Are CFLs really energy efficient?

A

antarikshoberoi

New member
Few days ago, I read an article that talked about the ill effects of incandescent light bulbs. So, I decided to replace them with CFLs only to discover that they do not work as efficiently as expected. To add to this I also discovered that it contains toxic substances like mercury and if broken should be handled with care. Totally confused!! Someone recommended that I replace CFLs with LEDs. Do you think it’s a better option?
 
Yes, LEDs are better than CFLs, but not by much. CFLs are quite good.

The Rush Limbaugh anti-eco crowd makes a big deal about the mercury, but geez, just don't drop or break them. You won't be handling them very often, as they last just about forever. (12 bulbs in my house, in 4 years I have replaced ONE.)

Suppose I want "X" amount of light.
With incadescent, it might takes 100 watts.
With CFLs, it might take 24 watts.
With LEDs, it might take 18 watts.
The takeaway point is that both are way better than incandescents, like worlds better. Huge better.
 
Yes, they are much more energy efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. They do contain a small amount of Mercury and therefore should be handled carefully and disposed of at a hazardous waste disposal site. They last quite a long time though, so in my opinion, they are quite worth the extra hassle. One or two trips to my neighborhood hazardous waste drop site every decade isn't a bad price to pay considering how much energy they save. LED lights are still comparatively new, I haven't seen any that are marketed for indoor use (lamps and light fixtures) though I've seen outdoor LED floodlights. They seem to be improving all the time, so maybe this will be the next big thing? LED's are quite efficient too.
 
Back
Top