06 Aug
Shed light on the CFL and LEDs
In this installment of Best House Floor Plans, we’re putting the light bulb in the spotlight. Lighting always sets the ambiance. Few people understand the difference between the LED light bulb and the CFL light. While both have their eco-friendly qualities, we’ve shed some light on their differences:
- CFL is the acronym for Compact Fluorescent Lamp.
- LED stands for light emitting diodes.
- Compact fluorescent lamps are related to fluorescent lighting, most commonly used in the workplace, office, warehouses and schools.
- In the home, the LED light bulb is commonly used as ambient or accent lighting.
- Because, it is an industry-specific term, CFLs are referred to as a lamp opposed to a bulb. Any lighting device electrically powered is considered a lamp in the lighting industry.
- Mercury is not contained in the LED light bulb.
- On average, most CFLs are comprised of 1/6000th of mercury or 5-milligrams.
- As compact fluorescent lights contain the poisonous chemical, mercury, they should always be recycled.
- Light emitting diodes or LEDs have a shorter lifespan than CFLS.
- Compact fluorescent lamps cost more than LED light bulbs.
- Sometimes, CFLs require more time to light up.
- CFLs make for a problematic clean up. If a CFL bulb shatters, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends opening windows and leaving the room for at least 15 minutes, before using gloves to clean the hazardous debris.
- Unlike LEDs, CFL lights are incompatible for all lighting fixtures because they do not fit all lamps.
- Due to the hazardous material contained in CFLs, certain recycle centers charge a dollar to recycle it.
- On average, LEDs provide 1000 hours of light time compared to the 6000 hours of luminosity provided by the CFL.
- The average CFL bulb provides a $30 savings over its lifetime.
As for buying CFL lights with that feature the best luminosity, bulbs with 2700 to 3000 Kelvin render yellowish, natural lighting, which is common in incandescent lighting. But, then again, buying and LED light bulbs feature soft lighting too.
