Whats the difference between CFLs and LEDs?
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) use 75% less energy and last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. Their initial cost is higher than standard bulbs but since they last longer and use less energy, they save money over the life of the bulb. A CFL is very similar to a fluorescent tube, but the shape is different, so it can be screwed into a standard light socket. Recent advances in fluorescent technology have improved the quality of light emitted by CFLs so that differences with standard incandescent bulbs are minimal. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) last ten times longer than CFLs but they are even more expensive and their light is more one-directional. LEDs are used commonly for specialty commercial lighting but they haven’t yet broken into the common household lighting market.
