Comparing the Differences of Incandescent and Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting has made a comeback. Compared to incandescent lighting, it has been proven to consume less energy and therefore be most cost-effective for the homeowner and apartment dweller alike. Also, keeping safety in mind, fluorescent lights supply the same amount of light as incandescent lights but typically at a temperature less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes fluorescent lighting not only more economical but safer as well. Let’s look at some of the differences between the two lighting sources and you can see for yourself.

Fluorescent Light Emits Less Heat

As mentioned, fluorescent lighting produces less heat than incandescent bulbs in order to produce light. Electric current runs through a thin filament in an incandescent bulb until it is heated enough to produce light. However, incandescent illumination only produces 10% lighting while the rest of the energy (90%) is emitted as heat. On the other hand, a fluorescent lamp (also known as a gas discharge lamp) uses electricity to excite mercury in order to produce ultraviolet light. Therefore, this type of lighting process uses 75% less energy than incandescent lighting because it doesn’t take a great amount of heat to create light.

Fluorescent Lighting Is Initially More Expensive

Although fluorescent lights are initially more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they are proven, in the long run, to save the consumer on his electricity bill. For example, a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) costs typically around $5.00 where an incandescent bulb runs about $.75 to $1.00. However, a 75-watt incandescent bulb will last around 750 hours while a 20-watt compact fluorescent bulb can last approximately 8,000 hours. Therefore, although it might be more expensive to buy fluorescent lighting at the offset, it proves to be more economical when all is said and done.

Disposal of Incandescent Bulbs Is Easier

Even though fluorescent lighting typically lasts, on the whole, ten times longer than incandescent lighting, it is tougher to dispose of the fluorescent lamps or bulbs. Because they contain, on average, around 5 milligrams of mercury they must be recycled and can’t be randomly disposed of in the trash.

Fluorescent Bulbs Are Safer

Compared to incandescent bulbs, it is a bit more of a hassle to dispose of fluorescent bulbs. Still, you can’t deny the benefits you receive when using fluorescent lighting. Energy consumption is reduced and so is the amount of your electric bill. Because fluorescent bulbs emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, they don’t create the fire hazard the other bulbs do. Also, you’re less likely to get burned when using this type of illumination.

Fluorescent Lighting Now Is Designed to Fit into any Decor

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are now offered which can be readily screwed into most ceiling fixtures or lamps. Therefore, they can be used in most design schemes, whether the decor calls for task lighting or more subtle illumination. Also, the lighting from regular fluorescent tubes can be subdued with cloud fixtures which assist in minimizing the harsh effects that fluorescent lighting, at times, is known to convey.

To improve energy efficiency and lower your electric bill, fluorescent lighting is proving to be a better choice over incandescent lighting when it comes to providing light and enhancing the aesthetics of your apartment, office or home.