Which is better: LED lamps or energy-saving ones? LED lamps: How they differ from conventional lamps and how to choose the best one

The TSN-Electro company presents a whole series of innovative LED luminaires LEDEO various purposes: LED lamps for interior spaces; for housing and communal services, street lighting, industry, etc., as well as domestic use.

Currently, ordinary incandescent lamps are gradually becoming a thing of the past. First of all, this is due to the development of progress, and, consequently, new technologies that are gaining popularity in the field of lighting. What technological innovations are now an alternative to standard lighting systems?

Firstly, these are fluorescent (or energy-saving gas-discharge light bulbs), which gained great popularity after the ban on the production and sale of conventional incandescent light bulbs. Secondly, a significant alternative to energy-saving LED bulbs.

What is the difference between energy-saving and LED light bulbs?

What lighting should you choose to solve this problem once and for all and never return to it?

Energy-saving gas-discharge light bulbs, while cost-effective, are not environmentally friendly. If energy-saving lamps are handled carelessly, mercury vapor is released from a damaged or destroyed bulb, which can cause severe poisoning. In a standard room without ventilation, due to damage to one energy-saving lamp, the maximum permissible concentration of mercury may be briefly exceeded by more than 160 times.

The situation is even more dangerous when such a lamp breaks, and mercury vapor ends up in the air, and the fragments are scattered over a large area. Disposal of fluorescent lamps is also a problem, which requires special landfills and, therefore, additional funds. Manufacturers of energy-saving lamps do not inform the population about such “details” at all.

“Currently, due to the lack of a centralized collection and recycling network and poor awareness of citizens, used lamps are thrown away along with ordinary garbage and subsequently placed in solid household waste landfills, which is unacceptable,” says Rospotrebnadzor. Thus, we can conclude that the development of compact luminescent technology has very dubious prospects due to its danger to human life and the environment, and the field itself, by and large, is a technology of yesterday.

From this point of view, it is more appropriate to develop LED lighting, and its use not only in industrial or street lighting, but also in household lighting.

And here it is worth noting the main factor that scares away consumers - the high level of initial costs when purchasing an LED light bulb. The question arises: is this technology economical with such a high initial investment?

Let's compare: the average price of an ordinary energy-saving light bulb is about 200 rubles, the payback is about a year, the service life is about 5000-6000 hours. The simplest LED lamp costs about 600 rubles, the payback period is 2.5 years, the service life is from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. You might think that an LED light bulb is less economical than an energy-saving light bulb, since it has a higher price. But it is not so.

When calculating efficiency, it is worth taking into account not only the initial costs of purchasing a light bulb, but also how much electricity it consumes. So, an analogue of a 60-watt incandescent light bulb would be a 15-watt energy-saving light bulb and a 6-watt LED light bulb. That is, an LED light bulb saves energy, and, consequently, money more than twice.

When comparing, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that energy-saving light bulbs are absolutely unreliable: they do not tolerate voltage fluctuations and have a complex design that constantly breaks down. Only a small percentage of these lamps survive to the end of their intended service life. Thus, you will have to constantly buy new light bulbs to replace - no savings, just waste, right?

Progress does not stand still. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the new products that surround us. It seems only recently that incandescent lamps were practically the only known source of light in our homes. And now they have practically been forgotten. Modern energy-saving ones have appeared. Before they had time to properly study the new product, they had competitors - LEDs. Which lamp is better to choose for your home – LED or energy-saving? Let's make a comparison, considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both lamps.

To make comparisons easier, you need to consider all the characteristics of LED and energy-saving lamps. In addition to technical characteristics, price, service life, environmental friendliness and safety play an important role.

An energy-saving lamp is a sealed flask containing argon and mercury vapor. When voltage is applied, mercury emits ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light passes through a phosphor-coated bulb and produces a luminous flux.

The principle of glow in an energy-saving lamp

Light-emitting diode lamp (LED) – LEDs connected in series. A chain of LEDs is connected to a current stabilizer. The number of LEDs may vary. The more there are, the brighter the luminous flux.

Operating principle of LED lamp

Power consumption

First, you need to understand that the main thing when choosing lamps is the luminous flux, which is measured in lumens, although according to the meter we pay for Watts. Illumination depends on the number of lumens, not on power. With the same luminous intensity, LED lamps consume five times less energy than energy-saving lamps. That is, they are much more economical. 3 Watts of an LED lamp corresponds to 15 Watts of an energy-saving lamp. With the constant rise in electricity prices, this characteristic has a great influence on the choice of buyers.

And one more difference - to achieve full power, an energy-saving lamp needs time to heat up to a certain temperature. This creates certain inconveniences. LED does not require heating; it gains full power immediately when voltage is applied.

Color spectrum

Both lamps can operate in a different color spectrum - from warm yellow to cool blue. The color of the glow can be determined by color temperature. This characteristic is measured in Kelvin. The value is indicated on the packaging (for example - 4300K). The more Kelvins, the cooler the light.

Light temperature determines the color of the lamp's glow

However, it is necessary to take into account that the color spectrum may differ from different manufacturers. For cheap Chinese companies, the luminous flux characteristics indicated on the packaging do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, it is better to choose quality products from trusted suppliers. When checking, be sure to pay attention to the color of the glow. Be sure to check all lamps you buy.

