Fluorescent vs Incandescent vs LED Light Bulbs: Which is Best?
In 1870, Thomas Edison, the inventor many of us know, created the incandescent light bulb using bamboo filament. It didn’t stop there, though. Later, in 1934, General Electric launched the fluorescent bulb, taking the world by storm. Again, in 1962, Nick Holonyak invented the first LED light bulb.
LED lightbulbs are known for their energy efficiency and longevity, using significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent and CFL bulbs, resulting in lower electric costs and a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, LED lightbulbs have a much longer lifespan, lasting up to 25,000 hours, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial applications.
With the evolution of lighting technology, today’s homeowners have three main types to choose from: LED, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs. But which is the most suitable for your home?
Dive in with us and discover the difference between LED, fluorescent, and incandescent light bulbs.
Incandescent (CFL) Bulbs
Let’s start with Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb. Incandescent lamps are a standard fixture for many homes, but they are not energy-efficient. In contrast, compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs are a significant, energy-efficient alternative.
How Incandescent Light Bulbs Work
Incandescent light bulbs work by using a folded or spiral tube containing a fluorescent mercury vapor and argon coating. When an electric current flows through the tube, the mercury and argon in the tungsten filament are fumed, creating invisible ultraviolet light. The UV light then interacts with the fluorescent coating inside, turning the light source into visible white light.
Energy efficiency
Compared to other light bulbs, incandescent (CFL) tends to use the most energy. Around 2% of the emitted is transmitted into visible light, and the remaining 98% is wasted as heat. Because of this, incandescent bulbs tend to burn out more frequently and must be replaced yearly.
Lifespan and Durability
On average, incandescent bulbs have a lifespan of 1000-1500 hours. If you use these bulbs on average around four hours a day, they may only last 3-6 months before a replacement is required.
Initial cost and savings
Typically a 60W bulb will cost around $2.70 dollars. To put this into perspective, if you used this bulb for around 1000 hours at $0.11 per Kwh a year, a 10 year operation for this bulb would cost $56.
However you need to take into account that an incandescent bulb lasts on average between 1000-1500 hours per year, it likely means you’ll need to replace the bulb each year. Which makes the cost of the original and replacement more expensive being on average around $93 over a period of 10 years.
Pros and Cons of CFL Bulbs
To help with your buying decision, here are the main pros and cons of incandescent lights:
Pros:
- Incandescent lights produce a warm light
- They create a cozy and snug atmosphere
- The bulbs are easy to source and are available in most shops
- They come in a range of shapes and sizes
Cons:
- Use a lot of energy, not energy efficient
- They have a shorter life span than other bulbs, require replacements
- They can overheat easily, becoming a fire hazard
- They tend to be costly due to their replacement
- A lot of electricity is wasted as heat
Fluorescent Bulbs
Next is the fluorescent light bulb or lamp invented by Nikola Tesla. This type of fixture is often seen as more efficient and cost-saving. Fluorescent lamps are also commonly known as fluorescent tubes or lamps. In short, they’re a low-pressure mercury vapor and gas discharge lamp that uses fluorescent light to create the light you see.
Modern fluorescent lights contain an inert gas, such as neon or argon, which fills the bulb at a low pressure to facilitate the electrical current necessary for light production.
How Fluorescent Bulbs Work
Fluorescent bulbs have a glass tube containing a low-pressure mixture of gasses, particularly mercury, alongside neon, argon, xenon, and krypton. On the inside of this glass tube, there is a phosphor coating, which is a type of fluorescent material.
As soon as the electrical current is switched on, electrons are created, accelerating the gasses inside the tube and releasing ultraviolet radiation. This then hits the phosphor coating/fluorescent material, producing white light.
Energy Efficiency
A fluorescent bulb is a more energy-efficient light bulb than traditional incandescent bulbs due to its lower power consumption, and provides more light output. They convert more electricity supplied into light and less heat, distributing light easily. Fluorescent light bulbs produce around 50-100 lumens per watt instead of 16, which happens with incandescent bulbs. On average, they last between 6000-15,000 hours.
Lifespan and Durability
On average, they have an average life of 6,000-15,000 hours, which is longer than incandescent bulbs but shorter than LED bulbs, which can last up to 25,000 hours. This bulb is often known to decrease replacement expenses and save energy. Typically, it lasts 10-20 times longer than an incandescent bulb. They are subject to flickering problems and can be sensitive to changes due to their longevity. However, if the voltage supply is altered, its lifespan can be lengthened.
Initial Costs and Savings
Fluorescent bulbs can cost around $2-$15 per bulb, making them more affordable than incandescent bulbs. However, while they are more affordable, they still need to be replaced, which means you have to factor in maintenance costs, too.
