Which light bulb is better - LED or energy saving? Description, characteristics

In Europe, even at a household level, traditional incandescent lamps have not been found for a long time. They are replaced by fluorescent or LED analogs, which outperform outdated light sources in a variety of indicators. In Russia, the process of refurbishment of lighting fixtures began only a few years ago, but it is still impossible to talk about the desire of users to abandon the usual devices. In part, this attitude can be justified by the high cost of more technological products, and by spreading rumors about their health risks. But, as practice shows, modern lighting equipment is the optimal solution for the combination of operational qualities. It remains only to decide what light bulb is better - LED or energy-saving? Both options appeared on the market relatively recently, but to this day most consumers do not have a clear idea about the properties of this product.

Characteristics of LED models

One of the main characteristics of the lamp is power. The brightness of the light beam depends directly on it, but also the energy consumption. The features of LED devices include reducing the effect of power on energy consumption. In such models, this indicator has a wider range, but in standard designs it is in the range of 4.5 to 15 watts. To the merits of lamps for LED light bulbs, one can also include the possibility of adjusting the parameters of a light beam with the expectation of minimizing electricity consumption. The brightness of light is measured in lumens and the ratio of this indicator to the power in Led models can be called one of the most profitable. Thus, a 15-watt bulb corresponds to a brightness of 136 lm, and a 25-watt model to 249 lumens.

Another important characteristic is the temperature of light, measured in kelvins (K). LED models are quite diverse in this parameter. For example, there are options at 3300 K, which provide so-called warm light. The standard is considered to be 4000 K. This natural, or daylight, is the best option if you want to provide lighting at home with natural properties for eye perception. Less common is the "cold" light, which corresponds to a figure of 5000 K. It is usually used in special cases, for example, in industries.

LED Light Reviews

Led-luminaires are positioned as devices that provide high-quality and pleasant lighting with economical energy consumption. And users confirm these qualities. There is also a variety of enclosure designs for such products, which makes it possible to implement any lighting system configurations with minimal effort in mounting. After switching from traditional models to LED ceiling lamps, many note a reduction in electricity costs to 200-300 rubles. per month.

Now it's worth going to the negative feedback of users of such lamps. Although the emission from the spectra as a whole causes favorable opinions, the delivery of light loses even to incandescent lamps in terms of dispersion parameters. This is partly due to the desire of interior designers to use several point LEDs to cover the entire space. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare in advance to ensure a narrow flow, which is provided by LED light bulbs. How to choose the appropriate option for implementing the optimal Led-lighting system - this question is largely determined by the user's needs. The best use of such models involves the organization of separate zones with illumination.

The Best LED Lamp

Experts assess the quality of lamps, comparing the manufacturer's declared data with the indicators found in practice. As the tests show, most of the lamps on the market simply do not meet the specifications indicated on the packaging. For example, if the power is declared to be 20-30 W, then there is a risk of obtaining actual data at 15 and 25 W, respectively. At the same time, the more powerful the declared indicator, the higher the gap with the actual data. In this regard, the most reliable manufacturers include brands Verbatim, Philips and Osram. We can say that these are the best LED light bulbs, since their users get performance indicators that are closest to the characteristics indicated in the marking.

Characteristics of energy-saving lamps

Luminescent models provide coverage according to other operating principles. The fourth part of the energy they transmit in the form of heat, and the rest of the converted into light. The power range of such devices varies from 7 to 250 watts. However, it is not necessary to consider these values in terms of compliance with incandescent lamps. The ratio of the power of energy-saving models to traditional sources is 1 to 5. Further, based on the characteristics of light output, one can approach the answer to the question about which light bulb is better - LED or energy-saving. As already noted, in Led models, the ratio of power to the characteristics of the light flux is optimal and implies the possibility of regulation. In turn, energy-saving lamps demonstrate the ratio of light output to power in the range of 10-15 lm / W. This is a low indicator, so it is better to give priority to the LED lamps in the evaluation according to this criterion.

