Which energy saving light bulb is the best for you?
There are quite a few different energy saving bulbs on the market now. But it mainly comes down to three different types, Compact Fluorescents (CFL), Cold Cathode and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDS).
Adding these much more efficient lights to your home can save you thousands of dollars during your home tenure.
In this article we will compare the differences including the initial cost and the cost to operate.
| DETAILS | COMPACT FLUORESCENTS | COLD CATHODE BULBS | LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES |
| DETAILS | -Creates light by heating a gas inside th tubes. -Uses 75 % less electricity and lasts 10 times longer than incandescent. -Comes in many shapes, sizes and wattages, including dimmers and 3 way bulbs. -Contains tiny amounts of mercury; requires hazardous waste disposal. |
-A CFL that operates at room temperature and lasts up to twice as long as a regular CFL -Dimmable; turn on instantly -Comein variety of shapes, sizes and wattages -Fit in standard light socket -Contain tiny amounts of mercury; require hazardous waste disposal |
-Bright-white, focused beam is great for recessed lighting, desk lamps, spotlights. -New designs offer more dispersed light -Are 10 times more efficient that incandescents; 3 times more than CFLs. -Give off little heat; fit into standard light sockets -Contain no mercury |
| LIGHT | 18-watt | 8-watt | EccoLED 7-watt |
| REPLACES | 75-watt bulb | 45-watt bulb | 75-watt bulb |
| COST | $2 to $10 | $7 to $13 | $80 |
| LIFESPAN | 6,000 to 10,000 hours | 18,000 to 25,000 hours | 50,000 hours |
| ELECTRICITY SAVINGS OVER LIFESPAN | $30 | $40 | $350 |