Energy consumption

The electrical energy consumption of fluorescent lamps is about 20 percent of that of standard and familiar incandescent lamps. LED is more economical – Ilyich’s relative light bulbs use about 10 percent of their energy. Thus, the power consumption of a light source based on semiconductors and LEDs will always be 2 times less with the same brightness.

Light flow

The color spectrum of a gas discharge energy saving lamp is somewhat lower relative to its LED counterpart. Fluorescent lamps do not transmit the light spectrum correctly in relation to some shades. Compared with gas discharge, the LED version is more stable in this regard.

The table below summarizes the characteristics of the light sources studied:

Operating temperature

A gas discharge fluorescent lamp with continuous operation has a temperature reading of about 50-60°C. It is not able to burn the skin, and even more so, cause a fire, but still this is a very strong indicator. But it should be borne in mind that with malfunctions in the electronics, the temperature indicator can increase 3-4 times.

This risk is unlikely, but it exists. LEDs are completely safe in terms of high temperatures due to the semiconductor technology based on LED crystals. In any case, a comparison of each of those and other light sources shows that it is permissible to use them with any type of lamp holders for chandeliers, sconces and other lamps, because they do not exceed the maximum permissible heating limit with correct operation.

Which is better: LED or energy-saving lamps?

Environmental factor and harm to health

Fluorescent lamps, found on store shelves, contain in the composition of the lamp about 5 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is a metal that, due to its harmful properties that harm the human body, is assigned to the first (highest) hazard class. Disposing of the housekeepers along with the rest of the garbage is prohibited, therefore, the conscientious user must take the failed lamp to the designated collection points.

It is also worth noting the ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted by a fluorescent light bulb, which can cause some diseases. The above disadvantages do not apply to LED lamps, and their use is completely safe.

Flashing indicator

Energy-saving fluorescent lamps flash at a frequency of 50 times per second. The naked eye cannot notice this phenomenon, but there are people in whom this effect can cause aggravation of nervousness, or the emergence of a state of sadness. Luminescent light sources equipped with high-quality electronic ballasts are free from this effect. LED lamps in this case also compare favorably with lamps of gas discharge counterparts due to the lack of a similar problem.

efficiency

In this case, it talks about how much an energy-saving lamp gives off light energy relative to its electricity consumption. For homeowners, this number is around 30 percent, while LEDs are again found at around 80 percent and above.

Life times

Fluorescent lamps serve on average 5 times less than LED lamps. As a rule, a table with the corresponding data is in the box with the product. According to manufacturers, the life of an LED lamp can reach 50 thousand hours, while energy-saving lamps last no more than 10 thousand hours. The comparison in terms of service life is obvious – LED products benefit significantly in this indicator.

Compare other factors

The fluorescent energy saving lamp turns on for 1 second, which is associated with the operation of its electronic circuit. At low temperatures, due to the decrease in gas pressure inside the lamp, the brightness decreases significantly. This is due to the fact that mercury loses its volatility and is forced to heat over a longer period of time.

High humidity also negatively affects the operation of the fluorescent lamp. It causes a film on the surface of the flask, which is a disturbance for stable operation and rapid heating. The LEDs start working instantly and have an impressive temperature range for stable operation.

Another important comparison criterion is the warranty period. For LED lamps it is on average 3 years, when for energy-efficient light sources it is 1-2.

Price range

If you compare LED lamps and fluorescent lamps in price, there is definitely a tie. To date, both versions cost from 200 per piece, if we talk about more or less high-quality manufacturers.

A few years ago, energy-saving lamps were still able to defeat LED products due to their lower price, but now the cost of LED lamps has decreased significantly due to high competition and the emergence of budget Chinese manufacturers on the market.

conclusion

Being guided by the above information when comparing energy-saving lamps and LED lamps for a home, office or other building, the model that works on the principles of LED technology, that is, LED, will be the best decisive solution.

So we have provided a comparison between LED and energy saving lamps. We hope that the tables and arguments presented have helped you explain what is better to choose for your home, apartment or office!