Choosing Between Incandescent Lightings and Fluorescent Lightings

Many have a preference for a particular type of lighting. Some prefer incandescent light while others like fluorescent. Gaining recent popularity are LEDs and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs are so called because of the heat produced. Incandescence means to glow with heat. Inside the bulb, there is a partial vacuum with a tungsten filament inside it. When energy is pumped through the wire, the electrons react and there is resistance. Then, the filament will get so hot it will glow.

The inside of the bulb has a coating on it that diffuses the intensity of the light coming from the metal. While some bulbs have a transparent covering, it only affects the look but the fundamental workings of a bulb is still the same.

The light bulb aims to copy the wavelength of the light that the sun gives. The main factor in determining this is the sun's surface temperature, which is about 6,000 Kelvin. In Celsius, that would about 5,700 degrees. The formula is K = C + 273. The more commonly known measurement would be 10,300F. In light bulbs it is called color temperature.

For the interior, the bulbs have a slightly bluer tint to its light. The color temperature is also lower. Color temperature is actually different from real temperature. When an incandescent bulb glows, it will be anywhere from 120F-200F or more. To truly understand how hot it is, you should know that water begins to boil at 100C or 220F.

Fluorescent bulbs are different so they do not give out as much heat.

Fluorescent bulbs are made up of a vapor, usually consisting of mercury and small amounts of a few other gases, and some electrodes. One end of the electrode receives some voltage, which is then propelled toward the other end. Along the way, it makes contact with the mercury atoms. This gives energy to the mercury atoms, which is released as the light we see.

The amount of energy lost is almost negligible and thus little heat is produced. And because of this, fluorescent lights are more economical. It just means that their energy output is equal to the energy input.

The light that comes from incandescent bulbs is due to the filament actually burning white hot. More heat is being given off than there is light. The issue at stake is that most of the energy consumed for the bulb does not translate into light.

Fluorescent light is different from incandescent light. This is because they operate at a different color temperature and spectrum. Before CFLs came along, fluorescent bulbs have been reserved for use in places such as garages and basements.

You will pay about 3-10 times less for an incandescent bulb than you will for a fluorescent. It's up to you to decide which is better for you, paying less for a bulb that doesn't last as long (750-1000 hours), or paying more for a bulb that will last longer (6,000-15,000). Your overall savings for fluorescent bulbs will be about 70%. this includes the electric bill and the initial purchase price.

Many people have debated the effects of various types of light bulbs on the environment. When compared to other factors, such as auto exhaust and industrial gases, it really has no impact at all. In fact, it's so little that it really shouldn't even be involved in such a discussion.

The decision is usually based on an individual's likes or dislikes. This and your budget will be the biggest factors, at least until you learn about LEDs.