FACT: LEDs Are Better than Incandescent Bulbs… and Here’s Why

With a complete phase out of incandescent light bulbs taking full effect in 2020, [city] consumers have two lighting alternatives to choose from: compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

It took a while, but LED light bulbs are finally being recognized, not just for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, but also for their superior lighting quality. And while LED prices once put them out of reach (they used to fetch price as high as $100 per bulb) of the average [city] consumer, you can now buy them for as low as $5.

CFLs are even cheaper, going for as low as $2 a bulb. They’re also more energy efficient and long-lived compared to incandescent bulbs.

So which one should you choose? Below are some reasons that show why LEDs are a better investment.

LEDs vs. CFLs Round 1: Lifespan

Any comparison between LED lighting and fluorescent lighting should start with lifespan. A high-quality LED light bulb can last up to 50,000 hours, maintaining 70% of its full brightness even at that point. And even then, an LED won’t go off after that, but its light will gradually decrease over time.

Likewise, CFLs gradually become dimmer and dimmer past their average rated lifespan of 8000-10000 hours. They have, however, been known to go out prematurely due to heat and prolonged continuous use.

LEDs vs. CFLs Round 2: Efficiency

LEDs use fewer watts (electricity) for every lumen generated. For a 60-watt incandescent light bulb, the CFL equivalent uses 13 to 15 watts, while the LED equivalent uses as little as 5 to 8 watts of power, and even generating more light. To cut the long story short, because LEDs use less power for every unit of light generated, they can help reduce your home’s total electric bills and reduce your total carbon footprint.

LEDs vs. CFLs Round 3: Safety

One of the biggest drawbacks of CFL light bulbs is their use of mercury vapors. The process of fluorescence requires the use of small amounts of mercury to excite the phosphorous when charged by an electric current. Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal, which means they need to be disposed of properly to prevent poisoning and contamination.

In contrast, LED light bulbs do not contain any dangerous substances, and can be disposed or recycled the same way as any electronic device.

LEDs vs. CFLs Round 4: Heat

Unlike incandescent light bulbs and CFLs, LED bulbs generate very little heat when switched on, even after several hours. With CFLs and incandescent, the heat they generate can be hot enough to cause fires, especially if they’re situated near flammable materials such as cloth and paper.

Although LEDs still generate some heat, it’s not enough to cause harm or become a fire hazard. In fact, an LED is safe to touch even if it’s been switched on for hours. As such, they’re perfect for areas spaces where heat is undesired, such as galleries, retail spaces, and more.