LET THERE BE LIGHT -- BUT WHICH ONE?

Are LED Fluorescent Tubes Ready for Prime Time?
Houston Neal, April 19, 2010 (Software Advice)

"Light emitting diode (LED) fluorescent tubes are all the rage in the lighting market. The technology promises to be more energy efficient, less environmentally harmful and more economical than traditional fluorescent tube lighting…Before delving into the details, we want to hear from you. We’re hosting a short survey on LED fluorescent tubes vs traditional fluorescent tubes. [Click thru and participate.] We’ll be posting our results…

"…LED lights and fluorescent lights are completely different technologies…LED lights should also not be confused with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use the same tecnology as fluorescent tubes to produce light, but on a smaller scale. They are a replacement for the incandescent bulbs commonly found in most home light fixtures. CFLs have garnered a lot of press because of their energy efficiency and environmental benefits…"

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"When comparing LEDs to fluorescent tubes, [there] are four key specifications…[1] Lumens..for strength of light. Look for tubes with 1500 lumens or more…[2] Watts… power consumption. Four foot LED tubes typically use 15 to 25 watts, while fluorescent tubes use more than 30 watts…[3] Lifespan…50,000 hours is common for LED tubes…[4] Color temperature…the color of the light…3000K is considered warm (redder), 4100K is considered neutral, and 5800 K is cool (bluer)…

"…[F]luorescent tubes are a great invention. They have been lighting most of America…[since] 1938. They are four to six times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and are said to last 10 to 20 times longer…[but they] contain mercury and phosphor which present health and environmental risks…[They can] cause a buzzing noise…flicker and the light is often drab…LED bulbs last longer… don’t contain harmful ingredients… and they use much less power than fluorescent lamps…[but] are generally not as bright and cost more up front. And unfortunately, cost will likely be the number one driver of greater adoption…"

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"When comparing the upfront cost of one LED tube to one fluorescent tube, fluorescent wins. However, when you consider volume discounts and the lifespan of LEDs, the scale leans the opposite direction…[T]he 16-year cost for 40 LED tubes is $6,431 while the cost for fluorescent tubes is $6,846. This is 6% in savings over the life of the tubes…[T]his is only 40 tubes. Building owners with more light fixtures will realize more savings…

"The cost of manufacturing LEDs is dropping…In the meantime, there’s no reason electrical contractors shouldn’t promote LED tubes. LED tubes can help building owners become eligible for government and utility company incentives. They help companies reach the desirable – and highly marketable – green cachet. They provide greater energy cost savings than fluorescents. And finally, they are simply better for the Earth. They are the future of commercial lighting."