It is very important that lamps with the same glow color are installed in the same room. Otherwise, vision problems may occur. Vision is also affected by the presence of flicker. It is better to choose devices with minimal flicker.

High-quality LED lamps with high-quality driver components (current source) do not flicker. For residential buildings, doctors recommend using “warm”, natural light.

Durability

Energy saving lamps are durable. They can work up to 12 thousand hours. But when compared with LEDs, they lose. Manufacturers give them a guarantee of 50 thousand hours.

LED lamps are less sensitive to voltage changes. This happens often in our homes. In addition, the voltage there does not always correspond to the standard 220V. Their durability does not depend on the temperature in the house and the frequency of switching on and off. They are resistant to mechanical damage. With proper use, the luminous flux remains virtually unchanged over time. But with a low-quality driver and cooling, it may decrease.

Disadvantages of LED include sensitivity to high temperatures. Energy savers win this comparison. The more power, the more heating. LEDs require constant cooling. But we learned to deal with it. A high-quality heat sink can solve this problem. A radiator is usually used for cooling. But recently a new product appeared on the market - with liquid cooling.

Therefore, according to this criterion, the comparison is in favor of LED. But the durability of any equipment also depends on the integrity of the manufacturer. Therefore, for your home, it is better to choose products from well-known brands with a long warranty period. If problems arise, you can always replace the defective product.

Environmental friendliness

The main disadvantage of energy-saving lamps is the presence of mercury. They require very careful handling, since if the flask breaks, mercury vapor will be released into the room.

This may harm your health. It is especially important to ensure that the flasks do not fall into the hands of children. This deficiency creates a disposal problem. They can be thrown away only in special containers. But, as a rule, none of the sellers warns about this. In addition, not all houses have places for disposal of mercury-containing waste.

LED lamps do not have this drawback. They are safe, do not contain harmful substances, and can be thrown into a regular garbage disposal.

Appearance

Energy-saving lamps are produced in only two types - in the form of the letter U and spiral. The most commonly used are spiral ones. They fit almost all chandeliers and sconces. The sockets come in small E14 and large E27. But the spiral does not look good in all chandeliers. In addition, spotlights have recently become widespread. You can't put a spiral in them. U-shaped lamps are much cheaper, but they cannot be used in all lighting devices. Their use in homes is limited.

But the variety of LED lamps allows you to choose exactly what you need. They are produced both similar to ordinary incandescent lamps and to candles. They come in round and elongated, large and small, with and without a diffuser.

Flat lamps have a small beam angle. Therefore, they are best used for spot lighting devices. For chandeliers, the option with a diffusing bulb is more suitable. For lamps with lampshades, floor lamps - without a diffuser (for example, in the form of corn).

LEDs are suitable for ordinary chandeliers and spotlights, for residential premises and bathrooms, in apartments and country houses. In addition, they are produced not only with base E14 and E27, but also GU10, MR16.

Prices

LED lamps are more expensive than energy-saving lamps. But recently their prices have begun to decline slightly. But still, price is one of the most important factors influencing our choice. Replacing all the lighting in an apartment at the same time will cost quite a decent amount. And not everyone can calculate what will happen there in a few years.

Manufacturers

Since LED lamps appeared on store shelves relatively recently, it is still difficult to determine which manufacturer is the leader.

When comparing different brands, we can mention OSRAM, PHILIPS. But IKEA lighting devices have also proven themselves well. Domestic manufacturers are also not lagging behind, for example the ERA and COSMOS brands. It is definitely impossible to say that all Chinese manufacturers produce low-quality goods. There are also quite reputable Chinese companies on the market. The choice is yours.

It is not advisable to purchase products with a long warranty period from online stores. It is possible to replace a low-quality product, but it will require a lot of effort. Therefore, it is better to purchase lamps in a retail store.

So, we can conclude that it is better to give preference to LED lamps. In addition to saving energy, they also have a number of advantages: durability, variety of types, safety, and environmental friendliness. But, however, the choice is a personal matter for everyone.

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You pay a lot of money for electricity and are thinking about how to save money. For economic benefits, you need to decide which lamps to install in your home and office - LED or energy-saving. Incandescent lamps may not be considered at all, since they are already a thing of the past. The main thing is to understand the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps, so that they become a cost-effective and safe solution for your health.

1 difference - economic benefit

You will save about 100 rubles per month when installing an LED lamp. At the same time, the energy-saving option will save only 22 rubles in the family or business budget. Imagine how much you can save in a year!

On average, an energy-saving light bulb costs 200 rubles and pays for itself in 1 year. At the same time, its LED alternative costs 600 rubles. It pays for itself in 2.5 years. Do you think you should go with the first option? You are wrong! The service life of lamps of the first type is only 5,000 - 6,000 hours, and lamps of the second type (more advanced) are 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

2 difference - safe use

Unfortunately, energy-saving light bulbs contain substances that are toxic to humans - mercury and phosphorus. At the slightest damage to the flask, when you turn them on, they begin to release mercury vapor into the confined space. If you do not ventilate the room every 20-30 minutes, the concentration of mercury will gradually exceed the maximum permissible standards by 120-160 times. If you break such a light bulb, leave the room immediately, but before doing so, open the window for ventilation.

