A Look at the Different Lighting Systems: Which is Most Energy Efficient?
Incandescent Bulbs
The first light bulb invented was the incandescent bulb designed by Thomas Edison. This was the first lighting source used in homes. These bulbs typically cost around $1 a piece so they’re quite attractive in terms of the cheap price. However, these bulbs have shorter working life. That means you’d need to replace it more often. An average incandescent bulb can work only for 1000 hours. Not only that, they are also “power hogs,” meaning they make use of great energy of about 20 to 100 watts per hour or 2 to 12 kilowatts per month. Expect to pay a hefty electric bill if you decide to go for this lighting type.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
More popularly known as CFLs, these lamps are more expensive at $2 to $5 a piece. But that cost is offset by its energy efficiency. It uses only 25 percent of the energy of what an incandescent bulb uses to produce the same amount of light. This translates to 75 percent savings. Also, CFLs last 6 to 10 times longer than the traditional bulb. If you use it continuously, it can light up your home for 4 to 7 years. This life expectancy can even be prolonged if you avoid switching the CFL on and off frequently. If you’re not going to use a room for more than 10 minutes, turn the lamp off. So although the CFLs are more expensive on the onset, they’re the more practical choice compared to the incandescent bulb.
Light-emitting Diode Bulbs
The first thing that you’ll notice about LED lights is their incredibly high price. A piece would cost anywhere from $20 to $100. But that cost shouldn’t discourage you at all. That’s because while this is the most expensive, it is also the most practical choice both in terms of energy efficiency and life expectancy. A LED light has a lifespan of 100,000 hours. As for energy-saving capabilities, a LED light saves 80 percent on electric costs. That’s equivalent to 11 years. Even CFLs cannot match that. Unlike CFLs, they also don’t contain mercury so they are safe for the environment.
Obviously, the best choice would be the LED lights. Even though they’re quite expensive on the onset, that cost would be offset eventually when you earn the savings in electric bills and repairs and replacements.