Are You Up on Your Bulbs in Chicago?
What is the difference between the incandescent, CFL and LED lights? Your Chicago electrician can explain in depth the differences between these types of lighting. He can also help you choose and then install lighting that will best utilize CFLs should you chooses to go that route after you have explored the differences. This includes the differences between costs and energy consumption. For most consumers, this comes down to knowing what their priorities are. Are they concerned about the environment? Do they want a lower price? A case can actually be made that these two are not mutually exclusive. Read here for a brief outline of the differences.
Incandescent
This is the traditional lighting that most people are used to. However, it is inefficient and more costly to use than other types of light. It is made up of thin filaments that are heated as an electric current passes through them. The filaments are inside a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas. As they heat, they produce a glow that creates the light. The lifespan is usually only 1,500 hours.
CFL
CFL stands for compact fluorescent light or lamp. This is really a modified form of the fluorescent lamp. It is made up of a glass-filled tube, sometimes referred to as a bulb, and magnetic or electronic ballast. The CFL uses a very small amount of mercury, which can be very hazardous and present disposal problems. They also tend to be more sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. The lifespan is 10,000 hours. Your Chicago electrician will know where to safely dispose the bulbs once they have burnt out.
LED
LED stands for light emitting diodes. These lights started out as indicator lights for electronic devices. They are actually quite small. It takes a grouping of them to create a bulb. Because they are so energy efficient, there are becoming more popular among Chicago electricians. The lights tend to be slightly less bright than other types of lights. However, the efficiency and durability is the trade-off. The only drawback for people who want to use LEDs in their Chicago homes is that there is a very limited residential market right now. They also have a much higher cost. However, many Chicago electricians see this as a big market in the future.
Costs & Energy
On the surface, the incandescent light bulb wins the competition with the CFL and the LED. The incandescent costs a lot less that a CFL or a LED. However, an electrician will point out that there is more to this than the cost of the bulb. Energy consumption and the life of the bulb must be considered.
The incandescent uses more energy than either the CFL or LED. Also, keep in mind the lifespan. You would be buying incandescent light bulbs more frequently than with CFLs or LEDs. Consult your Chicago electrician about the money saving lighting options available to you.
