LED or CFL Light Bulbs?

With the phased out of 100 watt Incandescent bulbs in 2012, followed by 75 watt in 2013,  40- and 60-watt in 2014, it is said that Incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available in 2015. The customers are now left with two choices: LED and CFL, which to choose?

The difference between LED and CFL
Whether you use five bulbs or a dozen or two, many of us are in need of more information about the new bulbs that are now on the market. The Edison incandescent style used a much higher wattage, got hot to the touch and were less economical compared to the modern CFL and LED bulbs. (more detail comparison info of Incandescent, CFL and LED)

As the old light bulbs are phasing out, we need to familiarize ourselves with the variety of bulbs now at the stores to bring light to our homes. Bulbs that are not designed for dimming should not be placed in fixtures that have a dimmer switch. Also, the type of CFLs or LEDs being used with a dimmer switch need to be a dimmable version. Be sure the dimmer switch and light bulbs are compatible.

LED or CFL, that's a question
In my opinion, I prefer LED to CFL, expecially after I read this article. LED lighting does not have to cycle up or down when turned on or off, where as CFL lighting does cycle. The process of frequent cycling degrades the longevity of CFL bulbs which is one reason they don't last as long as expected. Places where the light is frequently turned on and off may be good locations to use LED bulbs. Where the lighting stays on for extended periods may be places to use CFL bulbs you already have.

In locations that generally attract bugs due to the ultra violet rays, LED bulbs may be more practical. Although they get warm, these bulbs stay cooler and do not get hot. The heat dissipates from metal heat sinks located at the base that fan the heat from the light source. The cooling element also helps to assure the longevity of the bulb.

iLUX 10W A19 LED Bulb, Dimmable, 60-watt Incandescent bulb equivalent, 820 lumen, Omini Directional, Warm White, $13.99 per bulb.

LEDs are the best economical and energy-saving choice
The declining price in LED bulbs is helping to make them more affordable for the general population (You can easily get light bulbs under $10). The manufacturers have been tweaking to improve how the bulbs function for a number of years now. LEDs are much healthier than CFLs and the ratio of watts to hours of use is very economical in comparison. The longevity of LED bulbs also extends beyond the life expectancy of other forms of bulbs.

Differences of Incandescent, Halogen Lamp, CFL and LED Light Bulbs

We will need more lights at long night during the winter, and there have been so many kinds of light bulbs in the lighting market. Want to know which one is the best? You will get the answer from the above comparison chart.

Well, let's set that we will need the same brightness, say, 1600 lm light output. then we can compare the energy cost, the life span and the price of these 4 kinds of light bulbs.

Energy Cost
To product 1600lm light output, you need to input approximate:

• 100 watts for Traditional incandescent
• 77 watts for Halogen incandescent
• 23 watts for Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)
• 20 watts for Light-emitting diode (LED)

Life Span
How long will you change your light bulb? A long-last light will save your maintain cost:

• 750 hours for Traditional incandescent
• 1000 hours for Halogen incandescent
• 10000 hours for Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)
• 20000 hours for Light-emitting diode (LED)

Price
As the development of the technology, light bulbs are going cheaper and cheaper. Some bulbs are banned for costing too much energy, and some new kinds of bulbs are brought to live:

• $0.37 per bulb for Traditional incandescent
• $1.59 per bulb for Halogen incandescent
• $2.23 per bulb for Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)
• $45 per bulb for Light-emitting diode (LED) (the price ranges different from $5.99 per bulb to more than $100)

From these data, we are clear that LEDs could be the best lighting solution, because it is energy-saving, last long for years, a slight expensive than other bulbs, but it worth. Also, here're more features of wholesale LED light bulbs:
1. It's safer (low voltage, no toxic mercury).
2. It doesn't need time to get to full light.
3. It emits less carboon footprint (eco-friendly and green choice).
...

Beside these comparison, you could refer to the previous post about why LEDs a better choice of lighting.