LEDs do not contain chemical compounds, so they do not cause severe poisoning. They are completely recyclable and are thrown away with regular trash. While fluorescent lamps must be disposed of in special plants.

This is a safe solution for three reasons:

they do not hum during operation and do not create background noise;
do not flicker or strain the eye muscles, so you will maintain your sharp vision;
They work at the lowest temperatures and can be left outside, in the country house and in the cottage.

3 difference - reliable operation

LED lamps can withstand voltage fluctuations and do not break during surges - from 110 to 270 volts. That is why they serve for so long to those who chose them.

The “Energy Saving Alternative” does not start at all and refuses to work at low voltage. These words will be confirmed by summer residents. They complain that you won't see any savings with such lighting equipment. You have to buy new lamps, because they quickly become unusable due to their complex and frail design.

You will adjust the light level when installing the LED bulb. It will adapt to your needs and preferences. You will never regret buying it for your home or office if you are not put off by its high cost. Think about how much money it will save you.

Incandescent lamps are rapidly losing their former popularity, and they are being replaced by new, more technologically advanced lighting devices. This happens for the simple reason of unacceptably high energy consumption. Therefore, today fluorescent, which is popularly called energy-saving, and LED (or LED, from English light-emitting diode) lamps are in great demand. But, despite the wealth of information about each type of light bulb, many are interested in an expert answer to the question of their differences. So what is the difference between an LED light bulb and an energy-saving one? Let's figure it out.

The popular name for fluorescent lamps (FL) is not entirely correct; LED lamps are also energy-saving. Moreover, different types of energy-saving lamps may differ in appearance and be based on completely different physical principles of operation. But, for easier understanding of the article, we will use the name that is well-established among the people.

Safety

The main aspect in choosing any product is the issue of safety, which directly depends on the physical principles of operation and design of the product. There is mercury vapor inside an energy-saving lamp, so damage to the glass bulb can lead to human poisoning. But, in addition to highly toxic mercury, many experts consider their ultraviolet radiation dangerous, which negatively affects the retina.

In addition, expired LL is considered hazardous waste and requires special disposal.
The main difference between an LED lamp and an energy-saving lamp, in terms of safety, is the absence of any harmful substances. Moreover, LED light bulbs can be produced without the use of a glass bulb, which significantly increases the mechanical strength of the structure.

Life time

Long service life means maintaining all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. If we compare only high-quality products, then an LED lamp lasts on average about 30 thousand hours, and a LL lamp lasts only about 8 thousand. If we compare with conventional incandescent light bulbs, then the gain for LEDs is approximately 45 times, for LLs and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) approximately 8 times.
Another difference between energy-saving lamps and lighting is a noticeable reduction in the operating life of the lamp when switched on and off frequently.

Economic benefit

LED lamps also differ in energy consumption. To create the same luminous flux as from a tungsten filament, a CFL will require approximately 5 times less electricity, and an LED approximately 8 times less.

The production of LED lighting sources is a rather young, not entirely established direction. Therefore, the cost of high-quality LED devices is quite high (as of January 2017, the average price in Russia is 350 rubles). The production of CFLs has long been established, and the average cost of the product is approximately 3 times lower. But, as mentioned above, the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting sources is their longer service life, which compensates for the costs in the long term of use.

Rising electricity prices force people to save in areas where they had not even thought about expenses before. For example, the replacement of incandescent lamps has become widespread. There are much more economical light sources - fluorescent and LED. But how to decide which ones to install - energy-saving or LED lamps? To make a decision, you need to compare their characteristics. And it's better to do it objectively.

Which ones are more economical?

The name “energy saving” has taken root in our country in relation to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). At the time of their widespread use, they were the most economical. Especially if you compare them with conventional incandescent lamps, housekeepers consume 3-4 times less energy. Later they began to “promote” LED light sources. They consume even less electricity, which means they are the most economical.

To see the difference, look at the table. It shows the power consumption of LED, fluorescent lamps and those familiar to us with tungsten filament. They all have the same (or almost) lumen output, but as you can see, the power consumption is very different. A 3 W LED lamp is equal in light power to a 7 W energy saving lamp or a 20 W incandescent lamp. A 5 W diode lamp will replace a 12-13 watt “housekeeper” or a 40 watt incandescent. These are averaged data, since the indicators vary somewhat among different manufacturers, but, in general, the proportions remain the same.

Incandescent lamps	Luminescent and energy saving	LED	Light flow
20 W	5-7 W	2-3 W	250 lm
40 W	10-13 W	4-5 W	400 lm
60 W	15-16 W	6-10 W	700 lm
75 W	18-20 W	10-12 W	900 lm
100 W	25-30 W	12-15 W	1200 lm
150 W	40-50 W	18-20 W	1800 lm
200 W	60-80 W	25-30W	2500 lm

Just from this table alone it is easy to say that energy-saving or LED lamps are the most economical. But this is not all the advantages of LED technology. Let's talk about them further (as well as about the shortcomings, however).

