LED and Fluorescent – What’s the difference?

The main differences between LED and Fluorescent Lights are the amount of energy used and their life span. Here is a comparison of LED and fluorescent lights.

Overview

LED Lights – this stands for light emitting diode. It can be found in a single diode, like those used a flashlight, or it can be found in multiples arranged in a cluster to create a light bulb.

image from energy.gov

Fluorescent Lights – These are available in two primary types: fluorescent tubes and CFL (compact fluorescent lighting). These lights can range in size from several feet long (commonly 2, 4, or 8 feet) to the compact bulbs are about the size of a standard light bulb.

image from ebay.com

LIFESPAN

LED lights can last up to 60,000 hours or more before they need replaced.

Fluorescent lighting tubes can last about 10,000 hours before they get dark and need replacement. It takes roughly six of these bulbs to equal the lifespan of an LED bulb.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

LED light bulbs use about half the energy ( in watts) of fluorescent lighting — about 6 watts of power for LED versus 14 watts of power for CFL. For the lifespan of an LED bulb, you would use about 340 kilowatt (KW) hours of electricity. In using six CFL bulbs to get the same amount of lighting hours, you will consume about 840 KW hours of electricity (plus you had to use your own energy to do the five bulb replacements.)

LIGHTING

LED Lighting is an excellent option for directional lighting, such as flashlights and desk lamps. LED lights focus on where the bulb is pointed rather than spreading light to a wider area. LEDs have grown in popularity for vehicle headlights and are widely used in electronic devices for status lights.

Fluorescent Lights are ideal for lighting up larger spaces with full-size tubes being ideal for large rooms such as warehouses where general, non-focused light is needed. CFL bulbs are useful for homes in bedrooms and other living areas.

LED DIFFERENCES

Both types of lighting are more energy efficient than the widely-used incandescent bulbs; however, LED technology costs more than CFL and fluorescent lighting so it hasn’t been widely adopted. CFLs and fluorescent bulbs do contain small amounts of mercury that can be poisonous if the bulb is broken; LEDs do not contain any mercury or harmful gases. LED bulbs are also more durable than fluorescent bulbs due to their compact size and replacement is minimal compared to frequent replacement of fluorescent bulbs.

FRYE ELECTRIC CAN HELP WITH ANY OF YOUR LIGHTING NEEDS

Frye Electric can assist you with the replacement of your Fluorescent Lighting for LED for your home or business needs. We come to you with the highest quality of products and highest skills of licensed electricians. LED Lighting does cost more upfront, but the long term benefits of minimal (if any) bulb replacements and reduced monthly power bills make it a wise choice.

Call Frye Electric today at and let us walk you through the benefits of installing LED Lights. Start saving today!