The three main light bulbs from which consumers find themselves needing to choose are incandescent bulbs,compact fluorescent lights(CFLs)and LEDs.But what are the main differences between the three and how do people know which one is right for them?
Incandescent bulbs
Firstly,let's consider incandescent bulbs-the most traditional sort.In short,these are the cheapest and easiest to produce,and arguably emit the most natural light.
The downside to incandescents is that they give off the most heat energy of all three,meaning that a huge amount of power is wasted.In some cases,this heat energy can be harnessed-for example,in incubators,lava lamps and nesting boxes for poultry.
However,this heat energy can be a real problem in domestic and commercial properties,as it can put extra strain on air conditioning systems,which are forced to offset the heat produced by the lighting system.
Accordingly-whether or not the heat energy is used-these bulbs cost more to run due to the extra power they consume.
Another disadvantage is that they tend not to last very long.The average lifespan of an incandescent bulb is typically around 1,000 hours,making them even worse for the planet as they need to be chucked away and replaced more often.This is combined with the extra packaging and shipping costs to do so.
For this reason,many authorities are in the process of phasing them out in favour of more eco-friendly,cost-effective solutions.
Compact fluorescent lights
CFLs are slighter newer,smaller and last longer than their incandescent counterparts.Luckily,many have been produced to slot into the same fittings,so that people will not need to invest in new fittings in order to switch from using incandescent bulbs.
While the upfront cost of them is higher-meaning that some people may initially be put off-they typically boast a longevity of around 10,000 hours,which is considerably more than that of an incandescent light.In this way,they are in fact a lot kinder to consumers'wallets.
People should bear in mind,however,that their lifespan will be cut short if they are regularly switched on and off.
The other disadvantage is that the light produced is not as natural,which can cause many people to turn their nose up at them.However,more and more research is being invested into eliminating this to the point that people should arguably not rule them out because of it.
Nevertheless,the bulbs contain mercury which can make getting rid of them responsibly more difficult.Therefore,authorities have had to come up with schemes to ensure their safe disposal.
LEDs
First appearing as practical electrical components during the 1960s,LEDs are the most compact of the three and use a semiconductor light source.They are the most recent addition to have exploded onto the market-and explode they have indeed done.
A recent report by the Freedonia Group forecast a 12.3 per cent yearly growth in global demand for LED lighting through 2016 to$78.3 billion(£49.8 billion),as more and more people begin to pay attention to the benefits of the energy-efficient lighting.
The bulbs slash power consumption by around 50 per cent making them the most efficient and eco-friendly bulbs of the lot,meaning that individuals concerned with reducing the amount of power they use should seriously consider an LED investment.Geoff Smith from the Carbon Trust told the BBC recently that lighting solutions currently guzzle 20 to 50 per cent of all of the power used by commercial properties.
Furthermore,they boast a lifespan of around 50,000 hours,making them vastly superior to other bulbs in terms of their longevity.This means that all those who invest in them can expect to see maintenance costs go down as they will need tending to far less regularly than CFL or incandescent alternatives.
These bulbs also produce the most direct form of light,which can be an advantage where a more targeted source is required,such as for a reading light or ceiling spotlights to highlight certain areas of a room.
One of the disadvantages of LEDs is that the light produced is considered by some to be a little harsh or severe-or rather,not at all natural.However,as with CFLs,an ever-increasing amount of research into the technology hopes to rectify this issue for consumers.
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