Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are typically priced about ten times higher than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they last six times longer. For the same brightness, they use less than a quarter of the energy. With technological advancements, new lighting options have emerged, such as LED light-emitting diodes. LEDs are solid-state semiconductor devices and are often referred to as the fourth-generation or green lighting solution. They are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, long-lasting, compact, and offer many advantages over traditional light sources. Their lifespan can reach between 60,000 to 100,000 hours—more than ten times that of conventional bulbs. Additionally, their electro-optical power conversion efficiency can exceed 10%, and they save more than 80% in energy compared to traditional lighting for the same illumination level.
Most incandescent bulbs waste 98% of the energy they consume, turning it into heat rather than light. Only about 2% is actually converted into visible light. In contrast, fluorescent lamps are much more efficient, with an efficiency rate close to 10%. That’s why many places, especially those using air conditioning in summer, prefer fluorescent lighting to reduce electricity costs. Energy-saving bulbs combine the features of fluorescent lamps with built-in starters and use standard screw bases, making them easy replacements for regular incandescent bulbs. For example, a 26-watt energy-saving bulb produces 11 watts of light and 15 watts of heat. Meanwhile, an incandescent bulb producing the same brightness would use four times as much power—up to 100 watts—and generate six times as much heat—around 90 watts.
Despite the rise of more efficient lighting, many homes still rely on traditional incandescent bulbs. However, halogen bulbs have gained popularity in recent years, particularly where focused light is needed, such as in spotlights, car headlights, and other applications. A good halogen bulb can achieve an efficiency of up to 3.5%. For instance, a 60-watt halogen bulb can provide the same brightness as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. But these bulbs are small and operate at extremely high temperatures, requiring special precautions during installation to prevent fire hazards.
For outdoor street lighting, sodium vapor lamps are commonly used. Low-pressure sodium lamps emit a monotonous orange light but are highly efficient. High-pressure sodium lamps, while slightly less efficient, produce a more colorful light and are often used in areas where color accuracy is important.
Since the early 2000s, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps have started to gain traction. LEDs are known for their long lifespan and have been widely adopted in traffic lights, flashlights, car brake lights, and command signals. HID lamps, on the other hand, are a broad category that includes various technologies, such as sodium and metal halide lamps. Xenon HIDs in modern cars and metal halide lamps in projectors are examples of this technology. As lighting continues to evolve, energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important factors in choosing the right light source.
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