LED lights and compact fluorescent bulbs or CFLs give you additional choices for your lighting needs. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which may influence which is the better option for you. According to a 2009 Harris Interactive survey, Americans have embraced the concept of reducing their carbon footprint. Nearly two-thirds of respondents had switched to more energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED lights and CFLs.
Energy Efficiency
LED lights and compact fluorescent bulbs provide an energy efficient means to provide lighting. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that lighting makes up just over 15 percent of residential energy use. By switching to more efficient bulbs, you can reap significant savings from your home electricity bill. According to U.S. Department of Energy, CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use up to one-third less energy than CFLs or incandescent bulbs.
Longevity
LED lights and CFLs offer consumers long-lasting bulbs, which add to their value. CFLs can last up to 12,000 hours with normal, everyday use. The longevity of LED lights rivals CFLs considerably. Energy Star estimates than a LED light can last up to 25,000 hours. On the one hand, this is a great advantage. You will have reliable lighting for a longer period of time had you used standard incandescent bulbs. The longer life however, may mean that you are less likely to keep spares around in the house.
Costs
While LED lights are more energy efficient and last longer than CFLs, they have one glaring disadvantage. You can expect to pay upwards of $7 or more for a LED light. According to "Consumer Reports," CFLs cost $2 or less, down from the $9 to $25 cost in 1999. The lower price may make you more inclined to buy CFLs over LED despite the differences in energy efficiency. Starting in 2012, you will have to make the switch as incandescent bulbs will be phased out.
Light Factor
One factor that may sway you is the light of either bulb. When CFLs first came out, their light was blue and what some viewed as harsh and unpleasant. "Consumer Reports" explains that Energy Star bulbs are rated based on the lighting they offer, helping you choose the light you prefer. Bulbs labeled with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin number resemble the warm lighting associated with incandescent bulbs. LED lights, while very bright, may have whiter light. This factor can make them a good choice for closets or other dark spaces where a brighter light is more desirable.
Considerations
CFLs have a serious disadvantage in that the bulb contains mercury. Though the amount is minuscule, it does not negate the fact that mercury is toxic to the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mercury can cause birth defects in children. In adults, exposure can cause muscle weakness and impairment of speech or walking. Mercury also accumulates in the environment, so the effects are compounded over time. If you use CFLs, you should dispose of any spent bulbs, according to EPA recommendations.
References
- Harris Interactive: How Green Are We? Putting Our Money (and Behavior) Where Our Mouth Is
- U.S. Department of Energy: Frequently Asked Questions -- Electricity
- U.S. Department of Energy: How Compact Fluorescents Compare with Incandescents
- Energy Star: Use Compact Fluorescent Lighting
- Energy Star: Learn About LEDs
- ConsumerReports.org: The Facts on Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
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