The lightbulbs you choose for your home or commercial property can have a significant impact on your energy costs throughout the year. With so many lighting options available, it can be difficult to determine which is best for your needs. That is why the commercial and residential electrical contractors at BNR Electric have provided a comparison of LED lightbulbs vs CFL lightbulbs to help you make an informed decision.
Learn about some energy-efficient upgrades you can perform for your home.
WHAT ARE LED BULBS?
While LED bulbs have been around for decades, recent advances in technology have made them a popular and efficient choice for homeowners and commercial facilities. LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are a pear-shaped lightbulb that uses a semiconductor to apply electricity to a negatively charged diode, resulting in the release of photons to emit light.
WHAT ARE CFL BULBS?
An upgrade on the conventional fluorescent bulb, CFL bulbs are easily identifiable by their spiral or “curly” shape. CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs send an electric current through a tube containing argon and a trace amount of mercury gas to produce light.
5 BENEFITS OF LED LIGHTBULBS OVER CFL LIGHTBULBS
While both options are better than incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs offer the following benefits over CFL bulbs:
1. LOW POWER CONSUMPTION
While CFL bulbs offer enhanced efficiency when compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs are even more efficient than CFL bulbs. For reference, CFL bulbs typically use 20%-35% of the electricity of an incandescent bulb, while LED bulbs use anywhere from 10%-20% of the electricity of an incandescent bulb.
2. COST-EFFECTIVENESS
LED bulbs are the most cost-effective lighting option on the market. While each bulb may cost more than a CFL or incandescent bulb to purchase, they more than make up for it with energy cost savings and an extremely long usable life.
3. LONG-LASTING LIFESPAN
CFL bulbs can last for up to 10,000 hours, making them a great choice compared to the 1,000 hours offered by incandescent bulbs. While this is an impressive lifespan, LED bulbs can last for over 25,000 hours, providing long-lasting performance in a variety of settings.
4. INSTANT BRIGHTNESS
CFL bulbs are fluorescent and need time to warm up before they can generate their maximum light output. LED bulbs begin emitting the maximum amount of light as soon as they are powered on and generate less heat, making them great for any time of year.
5. NATURAL LIGHTING
CFL bulbs emit an artificial type of light that many people find harsh or grating. The spectrum of light produced by LEDs is similar to the sun, making them feel more natural when used indoors.
To learn more about efficient lighting solutions for your home or to discuss the details of your electrical project, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.