It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to ask an electrician in Miami how to improve energy efficiency. One of the first suggestions is to dispose of their outdated incandescent light bulbs. The two most common replacements are light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Before you choose one or the other, consider these distinctions between the two.
Cost
CFLs are cheaper than LEDs by a wide margin. You can often find packs of several CFLs for the price of one LED. It may be prudent to choose CFLs for locations where bulbs are frequently broken.
Longevity
LEDs last much longer than CFLs, but the difference will vary based on conditions and frequency of usage. One important thing to remember about LEDs is that they produce significantly more heat than CFLs, which can reduce their efficiency and lead to premature failure. Because of this, LEDs are not well-suited for fixtures that do not allow a continuous flow of cool air. A Miami electrician may have to change the location of your lighting fixtures to make LEDs an option.
Light Quality
CFLs distribute the light over a broad area, so they perform well as the primary light source for a room. On the other hand, the light from LEDs tends to be focused in one direction. Some LED bulbs come with dissipators that are designed to spread out the light, but there is still a noticeable difference. Most homeowners use LEDs for desk lamps, vanity lights, and other applications that require focused illumination.
Mercury Content
Just like ordinary fluorescent lights, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury that is released if the bulb is broken. There’s no need to call a hazmat team if you drop a CFL on the floor, but there are safety precautions that must be taken. There are also regulations on how they can be disposed of; it is unlawful to throw them out with the garbage in many jurisdictions.
LEDs and CFLs are both excellent replacements for your old incandescent bulbs. Saving money on the electric bill is the most obvious advantage, but there are other factors to take into consideration. Give some thought to these differences between LEDs and CFLs before deciding which one is right for your home.