LED Versus Fluorescent Versus Incandescent Bulbs

Nowadays, light bulbs come in various shapes, colours and types. The most common bulbs, particularly in Sydney Inner West’s residential and business districts, are LEDs, fluorescent and incandescent, competing in terms of benefit and quality.

Whether you prefer using a particular type of bulb, it is essential to know if you are using the right one. Since light bulbs come in several varieties, most people fail to recognise its differences and benefits.

To help you establish a better idea, we will distinguish these commonly used types of bulbs from one another.

How Do These Bulbs Differ?

As deemed to be competitors in the lighting industry, these bulbs exhibit characteristics which generally differ. However, each one is uniquely made to perform the same function ‒ providing light.

Incandescent Lights

Incandescent light is the most traditional among all light bulbs. It uses a heated wire filament to create light. Also, it has a glass enclosure which contains either a vacuum or inert gas to keep the filament from evaporating since it emits a higher amount of heat.

An incandescent bulb’s low manufacturing costs is what makes it appealing to people. However, these bulbs tend to waste energy more than other light globes. It uses only about 10% of the power it receives to produce light and the rest to heat.

Furthermore, since the rise of more advanced and efficient light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs, incandescent light has slowly gone out of use.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

CFLs contain mercury and argon vapour which creates ultraviolet light when combined with electricity ‒ thus, producing visible light.

Moreover, CFLs use 70% less electrical power, and usually last several years longer than incandescent globes. But, circumstances like frequent on-off switching, high-humidity and excessive vibrations may shorten the lifespan of your CFL bulb.

Also, CFLs take time to reach its full brightness when switched on. Hence, they are not ideal for places where you want an instantaneous light.  

On the other hand, since CFLs contain harmful substance like mercury, it is generally not good for your health and the environment.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light Emitting Diode or LED gives off light through the combination of power and its semiconductors. It is known to provide a reliable, instant and dimmable light.

After its successful launched several years ago, many people have shifted to the use of LED bulbs because of its promising and significant benefits.

Moreover, LEDs emit a high quality of light which comes in different shades and colours. Thus, allowing you to choose your preferred light tone.

LEDs are highly flexible and can be used in various places, whether inside cold storages or outdoors. Its vibration and shock resistors make it more durable to use.

Which is Better?

A standard incandescent bulb can operate up to a maximum of 1,500 hours, while CFLs last for about 15,000 hours. The most impressive one is the LED bulb which can work for approximately 50,000 hours.

On the other hand, LEDs uses 90% of its electricity flow to produce illumination. While incandescent and CFLs use only about 10% and 70% respectively. Apparently, incandescent bulbs put a lot of power to waste, which makes it the most inefficient among the three.

Since fluorescent and LED bulb both have a longer lifespan and are energy-efficient, you can be able to achieve a cost-saving benefit in the long run.

LEDs, fluorescent and incandescent bulbs all provide us with light. However, like other innovations, there will always be a better choice amongst. Being the latest ones, CFLs and LEDs work more beneficially in terms of energy efficiency and lifespan.

However, CFLs have definite drawback since it has mercury and dangerous substances. LEDs, on the other hand, are safe without traces of hazardous materials on its composition.

Conclusion

Comparing LEDs, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs give you a clearer perspective of how these light-sources differ in significant ways. It is now up to you whether you choose to prefer one from the rest.

Based on the given information, CFLs and LEDs work better than incandescent bulbs. However, if you try to look more closely, LED bulb functions best among all. It gives you the safety, reliability and efficiency benefits.

If you think about replacing your old incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with the modern LEDs, Sydney Inner West Electrician will help you with its installation.

Our team of professional Level 2 electricians will respond to your request 24/7. We perform reliable and exceptional electrical services, such as LED light installation and emergency electrical repair.

Team up with our master electricians today and call us at (02) 8378 2829.