When it comes to lighting the interior of your home, there’s an endless array of lighting options to choose from. Not only do you have to decide how bright you want your lights to be, but also you have to select the type of lighting. You may be asking: Are LED lights better than fluorescent lights? We’ll try to provide you with the answer.
LED Lights Versus Fluorescent Lights
LED lights, or light emitting diodes, work when an electrical current passes through a microchip. This microchip then illuminates tiny light sources from within the light. One thing to note about LED lights is that they emit light in only one direction. Here are some pros and cons of this type of light bulb:
- They don’t burn out easily although their brightness fades over time.
- LEDs emit little to no heat which means they can run all day and won’t be hot to the touch.
- They are 90% more efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
However,
- LED lights aren’t compatible with dimmer switches.
- They emit more blue light than incandescent lights.
- LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent lights.
In contrast, fluorescent lighting depends on a reaction between mercury vapor and other gases. This interaction produces UV light, which then illuminates phosphor powder inside the glass tube. People use fluorescent lighting most often in schools, offices, and stores. Here are a few pros and cons of a fluorescent light bulb:
- It only uses 20 watts of power for the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent light bulb.
- They last about 10,000 hours.
- Fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent lights.
On the downside,
- Fluorescent lights contain mercury, which means there are strict guidelines on how to clean up and dispose of broken lights.
- Fluorescent lights are a poor choice for moist or hot environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outside lights.
- Likewise, they aren’t dimmer switch compatible.
In general, both LED and fluorescent lights use less energy. In turn, power plants that provide electricity emit less greenhouse gas emissions. Since both LED and fluorescent lights last a long time, there are fewer materials used to create these lights.
Contact Tim Kyle Electric
If you’re looking for a residential electrician in Howard County, MD for your electrical needs, look no further than Tim Kyle Electric. Our experts take the stress out of powering your home. Contact Tim Kyle Electric today to schedule an estimate or an appointment.