Life time

If we talk about service life, the average for energy-saving ones is 10,000 hours. For LEDs this figure is higher: on average - 30,000 hours, but there are requests from manufacturers for 50-60 thousand hours of operation.

It seems that LED lamps are the leaders here, but there is one nuance. Both technologies have a rather significant drawback: over time, their glow intensity gradually decreases. The so-called “burnout” occurs. In this regard, it is worth focusing not on the stated operating time, but on the warranty period. It more accurately reflects the actual position. After all, if something happens to the lamp at this time, the manufacturer will have to replace the device with a new one. The less often such cases happen, the better. That is why manufacturers tend to underestimate the warranty period, since they bear financial responsibility.

And if you compare energy-saving and LED lamps in terms of warranty period, there is also a difference. For LEDs the average is 3 years, for housekeepers - 1 year. There are more/less, but these are specific. So here, too, when comparing whether energy-saving or LED lamps are better, the best is LED technology.

Dimensions and appearance

Everyone knows the type and size of energy-saving lamps. This is a tube with a phosphor twisted into a complex spiral. The most compact ones can fit into a medium-sized lampshade, but in most cases they stick out from ordinary lamps, and with built-in ones they don’t look so great at all.

LED lamps can have very small sizes. A three-watt crystal can be made in the form of a circle with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm. And this is the equivalent of an energy-saving device of 7 W, which has a minimum size of 32 * 79 mm. Such miniature sizes of LEDs make it possible to make recessed lamps with a very small thickness - 2 cm or less. And this is with a radiator to remove the heat that the LEDs emit during operation. Such small sizes allow them to be built into furniture or to lower suspended and suspended ceilings to a very small height.

If we talk about the more familiar format - with a flask, then the shape and size of the flask can be completely different. This part is optional - the LED does not require a vacuum or a specific gas environment. So this is rather a tribute to tradition. There are bulbless lamps that are called “corn” lamps for their characteristic appearance. Their service life is determined by the quality of the LEDs, and not by the integrity of the shell, which, in fact, does not exist. You can even assemble lighting altogether from individual LEDs on a metal radiator plate or even without it. In general, both the size and appearance of LED lamps can be different. And here, when deciding whether energy-saving or LED lamps are better, we certainly come to the conclusion that LED lamps are better - they can be almost invisible, and can have any shape and size.

Convenience and safety of use

Everyone knows that in fluorescent lamps the tubes are filled with phosphor, which begins to glow under certain conditions. It takes some time to create these conditions. Sometimes it is almost unnoticeable, and sometimes the delay after turning on can be a second or even a little more. This is not the most pleasant phenomenon to put up with. LED lamps light up immediately after voltage is applied. They are certainly better at this.

Today, more and more people are trying to make lighting with the ability to change the light intensity. This is achieved either by a complex circuit with a large number of switches, or by a small device that allows you to smoothly change the level of glow. But the fact is that not all lamps can work with a dimmer. Energy savers cannot. They need a certain voltage level and its shape, and the dimmer distorts the shape. But some LED lamps can work with this device. Just look for dimmable ones when choosing LED bulbs. This ability is indicated in the technical specifications. The downside is that such light sources with equal characteristics are more expensive.

Another point in favor of LED lamps. Their flask (if there is one) is made of impact-resistant plastic. Energy-saving fluorescent lamps are made of glass. Moreover, damage to the tube is fatal - the light source stops working. In addition, some (cheap) housekeepers contain mercury vapor, so a damaged glass tube with phosphor can cause serious harm to health. This also leads to difficulties with recycling - special enterprises are needed to recycle such lighting devices.

And the last point regarding ease of use - it is impossible to restore either an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp after failure. If damaged, they completely lose their functionality. LED lamps usually consist of a number of crystals located on the body. When one or more crystals fail, the luminous flux decreases, but light is still emitted, albeit in smaller quantities. In addition, if desired, you can replace the burnt out elements, restoring the previous brightness.

So, when deciding whether energy-saving or LED lamps are better in terms of ease of use, we see that LED lamps are more practical and safe.

Prices and yet what is better...

Everyone knows that LED lamps are more expensive. This is perhaps the only point where fluorescent lamps are ahead. But today the price difference is not as great as before. They are already almost equal. If we take, for example, light sources from the same manufacturer with the same equivalent (or almost the same) in relation to incandescent lamps, then the prices are almost identical.

Here, even the LED price is lower. True, the color temperature is different...

For example, lamps from Camelion (Chamelion). Energy saving lamp - LH15-FS-T2-M/864/E14 is the equivalent of a 75 W incandescent lamp, costs 160-225 rubles. LED lamp - Camelion LED8-C35/830/E27 (also equivalent to 75 W incandescent) - 170-230 rubles. Both series are basic, without any special bells and whistles, and if you take into account the savings on electricity (8 W versus 15 W) and service life (10,000 hours and 30,000 hours) and all the other “goodies”, then there is even no question “which is better, energy-saving or LED lamps" does not occur. The solution is probably clear - LED lights are more economical, easy to use and durable. They are best installed instead of incandescent lamps.

