AmeriSpec of Fraser Valley

What Type of Energy Efficient Lighting Works for You?

Who thought choosing a light bulb could be so confusing. Currently, the most efficient lighting products available to consumers are Compact Florescent Lighting (CFL’s) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s).

CFL’s have been around longer than LED’s and have been readily available. LED’s are a more recent product for residential applications and continue to evolve.

Both lighting products have their advantages and disadvantages but share one characteristic which is their overall efficiency over their lifespan when compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Before we compare the advantages and disadvantages of both bulbs let’s learn a couple of lighting terms.

Light brightness is measured in Lumens. A traditional 60 watt incandescent light bulb is between 300 and 900 Lumens.

Light colour temperature is measured in Kelvins and a soft white light incandescent is between 2500 -3000 kelvins. The lower the number the softer the colour.

Let’s begin with CFL lighting. CFL lighting has been available to consumers much longer than LED’s. They are up to 75% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Though more expensive than an incandescent bulb they are cheaper than LED’s. CFL’s can last 8,000 to 10,000 hours which is about 10 times the life expectancy of a traditional light bulb. CFL’s do not produce the amount of heat that an incandescent bulb does.  However, drawbacks of CFL bulbs is their fragility and that they contain a small amount of Mercury. These bulbs should be taken to approved re-cycling centres for disposal.

LED lighting is relatively new to the market for residential use. This technology continues to evolve and come down in price. Once hard to find, they now seem to dominate the selection in lighting sections at hardware stores. However, the price remains significantly higher than an incandescent bulb and more costly than a comparable CFL.  The value of the LED is its cost effectiveness over its life span. Like CFL’s they are up to 75% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. What separates them from CFL’s is their longevity. A LED can last up to 25,000 hours which is 3 times longer than a CFL. This is important when replacing bulbs in hard to reach places. Over their lifespan LED’s are the most economical option. LED’s do not contain Mercury, come on immediately and are more readily dimmable. One disadvantage of the LED’s initially was the directional light they provide. Omnidirectional bulbs are available which either employ diffusers or clusters of LED’s to broaden the beam.

Whatever choice of bulb, it is important to make sure that the bulb is appropriate for its application. But going forward it would seem that LED lighting will grow in popularity and dominate lighting selection.

Peter Wright is a Home Inspector for AmeriSpec Fraservalley, providing Home Inspections, Commercial Inspections and Energy Audits in Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.