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CFL or LED Independent Comparison

Posted on the 30st of Mar 2015

Low Temperatures : LEDs themselves produce almost no heat, converting most of the electricity into light. CFL while producing less heat than a traditional lamp, still emit a large amount of heat. However larger heat sinks on LED controls are required to dissipate the temperatures from electronic components.

Mercury : Compact fluorescents contain mercury – they have to otherwise they wouldn’t work. This might be great for producing light, but it does no favours for the environment. If a CFL is not disposed of correctly, the mercury can be released in vapour endangering any person or animal who inhales it. LEDs do not contain mercury, and as such are far better for the environmental impact.

Colour : Most CFLs come with limited colour profiles. They are normally blue/white, or tinged with yellow simple and effective, for the more creative among us LED may be a favourable replacement as integrated controls enable LED to have limitless colour and functionality but at a cost.

Energy : LEDs marginally less energy than CFLs depending on the functionality and control set up. This area is always a hot topic and subject to large debates, while LED do save energy over CFL the current cost and replacement level in a domestic application seems to be on par with CFLs.

Voltage : Most CFLs are directly supplied with mains voltage in order to work. LEDs on the other hand do not require this, they can be run from batteries but many are driven by low voltage drivers

Variable : LED lighting can be controlled via frequency change unlike Compact fluorescents can change the colour output of the light source, so if you would like a calming blue or fiery red you can decide – controls and LED types permitting of course.

Size : While CFLs have been designed to be compact they cannot output more light without getting larger, while LED lighting can. Most LEDs are very, due to the transformers being remote therefore perfect when used as downlights, or commercial LED lighting applications

Longevity : CFLs can last for an impressive 10,000 hours, while LEDs dwarf this number, working for as long as 60,000 hours! This cuts down markedly on spending time and money replacing them but choose wisely as many consumers see LED replacements quicker than expected and that infamous flicker when the driver is about to fail. Our opinion is the lamp is only as good as the components.

Dimming : LED are more pleasing to the eye when used in conjunction with a dimmer switch. CFLs can also be dimmed but the effects are less appealing, LEDs can be set to a variety of light levels mimicking the warm glow of a candle or the bright light of a halogen bulb.

Safety : CFL have been around for many years and the health and safety aspects have been ironed out also fully isolated from risk of shock, Recent report have shown that some LED components have been becoming live and directly injuring consumers – our advice, buy wisely do you research and purchase goods not on cost alone but on what would suit your application better also choose a manufacturer that is willing to help with your future purchase.