But a lot of information has recently appeared in the press and on the Internet that LEDs are harmful - they emit a harmful spectrum and flicker. There is no confirmed data about the spectrum, but luminescent ones flicker, flicker. But they always flicker, and there are LEDs without ripples, they just cost much more. In general, the decision is yours.

All over the world there is a clear trend towards the transition to energy-saving lighting sources. The most economical ones today are fluorescent and LED lamps. Let's make a comparison and determine which light sources are better - LED or energy-saving?

There are also metal halide light sources, which have a luminous efficiency at the level of LEDs, but the high price of ballasts precludes their widespread use. Their destiny is lighting sources with a luminous flux of tens of thousands of lumens.

To understand which light bulbs are better, LED or energy-saving, let’s look at their key features.

Design Features

Despite their external similarity, LED and energy-saving lamps have significant structural differences. What is the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps?

First of all, the difference is in the principle of obtaining the light flux.

LEDs use LEDs of an open design or placed in a plastic flask as a light emitter. The energy saving device has a glass tube filled with a special gas and coated on the inside with a phosphor.

Accordingly, LEDs are much more resistant to mechanical stress.

To ignite a fluorescent lamp on a spiral, it is necessary to apply a short-term high-voltage discharge, and at low voltage in the network they may not light up.

Mercury is used in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps. Such products require special disposal methods. In Europe, there is an administrative penalty for throwing energy-saving lamps into the trash bin.

Bottom line: LED lamps are better in terms of design features

Comparison by light output efficiency

Click to enlarge

If we compare the ratio of energy consumption and luminous flux, LEDs have a better ratio. Thus, an energy-saving device with a power of 13W gives a luminous flux of about 700 lumens, the power of LEDs with the same luminous flux is 7-9W.

It should be taken into account that over time, for all gas-discharge light sources, the luminous flux indicators decrease. The answer to the question of which lamps are more economical, LED or energy-saving, is obvious.

The savings of LED lamps compared to energy-saving lamps, even without taking into account the service life, are at least twofold.

Let's compare service life

According to the passport data, the service life of an energy-saving lamp is 15,000-20,000 hours, and that of an LED lamp is 35,000 hours. As practice shows, the real indicators of “energy-saving” companies are much worse.

When calculating the lifetime of a gas-discharge lamp, the manufacturer takes ideal conditions: the number of on/off switches during the day is no more than five, the absence of temperature and voltage changes.

In an average apartment, even if the light bulb is not located in a public place, such as a toilet or bathroom, its lifespan rarely exceeds 5000-6000 hours. And if you consider that in a couple of years the luminous flux will decrease by 30% and even less.

High-quality LEDs, providing stable voltage and current, last much longer.

How is the service life of a product determined?

For any industrial product, a load test is carried out. For shoes, for example, a robotic leg takes one hundred thousand steps, after which wear is assessed, similarly, any device with mechanical loads is examined.

For LEDs, they organize a multi-month marathon with continuous switching on/off and supplying increased current. Based on the results of such tests, the predicted service life of the LED can reach one hundred thousand hours.

Aging factor

Any gas-discharge lamp, including a fluorescent lamp, decreases in brightness during operation. This is caused by the evaporation of tungsten from the spirals and the burnout of the phosphor covering the inside of the glass bulb.

Bottom line: In terms of service life, LED lights are better.

Is it possible to control the brightness (dimming)

Dimming – controlling the brightness of a light source. LEDs allow you to change the brightness over a wide range. It is impossible to reduce the brightness of a gas-discharge lamp by reducing the voltage.

For these purposes, quite expensive high-frequency electronic ballasts are used. Changes in brightness are achieved by passing pulses with a frequency of about 50 kHz. With this mode of operation, the life of the device is significantly reduced.

Colorful temperature

According to these indicators, energy-saving and LED lamps are twins. Both have gradations of warm white, neutral white, cool white light.

Color rendering index

And again LEDs are better. An ordinary fluorescent lamp has a smaller emission spectrum than an LED. Only energy-saving devices with a three-component phosphor, like LEDs, have an index of 80-90; in other models, the color rendering index is 60-80.

Bottom line: LED lights can freely adjust their brightness. Energy saving lamps - no. LED bulbs have the advantage.

Comparison of resistance to adverse factors

When used in rooms with high humidity or dust, the service life of energy-saving paws is significantly reduced. What is the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving ones?

LEDs are practically not afraid of contamination and mechanical cleaning of the surface. At the same time, the bulb of a gas-discharge lamp categorically does not accept touching. When installing a new energy-saving device, it is recommended to screw it into the socket without touching the glass bulb.

True, there is one interesting phenomenon: at very low temperatures, incandescent lamps show incomparably better results. I recommend checking out the experiment:

Price comparison

The price of an LED lamp is definitely higher. Even despite the constant reduction in the cost of LED production.

Final table comparing LED and energy-saving lamps

As we can see, the only criterion by which energy-saving light sources are better is low base cost. But it should be taken into account that energy costs during operation will significantly exceed the difference in cost. So, despite the cost, LED lamps are better than energy-saving ones.

