat, they are really safe and cannot cause fire. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about incandescent bulbs. LEDs are also more durable. They can easily withstand weather fluctuations and vibrations. This characteristic makes these bulbs perfect for a wide range of uses. They can be installed almost anywhere indoors and outdoors.
Despite the fact that LEDs are the most durable and energy-efficient bulbs, they have some disadvantages as well. But there are not too many of them. LEDs have a higher initial cost in comparison with incandescent bulbs and CFLs. You can hardly find LED bulbs in high wattages. Cheaper LED bulbs are not always as bright as standard household bulbs. LEDs age over time and can lose their brightness.
No doubt, LED bulbs win the competition because they outperform their competitors in all important categories. However, you can choose a different option based on your taste and preferences. Just make sure that the bulb you select meets your needs and makes your home feel warm and welcoming.
If you’re ready to purchase your bulbs, check out our article here on importance of lighting in a home.
