According to an article from Brainline, research suggests that approximately 80 to 85 percent of people’s perception, learning, cognition, and activities are influenced by vision. People’s ability to see is intricately linked to the complex interaction between light, eyes, and the brain.
This is why proper lighting is vital to ensure all tasks are done correctly, whether in a commercial or residential setting. Moreover, appropriate lighting can reduce eye fatigue and headaches, preventing accidents and safety hazards.
When deciding which lighting to use, LED lighting vs. fluorescent lighting easily comes to mind. Each of these systems comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Hence, it is essential to evaluate their specifications carefully.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lights are made up of glass tubes connected to fluorescent light ballasts. These tubes are filled with inert mercury vapor.
The creation of fluorescent lights began with Peter Cooper Hewitt, an American electrical engineer and inventor, who started working on mercury tubes in the late 1890s.
But while his innovation was hailed as the first significant technological development in lighting and paved the way for modern fluorescent lamps, Hewitt’s invention emitted blue-green light, which was deemed unattractive and unmarketable.
Advancements in fluorescent bulb technology persisted, and in 1926, French engineer Jacques Risler successfully created a coating for the interior of a fluorescent light. This coating was designed to absorb the mercury-generated light, yielding a more calming and gentle illumination.
Since then, fluorescent bulbs have been in constant improvement, making them one of the leading lighting systems used by many households and offices worldwide.
LED Lighting
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a lighting technology that utilizes a semiconductor to convert electrical energy into light. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that rely on light ballasts, LEDs produce light through the electroluminescence process.
Learn more about electroluminescence here.
LEDs’ first working version came out in 1962 and was invented by Nick Holonyak Jr., an American engineer and general electric scientist.
Through his invention, Holonyak, Jr. recognized the potential of LED lighting technology, which can still be seen today.
This illumination system is prominent for its eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, and versatility features. LEDs are also known to last longer compared to their fluorescent counterparts. As a result, more and more commercial and residential property owners are making the switch.
Which is Better: Fluorescent or LED Lights?
Choosing the right illumination technology for your home or office is a critical step that has significant effects, particularly on energy efficiency and illumination quality.
However, it is understandable that selecting between fluorescent and LED lights can be challenging. Below is a comparison chart between the two options to help you determine which lighting system to use.
|
CATEGORY |
Fluorescent Lights |
LED Lights |
|
Light Efficiency |
Efficient for lighting vast areas |
High light quality
● Low maintenance cost |
|
Lifespan |
Fluorescent lights can last around 6,000 to 15,000 hours, making their lifespan longer than incandescent lights |
LED lights come in extremely long lifespan and can last up to 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
|
|
Energy Efficiency |
They are more efficient than traditional incandescent lights but subpar compared to LED. |
They are highly efficient and can convert a high percentage of electricity into visible light, reducing energy consumption. |
|
Mercury Content |
Fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury, which requires proper disposal to prevent environmental contamination. |
LED lights do not contain mercury, making them environmentally friendly and easier to dispose of compared to fluorescent lights. |
|
Directional Light Output |
Fluorescent lights are omnidirectional, which means they emit light in all directions, leading to more wasteful light dispersion. |
LEDs emit light in a specific direction, which can be advantageous for applications where focused illumination is needed. |
|
UV Lights Emission |
Fluorescent lights emit a small amount of UV rays |
LEDs do generate a small amount of UV, but the amount is further minimized due to its phosphors. |
|
Cost |
Fluorescent lights are generally less expensive upfront but have higher operational costs due to higher energy consumption and shorter lifespan. |
LED lights may have higher upfront costs but offer energy savings and longer lifespan, leading to lower overall expenses in the long run. |
With this chart highlighting the pros and cons of each option, it is evident that LED lights are the better choice. Their superior energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and versatility make them stand out for various lighting needs.
Where to Get Quality LED Lights?
The advantages of LED lights are convincing more and more people to switch. This increasing demand has urged many light suppliers to add LED lights to their product selection. In the sea of these light vendors, Lightforce Corporation is a name you can truly trust.
Having amassed more than ten years of experience, we have long solidified our name as a reliable LED lights supplier Philippines. And with the imminent launch of our newest product, the SIMON light bulb, we promise to deliver you the best quality LED lights.
Check our products here!