Differences between energy-saving LED lamps and incandescent lamps. What is the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps?

Differences between LED and energy-saving light bulbs

Overview of the differences between energy-saving and LED lamps

Currently, more lighting sources have appeared, and each type positions itself as the brightest, most economical and most comfortable for the eyes. Let’s try to understand this diversity and look at how LED lamps differ from energy-saving lamps.

LED lamps and their features

First of all, let's define an LED lamp - it is a solid-state lighting source, the operating principle of which is based on receiving light emission when electricity passes through a certain zone of semiconductors. Thus, LEDs can be defined as semiconductors,

designed to emit light flux. Their operating principle differs significantly from all other types of lamps.

Features of compact energy-saving lamps

Energy-saving lamps are lighting sources that, while consuming minimal voltage, provide maximum light output. That is, in fact, these are low-voltage lamps, the principle of operation of which can correspond to the principle of a linear-type fluorescent lamp, on the principle of an LED lamp, on the principle of a fluorescent or even halogen lamp.

Types of energy saving lamps

Thus, it can be argued that energy-saving lamps can be of different types, and this is why they differ from each other. Energy-saving lamps are called energy-saving lamps because they require a minimum of electricity to operate, and at the same time they last several times longer than incandescent lamps. Strictly speaking, only fluorescent lamps can be called energy-saving.

What are the similarities and differences between energy-saving and LED lamps? What technical and operational characteristics do both types of lamps have? And which lamps are still better? Let's try to answer these questions by first considering such a parameter as brightness, which is measured in lumens and characterizes the performance of the lighting source.

Comparative brightness of LED and energy-saving lamps

For comparison, let's take a simple 100W incandescent lamp - its brightness is 1700lm. The 13W low voltage LED lamp produces 1000lm, while the 13W energy saving fluorescent lamp produces 800lm. Thus, we see that at the same voltage, the LED lamp provides brighter illumination. At the same time, we take into account that the voltage of the lamp is its electricity consumption; therefore, the economic factor is confirmed for both types of lamps, but the energy-saving one will still be a little dimmer.

Differences in heat transfer between energy-saving and LED light bulbs

The next parameter for comparison is heat transfer. It is important for many reasons: preserving furniture, maintaining normal temperature conditions in the room, preserving equipment. So, LED lamps have the lowest incandescent temperature - the heat dissipation of the same 13W light bulb is 30.5C, while an energy-saving lamp of the same voltage has a heat dissipation of 81.7C. Of course, this is nothing compared to the heat transfer of a 100W incandescent lamp - 168.5C, but in any case, this indicator for an LED lamp is more attractive.

Service life of LED and energy-saving lamps

The third parameter is the duration of lamp operation. Many people know that an energy-saving lamp is designed for 8,000 hours of operation, but few people know that one hundred LED lamps will last much longer, since they are designed for 50,000 hours of operation. Again, for comparison: a 100W incandescent lamp will only last 750 hours. At the same time, energy-saving lamps tend to dim over time and lose brightness, while LED lamps retain all parameters until their expiration date - that is, very, very long time.

Comparative safety of recycling energy-saving and LED lamps

As for recycling after the end of their service life, here too LED lamps retain the laurels of primacy, since they can simply be thrown away, just like incandescent lamps. But you can’t just throw away energy-saving lamps, because the bulb of the lamp is filled with mercury vapor, which, when evaporated, pollutes the atmosphere, freely leaks into water and earth, poisoning them too. Therefore, they must be disposed of only according to certain rules.

Benefits of using LED bulbs

Thus, it is quite obvious that LED lamps are the most profitable in all respects: they retain the quality of energy saving, consuming a minimum of electricity, and at the same time they work tens of times longer than any other lamp. Modern manufacturers produce a wide range of such lamps, as well as lamps for them.

Certain similarities between energy-saving and LED light bulbs

As for energy-saving lamps, they are also in great demand because they provide high-quality color flux, which is very comfortable for the eyes, and at the same time also retain the energy-saving function. In principle, LED and energy-saving lamps are similar in this regard, and their costs are not too different. The main thing is that these lamps are interchangeable, because the manufacturers took care to match the base of any lamp and the lamp sockets for them.

Interchangeability of LED and energy-saving lamps

Currently, the interchangeability of lighting sources is fundamental for manufacturers, and therefore almost all lamps are produced with different base sizes, including two standard solutions. In this case, an energy-saving lamp may look like an incandescent lamp with a frosted bulb.

The fact is that modern fluorescent lamps, which are energy-saving by their operating principle, are manufactured in a special way: a thin luminescent tube is enclosed in a quartz bulb, which in shape and size is absolutely identical to a conventional incandescent lamp and is screwed into a standard electric socket.

Gradual complete replacement of energy-saving lamps with LEDs

LED lamps can also have a similar shape, and therefore it is impossible to be sure of the type of lamp by simple inspection, but you should check the information on the packaging, which indicates the voltage rating of the lamp, its type, and other useful information including the life of the lamp . It should also be taken into account that the non-standard original shape of the lamp increases its cost not because it has any improvements, but precisely because of the shape, the production of which is expensive. But the faster and more manufacturers improve the LED light bulb, the more attractive its price becomes. So very soon we will witness a complete replacement of all types of lamps with LED ones.

