Energy Saving Light Bulbs vs Regular Light Bulbs

In recent years, there has been a push for homeowners to switch to energy saving light bulbs. There is no single issue at stake when choosing which type of lighting is best for you. Consider the following benefits and concerns of each kind of bulb before you make your decision.

Save Money with Energy Saving Bulbs

Energy saving bulbs are compact fluorescent bulbs. You can get all the cost-saving benefits of having a fluorescent light without having to replace all your incandescent fixtures. They use only one quarter of the energy that regular light bulbs require. In five years of use, in a household with 30 light fixtures with energy-saving bulbs installed, it's possible to save between 400 and 1500 dollars in energy costs. Each bulb typically saves forty dollars in electricity costs over the entire time it is used. In addition, an energy saving bulb lasts from 8 to 15 times as long as ordinary bulbs, reducing the costs involved with buying replacement bulbs. Each energy saving bulb produces only 25 percent of the heat that a regular light bulb does. This can actually reduce the amount of air conditioning required for your house in a hot climate. The more bulbs you have, the more you will notice this effect.

Regular Light Bulbs Give Off Better Light

The phosphor coating on energy saving bulbs can give them a softer whiter appearance than most fluorescent lights, making them more like normal bulbs. However, regular bulbs are much better at simulating the light golden-red tone of natural sunlight. Energy saving bulbs put off a bluish tone that some people don't find quite as comforting. Moreover, over time they can appear not as bright. This process seems to get worse and worse over the life of the bulb. They might even take a while to warm up after turning on to attain their full brightness.

Regular Bulbs Are Safer

Environmentally speaking, there is concern that energy saving bulbs release toxic mercury vapors into landfills after disposal. Many households have already switched over to energy saving bulbs, which means in a few years when many of these bulbs have reached the end of their lifespan, the landfills will be brimming with mercury leaching into groundwater. This is a public health issue because there is a particular risk of mercury poisoning in pregnant women and young children. Old or broken fluorescent bulbs have to be carefully cleaned up (never using bare hands) and sealed in a glass jar before being thrown away.

Energy Saving Bulbs Are Sensitive

Most energy saving bulbs are not made for operating outside or in extremes of heat and cold. Many of them are susceptible to burnout because of excessive heat, making it very important for them to be well ventilated. Ideally, these bulbs should be used in table lamps and not in recessed or hanging light fixtures. Also, some people claim they don't work as well in older light fixtures. There is a risk of fire involved with using these bulbs, especially if the electronic ballast fails. Any popping, snapping, or smoke emitting from an energy saving bulb is a sign that it is defective and possibly could lead to fire.

Regular Bulbs Are More Compatible

Besides being able to be used in extreme temperatures, regular bulbs can be used with household dimmer switches. Many energy saving bulbs cannot. Regular bulbs are not as likely to cause electrical interference with electronics such as remote controls, televisions, radios, and other infrared devices. Energy saving bulbs can turn infrared equipment on or off, or even change channels.