CFL vs. LED Light Bulbs: The Differences

The average home has 67 lights inside. It might seem like a lot when you count all the bulbs, but lighting plays a huge role in creating an atmosphere and allowing us to enjoy our favorite activities. 

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect light bulbs for your home. For instance, how bright should it be? What color temperature do you like? 

Two common choices for light bulbs are CFL and LED. But what’s the best choice between CFL vs. LED? Find out as we compare each option in this guide. 

CFL Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use an electric current that travels through a tube. Inside the tube are two gasses, mercury, and argon. 

CFL bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent lights. CFLs have a unique spiral design and screw into a medium base socket. 

People often use CFLs as a replacement for incandescent bulbs. These bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. 

However, their unusual design may not suit every light fixture. For instance, you likely won’t want to use CFLs in a chandelier. 

The most common places for CFLs include concealed fixtures, recessed cans, and rooms where you need a lot of light, such as the garage. 

LED Bulbs

Residential LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. As a result, many homeowners are making the switch to LED bulbs to save energy and light up their homes. These lights can last around 25,000 hours!

LED stands for light-emitting diode. These bulbs require fewer watts to produce an equal or greater amount of brightness. A 6 Watt LED bulb replaces a 60 Watt incandescent bulb, using far less energy. 

Another option that’s increasing in popularity is smart lighting, which is internet-connected LED bulbs that allow you to customize your light. You can change the brightness, the color temperature, and even the color all from an app. You can even ask Alexa to control the lights for you. 

CFL vs. LED: Which Is Right for You?

LED bulbs win when it comes to energy efficiency. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last much longer and use far less energy. 

CFLs cost less than LEDs, though they use slightly more energy. Their shape can also prevent many homeowners from using them in light fixtures where they might be visible. 

LED lights can also produce the same amount of lumens as CFLs, but they use fewer watts, which is better for you and your wallet.

If you want to save even more, you can make the switch to solar. Find out how much solar panels cost and how you can save on your energy bills when you power your lights this way. 

Illuminate Your Home 

In the battle between CFL vs. LED, we have to say LED is the winner. Recent advancements have made LED bulbs more efficient and suited for a variety of lighting fixtures. However, the higher price may make CFLs the better choice, depending on your application and how many bulbs you need. 

For more tips and the latest technology news, be sure to check out some of our other content. We can help you make the most of your life with helpful comparisons, reviews, and more. 

   
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