Energy-Saving at Home: CFL vs. LED Light Bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs are being phased out in favor of more energy-efficient alternatives. As more and more people become aware of this, they are starting to explore the myriad of different money-saving, energy-saving options for lighting the home. The two main options right now are the CFL bulb and the LED bulb. They both have their benefits and drawbacks - which one is the right one for you?

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

The more common of the two choices is the CFL bulb. The reason for this is because it is an energy-efficient light bulb that costs considerably less to purchase than an LED bulb does. However, the CFL bulb doesn’t last nearly as long as an LED bulb so it must be replaced more quickly, meaning that you shell out money more often for these bulbs.

LED Bulbs

These bulbs are increasingly attractive to people who want to save money and energy at home. They use considerably less energy than CFLs meaning that your ongoing utility costs are lower plus these bulbs last longer and don’t need to be replaced for as long as five or even ten years (depending on where they are placed and how often you use them in the home). However you do have to pay a lot more for these bulbs. If you were to drop an LED bulb and break it you would really feel the sting of wasting money!

So which one is better?

In terms of costs you are going to find that the LED bulb is more expensive to buy but offers you the better value over the lifetime of the bulb. This is especially true of home energy costs keep on going up! In terms of energy-saving lighting, the LED bulb is clearly the better choice. It wastes a lot less electricity around the home. And it’s also better in terms of eco-friendliness - it doesn’t contain any of the earth-damaging mercury that is found in a CFL bulb and since it’s longer lasting fewer of them end up in the landfills.

The bottom line is that the LED bulb is better if you can afford to invest in it but the CFL bulb is still a good energy-saving choice compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Reference source: http://www.greenzer.com/face-off_5