LED (light emitting diode) lights have emerged as a popular substitute to the traditional CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). Although both these lighting solutions are efficient and work well with all the electrical sockets, lamps and fixtures, there remain questions on which type of lighting is better and why. Here, I have listed out the pros and cons of LED and CFL lights that will help you to make an informed decision.
- LED lights
- Pro: Energy efficient
LED lights stand out because they are highly energy efficient. These lights save energy by consuming less power and enable substantial savings on electricity bills. Another plus is that LED lamps generate very little heat when illuminated, which makes them safe and cool to touch.
- Pro: Durable
LED lamps have a very long lifespan. Good quality LED lights can last as much as a few years (under the right conditions) so the lamps need not be frequently changed.
- Pro: Eco-friendly
LED lamps do not contain any potentially hazardous materials like mercury. These lamps can be easily recycled, which makes them a sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting option.
- Pro: Available in multiple options
LED lights come in colours like ‘warm white’ that is used for warm lighting and ‘cool white’ that is used for general lighting. Also, LEDs are available in various sizes. Small LED bulbs can easily be installed in spaces that are too cramped for the conventional CFL lights.
- Con: Expensive
LED lights are comparatively much more expensive than CFL lamps. However, in the long run, LED lamps may turn out to be more cost-efficient in terms of energy savings and reduction of costs in the electricity bills.
- Con: Emit directional light
One drawback of LED lights is that they can emit a single beam of light which creates direct illumination and does not radiate light in all directions. Hence, LED lights are recommended for directional light that is required for reading, cooking or working at home, That said, their spread of illumination is ample for most household lighting requirements
- CFL Lights
- Pro: Cost effective
CFL lights have been around since quite some time and are reasonably priced in comparison to LED lights.
- Pro: Radiate light evenly
The best part of CFLs is that it emits light evenly in all directions. Hence, these lights are well suited for the overall general lighting of the home and outdoors.
- Pro: Available in multiple options
CFLs come in various shapes and sizes and can be used astable lamps, recessed, ceiling and track lighting.
- Con: Shorter lifespan
The lifespan of CFL lights is short in comparison to LED lights. (LEDs last about four times longer.)
Note: Frequent, rapid turning on and off of lights can substantially reduce the lifespan of a CFL bulb – it should be left on for at least 10-15 minutes for its electronics to stabilise. It is recommended to use CFLs only in areas where the lights will be left switched on for a while without being turned off and on often.
- Con: Sensitive to extreme temperatures
CFLs are not suitable for outdoor use as the lamps may not be able to endure extreme outdoor temperatures.
- Con: Contain mercury
One major concern of CFL lights is that they contain small amounts mercury inside. This is not dangerous when the bulb is in use but exposure to mercury can be dangerous even in tiny quantities if the bulbs breaks. Make sure that all parts of the bulb, including mercury, are disposed of properly, without direct contact with the skin or inhalation of its vapour.
Your Message