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What is the difference between an LED lamp and an energy-saving lamp?

Operating principle

The principle of glow in an energy-saving lamp

Light-emitting diode lamp (LED) – LEDs connected in series. A chain of LEDs is connected to a current stabilizer. The number of LEDs may vary. The more there are, the brighter the luminous flux.

Operating principle of LED lamp

Power consumption

Color spectrum

Both lamps can operate in a different color spectrum - from warm yellow to cool blue. The color of the glow can be determined by the color temperature. This characteristic is measured in Kelvin. The value is indicated on the packaging (for example - 4300K). The more Kelvins, the cooler the light.

Light temperature determines the color of the lamp's glow

High-quality LED lamps with high-quality driver components (current source) do not flicker. For residential buildings, doctors recommend using “warm”, natural light.

Durability

Energy saving lamps are durable. They can work up to 12 thousand hours. But when compared with LEDs, they lose. Manufacturers give them a guarantee of 50 thousand hours.

The disadvantages of LEDs include sensitivity to high temperatures. Energy savers win this comparison. The more power, the more heating. LEDs require constant cooling. But we learned to deal with it. A high-quality heat sink can solve this problem. A radiator is usually used for cooling. But recently a new product appeared on the market - with liquid cooling.

Environmental friendliness

The main disadvantage of energy-saving lamps is the presence of mercury. They require very careful handling, since if the flask breaks, mercury vapor will be released into the room.

LED lamps do not have this drawback. They are safe, do not contain harmful substances, and can be thrown into a regular garbage disposal.

Appearance

LEDs are suitable for ordinary chandeliers and spotlights, for living spaces and bathrooms, in apartments and country houses. In addition, they are produced not only with base E14 and E27, but also GU10, MR16.

Prices

Manufacturers

Since LED lamps appeared on store shelves relatively recently, it is still difficult to determine which manufacturer is the leader.

Comparison of incandescent, LED and energy-saving lamps. Distinctions and differences between lamps

Over the years, numerous LED lamp manufacturers have tried to make a light bulb that performs just like a good old incandescent lamp, while retaining all the features of LED lamps: low energy consumption, low heat dissipation and low heat output, resulting in energy saving lamps or compact fluorescent lamps. . Let's compare LED and energy-saving lamps, as well as incandescent lamps, in more detail.

Obviously, the first factor that comes to mind when we compare lamp performance is brightness, which is measured in lumens (lm). A 100W traditional incandescent bulb will output 1700 lumens, a 13W energy saving bulb will output approximately 800 lumens, while a 13W LED will output 1000 lumens. Let's calculate the efficiency by dividing the luminous flux by the power required to power the lamp: incandescent lamps - 17 lm/W, energy-saving lamps - 62.5 lm/W and LED lamps - 76.9 lm/W.

Heat transfer comparison

Heat dissipation is an important factor for many, especially for buyers of large quantities of lamps for large objects. If you are purchasing lamps for your home, you should also consider this factor, regardless of the scale of the installation. Tests show that 100W incandescent lamps heat up to 168.5 degrees, energy-saving lamps heat up to 81.7 degrees, and LED lamps heat up to 30.5 degrees. LED lamps have by far the lowest incandescent temperatures and risk of fire.

LED lamps have a service life of more than 50,000 hours, but in most cases they burn much longer. This is an excellent result compared to 8000 hours for energy-saving lamps and 750 hours for conventional incandescent lamps. Many large commercial companies are switching to LED bulbs only because they have huge replacement costs for incandescent bulbs due to their low lifespan.

Environmental impact

Energy-saving lamps cannot be recycled like typical incandescent or LED lamps because they contain mercury, which will leach into the soil and water if they are simply thrown into a landfill. They also emit greenhouse gases when used and disposed of. LED and incandescent bulbs are safe, and many of the materials in LED bulbs can be recycled.

Important facts

LED lamps	Incandescent lamps	Energy-saving lamps
	No	some
Sensitivity to humidity	No	some	Yes
	Does not affect	For some
Instant on	Yes	Yes	No - it takes time to warm up
Strength	Very durable - can be shaken	Not very durable - glass or thread can break easily	Not very durable - glass can be easily broken
Thermal radiation	3.4 BTU/hour	85 BTU/hour	30 BTU/hour

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Which light bulbs are better: LED or energy-saving?

The constant increase in tariffs for utilities, including electricity, contributes to the search for more economical ways to use energy resources. Craftsmen are starting to build incredible systems and mechanisms that help stop the movement of the meter, they manage to come up with “left-handed” sockets, and so on. However, everything is simple, as they say in plain sight. The largest area of energy savings is on lighting. Few people realize that constantly moving from room to room, with the lights on, adds extra kW to the bill.

Therefore, it is better to think about changing small elements. For example, replace incandescent lamps with alternative energy sources - LEDs and energy-saving lamps.

By the way, Europe has not used incandescent lamps for a long time. Increasingly, they offer fluorescent and LED alternatives to indoor lighting.

