There are strengths as well as weaknesses of using low power light bulbs like CFL and LED bulbs.
President Barack Obama has released plans to dismiss traditional incandescent light bulbs by 2014. The government favors low energy light bulbs, such as lightweight fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Both are employed in homes across the United States, but the CFLs have been for sale the longest. There are several pros and cons to using these technologies. Let’s examine them here:
Pros and Cons of CFLs
In comparison with incandescent bulbs, lightweight fluorescent bulbs burn 10 times more time on average. CFLs with an Energy Star record use less energy, about 75%, contributing to savings of $30 over the life of one particular bulb. However, CFLs take a longer time to get warm and convey a colder light than incandescent bulbs. Producers responded to individuals who complained about the low quality of luminosity produced by CFLs, by producing a new generation of lights that appear like incandescent light bulbs.
CFLs that are closest to incandescent bulbs when it comes to illumination fall anywhere from 2700 and 3000 on the Kelvin scale. CFL bulbs that create a natural daylight hours tone, as an alternative to the yellow tones of the incandescent bulbs, fall in the variety of 5000-6500 on the Kelvin scale, and those in between 3500-4100 produce a better cool light, whiter light. (These numbers for the Kelvin scale appear right on the the labels.) A major downside to using CFLs is the mercury inside every bulb. If the bulb breaks, it can be dangerous to everyone in your house if you don’t get rid of it correctly. Cleaning up a single shattered bulb sometimes needs contracting a hazardous materials professional, and will cost thousands of dollars.
The buying price of 6 General Electric 26-watt CFLs is actually $16, which turns out to $2.67 per bulb. This is roughly the same as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. A General Electric 100-watt Reveal bulb (4-pack) will cost $6.08, which works out to $1.52 per bulb. CFLs can be more expensive but offer energy personal savings. However, CFL consumers are looking forward to less costly products.
Pros and Cons of LEDs
LEDs utilize less wattage (2-10 watts) compared to CFLs and don’t generate much heat. They can be employed for 4.5 years at all times before “dying,” the equivalent of 40,000 hours. Contrary to CFLS, LEDs don’t contain mercury, which is an enormous advantage. They don’t have whatever filaments, and so there’s no chemical danger if they break.
There are negatives to LEDs. One being, they’re simply useful for lighting downward or for activity lighting. They don’t generate light toward the base of the bulb, and the strongest ones available are only comparable to a 60-watt incandescent bulb. LED light bulbs look dimmer since the temperature of the light is cooler compared to incandescent bulbs and CFLs. However, they can be more useful as night lights since they give off a bluish hue. You may also use them for highlight lighting.
New technology are being manufactured to solve the drawbacks to using LEDs. As an illustration, the LED light bulbs series by Sharp (a nine-bulb LED) can be purchased in Japan. It contains a remote control that enables users to change the light’s shade tone. LEDs are still very expensive though, running $82 for the Sharp unit, and around $35 for normal LEDs. When the price of these bulbs does drop, it may end up being better value than both CFLs and incandescent bulbs. LEDs consume $50 worth of electricity less over 4 to 5 years, and can end up surpassing them together.
Low Energy Light Bulbs
There are some things you need to know before choosing low energy light bulbs.
Learn more about LED light bulbs. Stop by Anette Hakansson’s site where you can find out all about LED light bulbs and what it can do for you.
