Fluorescent bulbs will use about 25% of the power of an incandescent to produce the same amount of light, and in most situations will last much longer than the incandescent bulb. They cost a little more, but last long enough that you will save money by replacing incandescents.
Fluorescents are made with mercury, and should always be disposed of properly, though less mercury is used in newer bulbs. They also often take longer to reach full brightness, especially in the "coiled up" compact (CFL) bulbs, and MOST especially in those CFLs which are covered to resemble incandescent bulbs. They also often work less well in cold spots, such as outside porch lights.
LEDs use similar power to the fluorescents, and have been very expensive, but are rapidly getting cheaper and last even longer than fluorescents (and have no mercury). LEDs are instant-on to full brightness.
Incandescents are being phased out by law (in the US at least), but I understand that they will still be available for specialty spots, such as the light on a garage door opener.
One problem with both the LED and fluorescent lighting is finding one with the right "color" for people used to using incandescent lighting. You should start by just switching a bulb or two at a time until you find the brand and model with the color you like.
Ferris said on 26-01-2012
fluorescent
Audie said on 26-01-2012
flourescent is good but the new LED bulbs as better and don’t have mercury in them. and they last twice as long as flourescent bulbs.
bearded frog said on 26-01-2012
fluorescent lights are more energy efficient but some dont give off as much light as some people want
It depends.
Fluorescent bulbs will use about 25% of the power of an incandescent to produce the same amount of light, and in most situations will last much longer than the incandescent bulb. They cost a little more, but last long enough that you will save money by replacing incandescents.
Fluorescents are made with mercury, and should always be disposed of properly, though less mercury is used in newer bulbs. They also often take longer to reach full brightness, especially in the "coiled up" compact (CFL) bulbs, and MOST especially in those CFLs which are covered to resemble incandescent bulbs. They also often work less well in cold spots, such as outside porch lights.
LEDs use similar power to the fluorescents, and have been very expensive, but are rapidly getting cheaper and last even longer than fluorescents (and have no mercury). LEDs are instant-on to full brightness.
Incandescents are being phased out by law (in the US at least), but I understand that they will still be available for specialty spots, such as the light on a garage door opener.
One problem with both the LED and fluorescent lighting is finding one with the right "color" for people used to using incandescent lighting. You should start by just switching a bulb or two at a time until you find the brand and model with the color you like.
fluorescent
flourescent is good but the new LED bulbs as better and don’t have mercury in them. and they last twice as long as flourescent bulbs.
fluorescent lights are more energy efficient but some dont give off as much light as some people want