Information on CFL and LED Light Bulbs

A light-emitting dioade is particularly effective at creating colored light.

CFL stands for compact fluorescent lightbulb and LED stands for light-emitting diode. They are both emerging lighting technologies that are replacing the traditional incandescent lightbulb.

Function

CFL bulbs produce light by heating mercury, which then emits ultraviolet light that is converted to visible light as it passes through the phosphor. LED lights have no filament, just a semiconductor that emits light when electricity passes through it.

Efficiency

Compact fluorescent bulbs use only a quarter of the energy that incandescent bulbs require, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. LEDs use between 2 percent and 10 percent of the energy required by incandescent bulbs.

Time Frame

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, CFL bulbs can last between six and 12 times as long as incandescent bulbs. LEDs can last up to 25 times as long.

Cost

CFL and LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs to purchase, but both will save money over the life of the bulb because of the lower energy usage and longer life spans.

Warning

CFL bulbs contain mercury, a toxin that can cause health problems if released when the bulb breaks. Therefore, the government has strict regulations on how bulbs can be disposed of.

References

• Energy Savers: Lighting
• How Do LED Lights Work?
• Energy-Efficient Lighting