Different Lights: LED, Incandescent, and Fluorescent

Written by: Sitara Nair

Light is an important part of our everyday lives, helping us see in the dark, read books, do homework, and stay safe!! Even though lights may look similar, they do not all work the same way. The three most common types of lighting are incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, and LED lights. Keep reading to learn about how each type of light has a different way of producing light, using energy, and lasting over time!

Incandescent lights are the oldest type of light bulb and were used in homes for many years. These bulbs work by sending electricity through a thin wire called a filament. When the filament heats up, it glows and produces light. Incandescent bulbs create a warm, yellow glow that many people like because it feels soft and comfortable, but there are downsides to this bulb. These bulbs are not very efficient. Most of the energy they use turns into heat instead of light, a clear reason why these bulbs heat up so quickly. Because of this, incandescent lights use a lot of electricity and burn out quickly, making them less popular over the years.

Fluorescent lights are newer than incandescent lights and are often found in schools, offices, and grocery stores. Instead of using a hot wire, fluorescent lights send electricity through a gas inside a long tube or curly bulb. This gas produces ultraviolet light, which then causes a special coating inside the bulb to glow. Fluorescent lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. They also do not get as hot, making them safer to use. However, some fluorescent lights flicker, hum, or take time to turn on. They also contain a small amount of mercury, which means they must be disposed of carefully to protect the environment.

LED lights are the most modern type of lighting and are becoming very popular. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. These lights create light when electricity passes through a tiny electronic chip. LED lights do not need heat or gas to work, which makes them very efficient. They use much less energy than both incandescent and fluorescent lights and can last for many years. LED lights also stay cool, come in many colors, and can be made very bright or very soft. Even though LED bulbs can cost more at first, they save money over time because they use less electricity and do not need to be replaced often.

One important difference between these lights is how long they last. Incandescent bulbs may only last for about one year with regular use. Fluorescent bulbs can last several years, while LED bulbs can last for ten years or more. This means fewer bulbs end up in the trash when LED lights are used. Another difference is energy use. LED lights use the least energy, fluorescent lights use a medium amount, and incandescent lights use the most energy.

The environment is also affected by the type of light we use. Because incandescent lights waste energy as heat, they increase electricity use, which can lead to more pollution. Fluorescent lights save energy but contain mercury, which can be harmful if not handled properly. LED lights are considered the best option for the environment because they save energy, last a long time, and do not contain dangerous chemicals.

To sum it up, incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lights all provide light, but they work in lots of different ways. Incandescent lights are warm and simple but waste energy. Fluorescent lights are more efficient but have some environmental concerns. Finally, LED lights are the most energy-efficient, longest lasting, and safest for the planet. Choosing LED lights helps save energy, money, and the environment, making them the brightest choice for the future!