Reviews about energy-saving models

Such devices are popular mainly due to the economical consumption of electricity and the ability to provide large areas with light. As the manufacturers themselves point out, even entry-level products can serve no less than 7,000 hours, which also attracts a considerable number of buyers. However, reviews of lamps of this type after a long period of operation mark the non-standardity of their glow. Energy-saving models provide good dispersion and brightness, but this light can act as a tiring eye. In addition, the specific base for many causes problems in the installation - in any case, after installation, the construction looks rather sloppy. But the main fear of users of such lamps is related to the content of mercury. Because of this nuance, many even completely refuse from luminescent products. Otherwise, extreme care must be taken when handling gas containing devices.

The best energy-saving lamps

Earlier already mentioned fluorescent lamps, which are a kind of energy-saving models. Both versions relate to gas-discharge light sources, but they differ in characteristics. So, in the case of luminescent versions, there is a higher light output, so they should be used for domestic purposes. Traditional incandescent energy-saving lamps are more often used in public places, institutions and industries. In both cases, to determine the optimal variant, two characteristics should be guided: power and durability. As a rule, such models do not presuppose high requirements for providing lighting. To cover the space of an average area, 15-20 W will suffice. The life-time indicator has values in terms of the characteristics of the light flux. The more the working period, the less the light flux.

Lamp Comparison

To begin with, it is worth noting the general advantages that these types of lamps have. They combine economic benefits from use, durability (although Led-models have a small advantage) and providing sufficient illumination. Now you can go to the question of which light bulb is better - LED or energy saving? The first option is advisable to use in the event that it is planned and the design accent in the lighting system. Such models differ aesthetic appearance and organically enter into modern interiors. Luminescent models are not the most attractive option in an aesthetic sense, but with a competent installation will also provide a decent result. The advantages of LED lamps include their safety for health, while gas-discharge analogues are potentially dangerous due to the mercury content. Thus, for the totality of the qualities, it makes sense to apply first of all to Led-technology, although such products are more expensive.

Other lamp options

As before, there remains a demand for classic incandescent lamps, and for more modern halogen models. These types of lamps lose LED and energy-saving devices in terms of economy and durability, but they also have their own merits. For example, in halogen versions, perhaps, the best light transmission. In the market they are presented in different modifications, which differ in design decisions, sizes and forms.

Filament lamps are also not a thing of the past. To a large extent, their price accessibility contributes to this. The cost of one product is within 100 rubles, which is very attractive against the background of expensive LEDs. In addition, thanks to incandescent lamps, you can get quality lighting at home, not tiring the eye. The main thing is to buy models from established manufacturers.

Nuances of Optimal Lamp Selection

In order not to be disappointed in the choice, it is initially necessary to rely on specific requests. In some cases, for example, buying modern technological versions does not justify itself, so it is necessary to determine the requirements in advance. So, for long-term operation in a house or apartment it is advisable to use LED light bulbs. How to choose the right option? First, consider the area of illumination, which will determine the appropriate power. Secondly, you need to think about the location and layout of the installation - this will help you choose the right size and shape of the lamp. Energy-saving models are appropriate to use in large non-residential premises. Attention when buying should also be given to the size and power.

Requirements for the luminaire

Comparing the varieties of lamps, do not ignore the characteristics of the lamp. In many ways, this shell determines the quality of light and the appearance of the lighting. Today there are also ceiling compact lamps, and massive plafonds, and delicate sconces - this choice is determined by individual requests of users. However, different types of lamps differ in the shape of the cap, which can limit the choice of the luminaire. For use at home, the socle-minions with E14 and E27 markings are designed. By the way, the second digit indicates the diameter of the connector in millimeters. The GU sockets are also in demand, which are designed exclusively for working with 12 V lamps.

Conclusion

One of the most reliable approaches to the choice of a device involves an assessment of its shortcomings. This principle can also help in answering the question of relative what kind of bulb is better - LED or energy-saving? Among the main drawbacks of Led models, it is necessary to distinguish a narrow light directivity, a high cost and a specific glow that can irritate the eyes. As for the shortcomings of energy-saving lamps, they are expressed in the potential harm to health and, again, at a considerable cost. Thus, for living quarters, the LED bulb as a safe, beautiful and economical light source is the best choice. The same advantages in the form of minimizing costs should be provided in a non-residential premises with the help of an energy-saving lamp. The mercury content in this case will not be so dangerous.