If you compare technologies. you will find the differences are staggering. For example:
• compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a major hazard to dispose of especially when they break. They contain mercury and phosphorus in quantities sufficient to contaminate 30,000 litres of drinking water to above the EU recommended safety levels
• halogen lamps waste 90% of the energy that they consume, by turning it into heat not light
Here is a table which briefly sets out the main differences between halogens, CFLs and LEDs
Cost of light  |
| Lamp Comparison Chart |
|
Halogens |
CFLs |
LEDs |
Life Expectancy |
2,000 to 5,000 hrs |
8,000 to 15,000 hrs |
30,000 to 50,000 hrs |
Kilowatt/hrs pa x 1 Lamp
(hrs in one year = 8760) |
306.6 kWh |
96.4 kWh |
32.4 kWh |
Health Effects |
UV rays, IR effects, SAD Syndrome |
UV rays, IR effects |
No UV, No IR |
Specialist Disposal (WEEE) |
Non domestic only (to Landfill) |
Yes (Compliance with WEEE Directive – Specialist Disposal) |
Non domestic only (recyclable) |
Colour Rendition |
Restricted colour options
or Filters Required |
Restricted colour options
or Filters Required |
Wide range of colours |
Dimmability |
Yes |
Restricted Possibility |
Yes |
Robustness |
Sensitive, Breakable |
Sensitive, Breakable |
Robust, Solid State |
Start-up Time |
Almost immediate |
Delayed |
Immediate |
Cost of Ownership |
High |
Low |
Lowest |
Recyclability |
Landfill |
Specialist Disposal |
Recyclable |
Contaminants |
Reasonably Safe |
Mercury |
None = Safe |
Light Efficiency |
10-30 lm/W |
60-70 lm/W |
40-60 lm/W |
Energy Efficiency |
10% |
40% |
90% |
|
