LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights vs. CFLs

What are LEDS?

LEDs, or light–emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current is passed through them.

LEDs are a type of Solid State Lighting (SSL), as are organic light–emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light–emitting polymers (LEPs).

How is LED lighting different than other light sources, such as incandescent and CFL?LED lighting differs from incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting in several ways. When designed well, LED lighting can be more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting.

LED lighting products use light emitting diodes to produce light very efficiently. An electrical current passed through semiconductor material illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs. The heat produced is absorbed into a heat sink.

Common LED colors include amber, red, green, and blue. There is actually no such thing as a “white” LED.

To get white light the kind we use for lighting our homes and offices, different color LEDs are mixed or covered with a phosphor material that converts the color of the light.

The phosphor is the yellow material you can see on some LED products. Colored LEDs are widely used as signal lights and indicator lights, like the power button on a computer.

LEDs are now being incorporated into bulbs and fixtures for general lighting applications. LEDs are small and provide unique design opportunities.

Some LED bulb solutions may look like familiar light bulbs and some may not but can better match the performance of traditional light bulbs.

Some LED light fixtures may have LEDs built–in as a permanent light source.

Energy Efficiency and

Costs

Life Span (Average)

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

50,000 hours 1,200 hours 8,000 hours

Watts of electricity used (equivalent to 60 watt

bulb).

LEDs use less power (watts) per unit of light generated

(lumens). LEDs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

from power plants and lower electric bills

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

6 - 8 watts 60 watts 13-15 watts

Kilo-watts of Electricity used

(30 Incandescent

Bulbs per year equivalent)

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

329 KWh/yr. 3285 KWh/yr. 767 KWh/yr.

Annual Operating Cost

(30 Incandescent

Bulbs per year equivalent)

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

$32.85/year $328.59/year $76.65/year

Environmental Impact

Contains the TOXIC Mercury

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

No NoYes - Mercury is

very toxic to your health and the environment

RoHS Compliant

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

Yes Yes

No - contains 1mg-5mg of

Mercury and is a major risk to the

environment

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

(30 bulbs per year)

Lower energy consumption

decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfur

oxide, and high-level nuclear waste.

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

451 pounds/year

4500 pounds/year

1051 pounds/year

Important Facts

Sensitivity to low

temperatures

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

None Some

Yes - may not work under negative 10

degrees Fahrenheit or over 120

degrees Fahrenheit

Sensitive to humidity

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

No Some Yes

On/off Cycling Switching a CFL

on/off quickly, in a closet for

instance, may decrease the

lifespan of the bulb.

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

No Effect Some Yes - can reduce lifespan drastically

Turns on instantly

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

Yes Yes No - takes time to warm up

Durability

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

Very Durable - LEDs can handle

jarring and bumping

Not Very Durable - glass or filament can

break easily

Not Very Durable - glass can break

easily

Heat Emitted

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

3.4 btu's/hour 85 btu's/hour 30 btu's/hour

Failure Modes

LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents

(CFLs)

Not typical SomeYes - may catch

on fire, smoke, or omit an odor

Light Output

Output LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)

Lumens Watts Watts Watts

450 4-5 40 9-13

800 6-8 60 13-15

1,100 9-13 75 18-25

1,600 16-20 100 23-30

2,600 25-28 150 30-55

For more about LED lighting and our LED energy savings programs for businesses in the Caribbean, visit

http://www.reelcaribbeanenergy.co

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