Fluorescent LED Lighting Comparison

Fluorescent Lighting

• Fluorescent lighting is very energy-efficient and has a long life. You can purchase fluorescent lights in a variety of wattages and shapes, although fluorescent lighting doesn't work well for dimming lights or directional light. Fluorescent lights have to be recycled because they contain small amounts of mercury.

LED Lighting

• LED lighting is also very energy-efficient and lasts even longer than fluorescent lights. It also produces less heat than fluorescent lighting. LED lighting comes in many colors and works well for directional lighting. However, LED lighting is expensive to install.

Examples

• Fluorescent lighting works well for ambient lighting, such as large lights in the kitchen and bathroom. Compact fluorescent lights also work well in lamps. LED lighting works well for task lighting, such as reading lights and under cabinet lighting. LED lights are also used in Christmas lights.