Why we say YES to LEDS and NO to CFLS

Why we say YES to LEDS and NO to CFLS…just a simple clarification

It is said that LEDS are the new generation of lighting. LEDs are small, very efficient solid bulbs. New LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use in the home. LED technology is advancing rapidly, with many new bulb styles available. Initially more expensive than CFLs, LEDs bring more value since they last longer. Also, the price of LED bulbs is going down each year as the manufacturing technology continues to improve.

A significant feature of LEDs is that the light is directional, as opposed to incandescent bulbs which spread the light more spherically. This is an advantage with recessed lighting or under-cabinet lighting, but it is a disadvantage for table lamps. New LED bulb designs address the directional limitation by using diffuser lenses and reflectors to disperse the light more like an incandescent bulb. But many do not like enter into the industry due to the high bargaining power of suppliers where they dominate with the high manufacturing cost of LEDS. But due to the latest technology it is said that day by day new models are produced and this has brought down the price of a tiny LED bulb down and eventually the entire manufacturing cost of a bulb that is made with a cluster of LEDS.

With all these features in mind it is pretty obvious that LEDS can provide you with a better lighting effect than CFLS do. Just to verify the point to our assenters more let’s distinguish the features between an LED and a CFL.

·         Long-lasting - LED bulbs last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents, and far longer than typical incandescent. So why ponder about the tiny discount we acquire buying a CFL over an LED.

·         Durable - since LEDs do not have a filament, they are not damaged under circumstances when a regular incandescent bulb would be broken. Because they are solid, LED bulbs hold up well to jarring and bumping.

·         Cool - these bulbs do not cause heat build-up. Common incandescent bulbs get hot and contribute to heat build-up in a room. LEDs prevent this heat build-up, thereby helping to reduce air conditioning costs in the home. New LED bulbs are available in 'cool' white light, which is ideal for task lighting, and 'warm' light commonly used for accent or small area lighting.

·         Mercury-free - no mercury is used in the manufacturing of LEDs. Mercury is a toxic metal associated with contamination of water, fish, and food supplies, and can lead to adverse health effects. A CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of mercury. You may be thinking that we are exaggerating, but just imagine; it is not a mere amount, but a hazardous amount of a toxic chemical that can evolve the whole eco system upside down, so why be responsible for a crime?

For further knowledge;

The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one:
- open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more
- use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag
- place all materials in a second sealed plastic bag
- Wash your hands afterward.

·         More efficient - LED light bulbs use only 2-17 watts of electricity (1/3rd to 1/30th of Incandescent or CFL). LED bulbs used in fixtures inside the home save electricity, remain cool and save money on replacement costs since LED bulbs last so long. Small LED flashlight bulbs will extend battery life 10 to 15 times longer than with incandescent bulbs.

·         Cost-effective - although LEDs are initially expensive, the cost is recouped over time. LED bulb use was first adopted commercially, where maintenance and replacement costs are expensive. But the cost of new LED bulbs has gone down considerably in the last few years, continuing to go down. Today, there are many new LED light bulbs for use at domestic environment, and the cost is becoming less of an issue.

Incandescent Watts	CFL Watts	LED Watts	Lumens (Brightness)
40  60  75 - 100 100 150	8 - 12 13 - 18 18 - 22 23 -30 30 - 55	6 - 9 8 - 12.5 13+ 16 - 20 25 - 28	400 - 500 650 - 900 1100 - 1750 1800+ 2780

The above chart will give you a better understanding about the cost efficiency as well.

So with all these information, dear viewers there is no doubt in choosing an LED over a CFL. So why still say NO just because of its comparatively high price vis a vis a CFL.

Please be in touch with us for latest news of the next generation of LIGHTING…….