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Which is Better: CFL or LED?

Both CFL and LED offer huge energy savings compared to other forms of lighting, but which is the better choice overall?

21/09/2023

 

 

 

 

With the switch from traditional incandescent many homes transitioned from this to CFL or LED but how many people actually know the difference between CFL and LED and does the difference really matter? First off, there is a big difference and lastly, the difference really does matter and we will explain why.

 

 

What is CFL lighting?

CFL is short for compact fluorescent lamps and has been one of the popular choices for lighting since the ban on incandescent light bulbs mainly for the fact that it was endorsed as the better substitute, being energy-efficient. However, this was prior to the rise of LED and the technology that has been put into making LED a far more efficient and improved lighting solution.

 

We all know fluorescent lighting as being long tubes mounted into fittings and mostly found in commercial and industrial buildings. The principle of fluorescent lighting is a little more unknown and involves an argon tube and mercury vapour that, when combined, radiate ultraviolet light. The UV light is converted into visible light by the phosphor coating on the fluorescent tube. Compact fluorescent lighting is, as the name indicates, a compact version of fluorescent technology that was specifically designed for residential use.

 

 

What is LED lighting?

LED lighting, or light-emitting diode, emits light when current flows through it via a semiconductor or microchip that illuminates the LEDs that make up the lamp fitting. This form of lighting is 90% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting, has a far lengthier lifespan and emits very little heat or UV radiation.

 

 

 

 

So, now that we know the difference between these two, let's take a look at a comparison between them to see why LED is the better option.

 

 

Using of CFL lighting

Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of using CFL lighting in the home.

 

  1. CFL bulbs have a lifespan that ranges from 6000 hours and upwards, so not as long a lifespan as LEDs but generally bulbs are rated for up to 1000 hours.
  2. CFL bulbs emit UV radiation and, while not in excessive amounts or for a long period, the UVA and UVC emissions have been found to be harmful and cause skin to age and burn.
  3. CFL lighting is softer and works well for general or ambient lighting but the light is omnidirectional which means that they cannot be directed at a particular area.
  4. While CFL lamps do not emit as much heat as the old incandescent bulbs, they do produce far more heat than LEDs.
  5. Since CFL produces mercury vapour they are considered extremely harmful to the environment despite the fact that they are significantly more energy-efficient than incandescent lighting.
  6. CFL lighting has a delay when switched on as it takes a second or two to warm up. You may also encounter flickering that indicates the lamps need to be replaced.
  7. Legislation is taking place in the U.S. to phase out CFLs by 2024. This means that production will be slowed or even halted over time and it is best to replace CFL lighting with LED lighting as and when you can afford to.

 

 

Using LED lighting

Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of using LED lighting in the home.

 

  1. LEDs have a long lifespan and do not burn out but rather the light output decreases over time. Incandescent bulbs had a life expectancy of around 1000 hours and while LEDs continue to advance the expected lifespan of LEDs is between 5 to 10 years, or the number of hours specified by the manufacturer.
  2. Energy Star-rated LED light fittings are tested to ensure proper management of heat output since excess heat can deplete the lifespan. LEDs incorporate a 'heat sink' function that maintains and manages the heat level to produce lighting that doesn't burn hot.
  3. LED is by far the most energy-efficient lighting and offers versatility beyond any other lighting source. They emit directional light or light in a specific direction and thereby use energy and light more efficiently.
  4. LED lighting does not emit UltraViolet radiation or contain mercury and is far less harmful to the environment and because LED lights are healthier on your eyes and do not emit as much heat as other light sources, they are considered safer for residential use.
  5. Bright white or cool white LEDs emit a blue-tinted light as opposed to the warm classified lamps and, over time, the brightness can fade or become yellow.
  6. LED lighting should not be used in warm environments without the aid of a cooling fan as heat will quickly degrade the effectiveness of the LEDs.
  7. With ongoing advancements, LED lighting now uses fewer Watts to produce more light and this technology continues to advance as LED lighting steps in as the lighting solution for the future.

 

 

 

 

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