You might already know the benefits of switching to energy saving light bulbs, but did you know that you have multiple options?
Not every energy saving bulb is the same! Choose the best light source for your home by reading about the two main types of energy saving light bulbs, LED and CFL, below.
First things first, what makes CFL and LED bulbs different?
We mentioned that LED and CFL bulbs can save you energy compared to older light bulbs. You are probably familiar with the incandescent light bulb, and likely already have a few around your house. Incandescent bulbs work by putting a current through a filament to generate heat and light as a by-product of that heat. This type of energy use makes incandescent bulbs inefficient and gives them a much shorter lifespan, which means that you pay more to use them and have to replace them more often.
The best replacement for incandescent bulbs are CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs and LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. While both of these bulbs offer a more efficient and long lasting alternative, they work slightly differently. CFL bulbs are made from a series of tubes filled with mercury, while LED bulbs have a semiconductor which applies electricity to a negatively charged diode and creates light with photons. So, which is right for you?
Compare: Power Consumption
Incandescent light bulbs are pretty inefficient when it comes to power consumption, so it is always best to switch to a higher efficiency bulb. But between CFL and LED bulbs, an LED bulb will use the least energy. A typical CFL bulb will use about 20-33% of the electricity that an incandescent bulb uses, while an LED uses an incredible 10-20% of the electricity of an incandescent bulb.
Compare: Lifespan
Did you know that your current incandescent bulbs only last for 600-1000 hours of usage? That’s a lot of replacement light bulbs to purchase! In comparison, CFL bulbs will last up to 10,000 hours while LED bulbs can last for 25,000 hours or more! By switching to a newer bulb, you will find yourself at the hardware store purchasing light bulbs much less often.
Compare: Quality of Light
Both CFL and LED lights will generate more light than incandescent bulbs with the same amount of energy due to their lower power consumption, but they tend to give off different types of light. Since CFL bulbs are fluorescent, they will take a small amount of time to warm up and start generating their maximum amount of light. CFL bulbs give off a harsher white light which may be great for spaces that need brighter light, such an art studio or bathroom vanity. On the other hand, LED bulbs emit their maximum amount of light right away and can come in a wide variety of colours, and this gives them a more toned down or natural feel.
If you have questions about light bulbs, light fixtures, or lighting electrical components, our electrician in Victoria BC is always happy to help. Contact us today!
