You may be wondering, “What is the difference between a CFL and LED?”. There are some key differences between the two, so we’ll briefly cover them. CFLs rely on mercury and LEDs don’t. LEDs light up instantly and don’t produce audible buzzing noises. CFLs emit light 360 degrees, so a large portion of their light is wasted in the ceiling.
The full name for an LED is a Light Emitting Diode. Its construction differs from that of a normal signal diode. LEDs have a PN junction surrounded by a body of epoxy resin. This body protects the LED from shock and vibration. In addition, LEDs are shaped differently. Some are hemispherical and others are cylindrical. Both have two protruding legs on the bottom of the body. A 5-mm LED’s light output is measured in millicandelas (mcd).
The main difference between a CFL and an LED is the type of light they emit. CFLs produce less heat than LEDs, and they can be used in places where they aren’t needed. The disadvantage of LEDs is that they can be too hot for sensitive fabrics and objects. While LEDs emit more heat than CFLs, they are less heat-producing than other lighting sources. And, unlike CFLs, LEDs are less expensive than CFLs.
The life span of LED products differs from that of other light sources. While CFLs and LEDs don’t burn out, they do experience lumen depreciation. This is a gradual decline in light output. A normal convention is to quote LEDs with a life of L70 (L70) after the reduction in light output. It’s important to understand this difference before making a final decision.
While CFLs and LEDs share the same physical dimensions, they produce different color temperatures. Their CCTs are measured in Kelvins (K), and the warmest light is 5000K. However, LEDs produce a warm-white light that is less efficient. These differences are explained in more detail in the datasheets of both products. If you’re in the market for a new light source, LEDs are the better choice.
In addition to the lumen output, both CFLs and LEDs use the same amount of energy. Hence, it’s important to determine the wattage of both types of light sources. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider the power consumption of the lamps to determine how much energy they save and which one is the most efficient. A good LED will consume less power than a CFL, which is why they’re a better choice for most home use.
