If you are curious and want to know more about emerging lighting technologies, this article is for you. Many readers want to know the difference between CFL, incandescent, and LED light bulbs, and which one is more suitable for the house. Read on to find some information that will help you navigate the world of lighting. The following are a few things for you to consider:
Safety
Safety is rapidly becoming a non-issue. Earlier, customers were cautious regarding the safety of CFLs and LEDs. But now the UL, a safety organization, has stated that CFLs and LEDs are totally safe to use as long as they bear the UL marking.
Price
Definitely, the cheapest amongst these will be the Incandescent bulbs which cost around $1. Then comes the CFLs at a price of nearly $3. Both these are a lot cheaper compared to the LEDs which are priced at around $40 a piece. While LEDs are the most expensive one amongst the three, in the longer term, you can expect a lot of savings due to this because they have a very long lifespan. Also, LEDs are very energy efficient.
Lifespan
LEDs have the longest lifespan. They last almost 10 times as long as CFLs do. CFLs last nearly 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs, which last as long as 60 days. LEDs should be an apt choice for a light fixture in a cathedral-height foyer.
Brightness
Do not get confused between the light output and wattage. The brightness that you get from a 60W will be the same as that from a 14W CFL or 6W LED. This means, to get the same light output, you will be using less energy for CFL and LED bulbs. This, in turn, means you’ll be saving more money on electricity with CFLs and LEDs.
Appearance
This is subjective, as it depends on where you want to place the bulbs. In a survey where consumers were asked for their opinion on the bulb’s appearance, there was no consensus. Hence, you will have to be the judge for yourself and decide which one suits your decor or your taste. You can go wild with your imagination while choosing the bulbs which suit your home the best.