Pros and Cons of Fluorescent Lighting
Here are the main pros and cons of buying and installing fluorescent bulbs in your home:
Pros:
- More energy saving lasts 10-20 times longer than an incandescent bulb
- They have a high lumen output, making them light up large areas easily
- There are a lot of choices to choose from; they come in a range of color temperatures and tones
- Often more cost-effective due to having a longer lifespan
Cons:
- They contain a small amount of mercury, which triggers environmental hazards
- Sometimes, it can be prone to flickering and making noise
- When they are used for long periods, they can take time to reach full brightness (when turned on)
- Fluorescent bulbs are more costly to purchase than incandescent ones
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Bulbs
Finally, LED bulbs are among the most popular types in many homes and commercial buildings. They can be found in any light store, and they’re versatile and long-lasting.
When comparing LED bulbs to CFL and incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs stand out due to their superior brightness, energy efficiency, and light quality.
How LED Technology Works
LED bulbs work by electrical current passing through a microchip in a plastic capsule, which maximizes light production by efficiently converting electrical energy into visible light from small sources. Because they’re small, many LEDs combine to create a single light bulb.
Energy Efficiency
These light bulbs are highly efficient and tend to convert a large percentage (80%-90%) of electrical energy into visible light, with less wastage than incandescent bulbs. LEDs are the best bet for consumers looking to save on electricity costs and choose eco-friendly products. Moreover, LEDs produce minimal heat compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, meaning they are safer and more efficient.
Lifespan and Durability
LED bulbs are known for their lifespan, lasting 25,000-50,000 hours, which is 50 times the lifespan of an incandescent bulb and 5 times that of a fluorescent lamp. This long lifespan, combined with lower replacement costs, makes LEDs a cost-effective choice despite their sometimes higher initial price. On average, if you ran an LED for 6 hours a day each day, it would last for up to 23 years.
Initial Costs and Savings
The typical cost of LED bulbs varies between $2 and $20 per bulb, depending on the quality and type. At around 10 watts of power, it costs around $1.30 to run an LED bulb.
Pros and Cons of LED Bulbs
Here are the pros and cons of buying LED bulbs for your home:
Pros:
- Mod Lighting products use LED lights - check out our popular Mod Lighting fixtures
- Long lifespan lasting between 25,000-60,000 hours, much longer than incandescent bulbs.
- LEDs don’t have toxic materials such as mercury and are recyclable.
- They have a lower carbon footprint as they’re energy efficient.
- LEDs come in various colors and temperatures, allowing you to create different ambiances.
- They light up instantly without having to warm up
- They’re highly energy efficient, using 90% less energy than other bulbs, and they can significantly reduce electricity bills.
Cons:
- Not suitable for rooms that require widespread illumination as their light is directional
- They are known to emit more blue light than incandescent bulbs
- They tend to have an initial higher cost per bulb but are most cost-effective over time
Lumen & Wattage Comparison
To help you decide on the best bulb for your home, you must also know the difference between watts and lumens. These two play a key role in determining brightness and energy efficiency.
Lumens = The total amount of light visible distributed from one source; the higher the figure, the brighter the visible light is.
Watts (W)= The amount of energy a light bulb consumes.
So, when comparing light fixtures, consider the brightness, color temperature, and energy consumption.
Light source Wattage Lumens Color temperature Incandescent (CFL) 60W 800 Im 2700K (Warm white) Fluorescent Bulbs 110 W -800 IMm 2700k-3000K LED 170 W 800m Im 2700K-6500K
Are CFL or LEDs more cost-effective?
When it comes to the cost-effectiveness of both types of bulbs, you have to compare the initial costs, savings, and lifespan.
- Initial costs: On average, CFLs cost $2.70, whereas LEDs cost $2-$20 per, based on the type.
- Lifespan: CFLs last around 1000-15000 hours, whereas LEDs last around 25,000-50,000 hours
- Cost savings: Due to the short lifespan, incandescent lights can be more expensive, costing $93 per bulb every 10 years.
Comparing the two, CFLs are more expensive due to their high energy consumption and low lifespan.
Light Up Your Modern Home with Mod Lighting
When looking for lights to light up your home and create a specific ambiance, you’ll typically come across three types: incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. While they all have slightly different pros and cons, LED lights outshine them the most.
LEDs are long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 25,000-50,000 hours. They are the most cost-effective and energy-friendly long-term option. They’re also the safest and most versatile, coming in a range of colors and temperatures. Additionally, LED lights have a positive environmental impact by consuming less energy and reducing carbon emissions compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
If you’re looking for lights to brighten up your home, express your style, and last for a long time, you must check out our products. View our most popular modern LED pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
LEDs are the more cost-effective light bulbs as they consume less energy and last between 25000 and 50000 hours. CFLs last between 1000 and 15000 hours and are more expensive to maintain and replace over time.
Fluorescent lights tend to have lower wattage, at 110 per bulb, whereas LEDs have 170 per bulb. LEDs have directional light, whereas fluorescents have widespread light across the room.
LED bulbs are best for the environment as they have a long lifespan and low energy consumption. Compared to others, they are the most eco-friendly bulbs to purchase.