What Is the Difference Between Incandescent & Fluorescent Light?
Proper lighting can mean the difference between higher or lower electric bills, as well as the cost and time of maintenance. Two of the most popular choices are incandescent and fluorescent lights---each of which offer advantages and disadvantages. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use
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Incandescent lighting makes up close to 85 percent of the world's lighting. Fluorescent lighting is gaining in popularity, but is much less prevalent.
Efficiency
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Incandescent lights are relatively inefficient when compared to fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights give roughly the same amount of lighting while operating 25 to 35 percent more efficiently.
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Lifespan
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Changing the light bulb is required more often with incandescent bulbs than with fluorescent lighting---which last about 10 times as long.
Startup
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Fluorescent lights require a ballast---which regulates current---as well as provides a high-voltage for the startup of the light. Incandescent bulbs require no ballast and little voltage to start instantly.
Expenses
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The initial cost of incandescent bulbs is less than fluorescent bulbs. Due to the energy efficiency of fluorescent bulbs--and constant need to replace incandescent bulbs--the expense over time is cheaper for fluorescent lighting.
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References
- Photo Credit bulb image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
