subject: CFL and LED Energy Efficient Light Bulbs [print this page] By Diana Kaganovsky By Diana Kaganovsky
Traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs continue to embrace obsolescence as we make advances in technology. Consumers are looking to fill their homes with energy and money-saving alternatives. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are smaller versions of full-sized fluorescents, but yield the same light as incandescent bulbs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) are not only extremely energy-efficient, but their use has evolved from single-bulb use to being able to fit into any household light fixture, which is achieved by grouping the small bulbs together. There are an abundance of advantages to using both LEDs and CFLs over conventional light bulbs. Below are a few reasons why choosing LEDs and CFLs prove to be beneficial:
Both CFLs and LEDs come in different, sizes, shapes, and styles to accommodate those interested in convenience ease of replacement, light quality and desired wattage, variety and, obviously it needs to complement the home dcor.
LED Bulbs outlive both CFLs and typical incandescents, making them the most energy-efficient. Energy savings, extension of battery life and fewer replacements make this option the most financially profitable and cost-effective.
LEDs and CFLs are more expensive than incandescent however; money is being saved overall due to their extended lifecycle and energy-efficiency. Research is in progress to replace the expensive sapphire-based technology of LEDs with cheap silicon wafers to combat the high cost of producing LEDs.
CFLs and LEDs are more advanced because of their ability to convert more of the energy as light as oppose to heat. Thus energy is conserved and unnecessary heat is avoided.
CFLs use rare phosphors which provide a warm, placid lighting and color instead of the standard light we're all used to seeing in fluorescents.
Water and air pollution is reduced due to energy saving by lowering CO2 emissions, high-level nuclear waste and sulfur oxide.
The versatility of both CFLs and LEDs mentioned above is equal to that of incandescent bulbs.
New and improved light bulb designs are still be created. For instance, there soon may be a new kind of bulb called Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESL), which would still outlast incandescents, while producing less heat, as well as not contain any mercury (a slight drawback of CFLs), making disposal less hazardous.
Deciding between CFL and LED bulbs depends on what your goals are. To be the most energy-efficient go with LED, but to keep the illumination to a maximum while still saving energy and money over time, the choice is CFL. Whichever light bulb you choose, know that you will not only be saving money over time, but helping the environment as well which is truly the main objective.