The essence of LED lamp

In everyday life, an LED light bulb is a very powerful energy carrier with minimal consumption. This is a promising investment in order to reduce electricity bills. The LED is the most promising analogue of an incandescent lamp. The advantages of LED lighting are its fire safety, reliability and environmental friendliness. The undoubted advantage of LED lamps is that they do not require special disposal methods.

The LED is designed for 11 years of uninterrupted operation, during which the brightness will not dim by a single watt.

Also, over time, flickering is alien to them; they are not afraid of frequent switching on/off and power outages. Such diodes are equipped with a built-in power supply, which allows them to be connected to the network. The efficiency of the lamp is maintained under voltage conditions from 12 V to 220 V.

Comparison of LED lamp and energy saving lamp

The LEDs are different:

the presence of miniature pulse drivers;
opportunities to shine with all the colors of the rainbow;
possibility of manual control via an infrared remote control;
presence of a built-in interface for Wi-Fi management;
presence of a built-in battery.

One of the disadvantages of LED lamps is their high cost.

The essence of energy saving

Energy-saving lamps are also in unprecedented demand. Despite a number of restrictions. They have a high luminous efficiency, so lighting with these lamps is most efficient and economical.

Note

Among the advantages of energy-saving lamps, one can note the operation of more than 15,000 lamps with low energy consumption. Due to the fact that the lamp maintains a low bulb temperature, its service life is significantly longer than that of an LED lamp.

The peculiarity of an energy saving lamp is its on/off cycles. It is this indicator that affects the quality and duration of use. Such lamps do not like frequent switching on/off, so they are not recommended

The influence of energy-saving lamps on fire hazard

They are supposed to be installed in rooms where the light is not constantly on. It is equally important to monitor temperature changes, as well as voltage and humidity in the room. Experts note that energy-saving lamps should not be used in conjunction with dimmers, timers, and various devices.

long service life;
due to the equipment in the base, there is no stroboscopic effect, so the glow is always even, despite the voltage ripple;
low energy consumption due to high light output;
factory warranty;
the use of lamps under temperature restrictions, since the lamps themselves practically do not heat up.

LED lamps differ from energy-saving lamps in cost; it is always an order of magnitude lower, and the choice of colors, in comparison with the latter, is better.

Lack of energy-saving lamps in their composition. Namely, mercury, which is contained in the lamp bulb.

What to choose for your home?

Choosing lighting for your home is not easy. If, nevertheless, the choice fell on LED light bulbs, of course, the question immediately arises - “which LEDs are better.” Each lamp has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Before making a choice, you should clearly understand and determine for what purposes an energy-saving component is needed? Which one is most appropriate to use in everyday life?

Energy saving types of lamps

In order to objectively assess the need for such an element as a lamp, you also need to be sure of its shortcomings, in particular, answer the questions:

What device do they have?
How is frugality achieved?
How dangerous are they?

An important fact when selecting lamps is the size of the illuminated room, as well as what temperature conditions are met in it.

If we evaluate the advantages of two types of lighting elements, we can clearly see that energy-saving lamps are economically beneficial due to their long service life. Either the first or the second type of lamp will definitely provide good lighting. However, discussing the advantages will in no way clarify which option is better. For example, LED is excellent in those cases where there is a design project in the lighting system. Lamps of this type have an aesthetic appearance and are in harmony with the design of the room. LED is a great alternative way to save on your energy bill. Such lamps are safe for everyone in the room.

An energy-saving light bulb does not carry an aesthetic and attractive load, but their efficiency can forgive such a drawback, especially if they are installed correctly, in accordance with the requirements. Unfortunately, an energy-saving light bulb is not as safe as an LED light bulb, since the former emits mercury vapor.

The choice, undoubtedly, lies with the prudent owner, who himself chooses what suits him best in a particular case. But according to modern indicators, LEDs today have taken the top spot in popularity, even despite their high cost. This is due to the fact that their consumption is too low, and the light output, despite changes and surges in voltage, is high.

opotolkax.com

What is the difference between an energy-saving lamp and an LED lamp?

Comparison of LED lamps and energy-saving lamps

What is the difference between an energy-saving lamp and an LED lamp? Comparison and difference of incandescent lamps.

Over the years, numerous LED lamp manufacturers have tried to make a light bulb that works just like a good old incandescent lamp, while retaining all the features of LED lamps: low energy consumption, low heat generation and low environmental impact, resulting in energy-saving lamps. or compact fluorescent lamps.

Let's compare in more detail how an energy-saving lamp differs from an LED lamp, as well as an incandescent lamp.

Comparison of brightness and efficiency
Heat transfer comparison
Comparison of average service life
Environmental impact
comparison table

Comparison of brightness and efficiency

Obviously, the first factor that comes to mind when we compare lamp performance is brightness, which is measured in lumens (lm).

A 100W traditional incandescent bulb will output 1700 lumens, a 13W energy saving bulb will output approximately 800 lumens, while a 13W LED will output 1000 lumens.

Let's calculate the efficiency by dividing the luminous flux by the power required to power the lamp: incandescent lamps – 17 lm/W, energy-saving lamps – 62.5 lm/W and LED lamps – 76.9 lm/W.