LED Vs. Cfl Light Bulbs

Energy Consumption

• Using a standard incandescent light bulb as a benchmark, CFLs typically represent a 75% energy reduction, while LEDs will represent around a 90% energy reduction.
  
  

Rated Life

• CFLs are rated for around 10,000 hours, while LEDs (depending on manufacturer) are rated from 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
  
  

Dimmability

• Most CFLs do not operate on a dimmer switch, and the ones that do offer only a minimal amount of dimmability. Well-made LEDs will dim down to around 20% light output on a standard dimmer switch. Higher-end LEDs will probably require an electronic low-voltage dimmer.
  
  

Performance

• While minimal, CFLs require a few seconds to warm up to full light output. LEDs, however, require no time to warm up and are not affected by frequent on/off cycles.
  
  

Environmental Concerns

• Although it is only a tiny amount, CFLs contain mercury and thus have to be disposed of following strict guidelines. LEDs, on the other hand, contain no mercury and are Restriction of Hazardous Subtances (RoHS) compliant.