Long Term Cost: LEDs are initially more expensive than fluorescent or compact fluorescent lights but they provide huge overall savings. Incandescent lights last, on average, 1000 hours, and fluorescent lights last up to 10,000 hours, while LEDs currently can last up to 60,000 hours. This provides substantial savings as a result of fewer replacements needing to be bought.
Maintenance: The amount of time spent replacing lamps, especially in larger buildings, can be counterproductive. Due to the longer lifespan of LED technology over a fluorescent tube, maintenance and replacement times can be reduced markedly when LEDs are used.
Noise: Fluorescent tubes are notorious for being noisy, especially if they have been used for a significant amount of time. They tend to emit clicking and popping sounds intermittently, but most annoyingly, they can produce a low buzzing sound. Since fluorescent tubes are often used in offices and working environments, this can be distracting. LEDs operate silently with no annoying quirks or noises.
Color: Fluorescent lights are notorious for their color profile. While some fluorescent tubes now use a different type of phosphorous powder to produce a warmer colour, most fluorescents produce only a cold blue/white light. It is stark and not very welcoming. LEDs on the other hand provide come in a range colors for business or home use. This is what makes LEDs so adaptable. They can be used in almost any environment or lighting situation.
Environmental Impact: Fluorescent lights contain a small mercury. This metal and vapour is extremely hazardous to both humans and the environment. If it is ingested or inhaled it can cause serious complications and as such must be disposed of safely. LEDs are completely safe and do not contain such poisonous materials, putting home owners and parents at ease while knowing that they are not contributing to pollution.
Instant On: LEDs light up as soon as an electrical current is passed through them. Fluorescents do not do this and require time to flicker before staying on. Not only that, many fluorescent lights do not provide optimum illumination levels until they have been running for a few minutes. LEDs provide instant light and instant full illumination.
Energy Consumption: LEDs consume far less power than fluorescent tubes. While fluorescents are technically energy saving light sources compared to incandescent bulbs, when compared with LEDs there is no contest. LEDs use less electricity which is better for the environment and your pocket.
Durable: Because LEDs are not made of glass and are not hollow inside, they are far less fragile than either fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. This makes them much more durable and less likely to being rendered inoperable due to being dropped or bashed accidentally. It also removes the dangers of broken glass.
No Heat: Fluorescent tubes emit less heat than incandescent and halogen bulbs but they still produce much more heat than LEDs. LEDs are warm to the touch and therefore carry less risk of causing an accidental fire or burn. Their lower temperature reduces air conditioner costs as well.
