LED Bulbs vs CFL Bulbs & Filament Bulbs: A Comparison of Benefits and Drawbacks

Whether it is your home or business, lighting plays an important role everywhere, and the type of bulbs you use makes a huge difference. LED bulbs are becoming popular options due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.

But how do LED bulbs compare to CFL bulbs and Filament bulbs?

Here’s a comprehensive look at the benefits and drawbacks of LED and CFL bulbs/Filament bulbs, so you can choose what’s best for your needs. Both types of bulbs can be classified and compared based on their energy efficiency, cost, lifespan, brightness, and other important parameters.

What are LED bulbs?

Before discussing the comparison between LED bulbs vs CFL bulbs/Filament bulbs, it is important to know what LED bulbs are. LED bulbs are energy-efficient lighting that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Technically, you cannot describe LEDs as bulbs. These are “Light emitting diodes” (LED) where tiny semiconductors are placed and wrapped in plastic cover. The two terminals of the semiconductor allow the conventional one-way flow of current, which ultimately eliminates light. There are no wire filaments in LEDs like in conventional bulbs.

Types of Light Bulbs

Incandescent, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Compact Fluorescent, and Halogen bulbs are some of the options available in the market.

• Traditional incandescent bulbs have been in the market for decades, although they are becoming obsolete because of their poor energy efficiency.
• LED bulbs last significantly longer and consume much lesser energy.
• Even though they last longer and use less energy, CFL bulbs are considered hazardous due to the presence of mercury.
• When compared to incandescent bulbs, halogen ones look very similar, yet they use significantly less energy.

LED Bulb vs CFL Bulb & Incandescent Bulb – What’s best for you?

With many advantages over traditional CFL and incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs have become popular in recent years. Apart from being energy-efficient, they also come with various features.

Long Lifespan

LED bulbs can last up to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You don’t need to replace them as often, which means more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, unlike standard lighting, there is no risk of flickering or malfunctioning once fitted properly.

High Energy Efficiency

LED bulbs consume up to 90% less energy than filament bulbs, which saves on your electricity bills significantly.

Cheaper in the long run

Though LEDs are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, the long-term savings from reduced energy costs and fewer replacements make them a worthwhile investment.

Brighter Light

LED bulbs produce brighter light. This makes them more suitable for task lighting and other applications where bright, clear light is needed. Also, an 10 W or 11 W LED bulb will be as bright as a 50 W incandescent bulb. This means lesser bulbs would be required to illuminate a room or space as compared to the filament bulbs.

Less heat production

Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs produce less heat, which makes them safer in applications that may involve hot surfaces or liquids (like kitchens and bathrooms).

Environment-friendly

LED light bulbs are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting bulbs as they don’t have any hazardous materials.

Drawbacks of LED bulbs

Although there are many benefits, LED bulbs do have some limitations.

Get overheated

Led bulbs generally overheat under sun exposure or in other heated areas. It needs shade or protection from external heat. They usually work under normal circumstances but fail much faster in extreme temperatures than filament bulbs.

Colour change

Overheating due to sun exposure or UV radiation also causes LED bulbs to change colour.

Area of illumination

LED bulbs are more directional than illuminating in all areas. It spreads lights to all the areas equally rather than a particular spot, whereas a filament bulb can help you light up a particular spot.

Buy best LED Bulbs online at L&T-SuFin

Although a more expensive option than incandescent, LED bulbs have proven to be more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run. So much so that the spike in demand for LED bulbs in the last few years, has resulted in the prices falling too. One would hardly find any urban homes with incandescent bulbs or CFL bulbs now, and one can see a similar change in rural homes too. For further details and options on types of LED lights and fixtures, you can browse through L&T-SuFin website which offers all solutions to your lighting needs.