LED, halogen or fluorescent bulbs?

Have you ever thought how much light can transform the environments we live in every day? Whether at home, in the office, or during leisure time, the choice of light bulbs affects energy consumption, efficiency and savings, longevity, and the environmental impact of the lighting system. 

From LED to halogen to fluorescent bulbs, each type offers specific advantages and disadvantages. Let's find out how each one works and look at its features in detail in this guide to help you make a more informed choice.

LED bulbs: more efficient, durable, and sustainable

LED bulbs are modern lighting technologies that are becoming increasingly popular in everyday use. The acronym LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It is precisely this component that enables light irradiation, but how does it work?  

How do LED bulbs work?

LED lighting exploits the principle of electroluminescence, a physical phenomenon that allows light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit light when an electric current passes through them. Inside the light bulb, semiconductor diodes are formed by two layers of material with opposite charges: one positive and one negative. When current flows through the junction between these two layers, electrons move and release energy in the form of light. The operation of LED lighting is therefore dictated by the light-generating and light-releasing action of semiconductor diodes.

LED bulbs are a versatile lighting solution for those who wish to reduce energy consumption, but without sacrificing modernity and high performance. Thanks to their excellent light output and low energy waste, they are perfect for environments where light stays on for long periods such as domestic rooms (kitchen, bathroom, living room...) and commercial activities such as shops, restaurants and offices.

The pros and cons of LED bulbs

LED bulbs have revolutionised the world of lighting, but let’s take a look at the pros and cons. 

Pros:

• High energy efficiency: they consume up to 90% less electricity than other types of bulbs.
• Longevity: they can operate for up to 25,000-50,000 hours and last up to 15 years, which is 15 times longer than conventional bulbs. 
• Minimal heat loss: electrical energy is converted almost entirely into light, limiting heat generation and improving overall efficiency.
• Instant switch-on: LEDs reach full brightness immediately, without warm-up time.  
• Low maintenance: thanks to their high reliability and durability, LEDs require much less frequent replacement.
• Availability of different colour varieties: LEDs offer different colour temperatures (warm, neutral, cool) to suit any environment. 
• Sustainability: they contain no mercury and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Cons:

• Higher initial cost compared to conventional bulbs, but it pays off over time. 
• Compatibility with dimmers, i.e. devices that adjust light intensity. Not all LEDs are compatible with conventional dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs.

Halogen bulbs for excellent colour rendering

Halogen bulbs are an evolution of the old incandescent bulbs, which are gradually disappearing from the market as a result of European Directive 244/2009. As of 1 September 2018, legislation banned the sale of non-directional halogen household light bulbs with an energy class below B in Europe. Thus, directional halogen bulbs (household spotlights) and lamps with G9 and R7S caps (table lamps and spotlights) remain on the market. Let’s take a look at how they work.

How do halogen bulbs work?

When electric current flows through the tungsten filament of a halogen bulb, the filament rapidly heats up to very high temperatures and emits visible light. Inside the bulb is a halogen gas, such as iodine or bromine, which activates a chemical cycle that recombines the evaporated tungsten with the filament. This process reduces blackening of the glass and helps to prolong the life of the bulb. Thanks to this technology, halogen bulbs produce bright, intense light with a colour rendering similar to that of natural light.

Pros and cons of halogen bulbs

In compliance with current regulations, halogen bulbs offer: 

• High-quality lighting: they emit white light with excellent colour rendering.
• Good service life: they can run up to 2,000-4,000 hours, which is twice as long as the old conventional bulbs. 
• Immediate switch-on and small size: recommended for localised, decorative lighting with discontinuous use. 
• Compatibility with most conventional dimmers 

However: 

• They overheat easily
• They consume 5 times more energy than LED bulbs
• They are less sustainable than more modern alternatives 

Fluorescent bulbs: characteristics and pros and cons

Mainly used in offices, schools and businesses, fluorescent bulbs are subdivided into tubular fluorescent (also known as neon) and compact fluorescent, or energy-saving bulbs, similar to the old incandescent bulbs, but with better and more sustainable performance.

How do fluorescent bulbs work?

Fluorescent bulbs are a type of gas discharge lamp. Inside a phosphor-coated glass tube is a mixture of argon gas and a small amount of low-pressure mercury. When switched on, an electric discharge generated by a reactor (and a starter, if conventional) excites the mercury atoms, producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiation strikes the phosphor coating, which converts it into visible light. Compared to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs are more efficient, last longer and produce less heat, but they take several seconds to switch on fully and contain mercury, so they must be disposed of properly.

Pros and cons of fluorescent bulbs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a fluorescent bulb? 

Pros:

• Long life: they can operate for up to 10,000 hours. 
• Good light output: they offer wide, diffuse lighting, ideal for large rooms, and have a light efficiency 10 times higher than incandescent bulbs. 
• Availability in various light tones

Cons: 

• Delayed switch-on: it takes a few seconds to reach maximum brightness.
• Sensitivity to frequent switching on and off: this shortens the life of the bulb, which is why they are more suitable for long periods of use. 
• They contain mercury: they require proper disposal to avoid environmental impacts.
• Non-dimmable: (most models) do not work with conventional dimmers

The right lighting for your home

LED, halogen or fluorescent bulbs? Regulations for environmental sustainability are increasingly looking towards LED lighting, which is gradually replacing obsolete light bulbs. 

Enel Energia supports you with insights, updates and advice on how to make a conscious choice when it comes to the light bulbs for your home and to save money on home lighting. 

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