LED tube lights VS fluorescent tube lights- which is better?

Posted by riya kaul on May 21st, 2021

Initially, the two might not seem to be any different, but as per industry experts, there exist some major differences between LED and fluorescent tube lights. However, knowing the differences between the two could be a major game-changer for you. You will not only be saving money, but energy as well alongside contributing towards making the earth a safer place to exist. Let us look at some characteristics of the two products- 

1. Durability- LED lights last much longer, approximately 50,000 hours, as compared to fluorescent tubes. Fluorescent tube lights last for three years, beyond which they begin to cause trouble, such as they start to flicker and the light starts to get dull. These have proved to cause harm to the eyes and also lead to migraine headaches.

2. Material- LED lights are made up of non-hazardous substances such as aluminium. This serves as the perfect deal for those who are trying to be environmentally conscious. On the other hand, fluorescent tubes are made using harmful metals, glass or plastic, all of which can cause harm to the environment as well as for anyone who is using them. Additionally, the materials LED lights are made out of contribute towards making them more long-lasting than their counterparts. 

3. Recyclable- recycling fluorescent tubes isn’t an option as they are made up of hazardous materials. You can never place them in a recycle bin. Instead, you have to dispose them off carefully, preferably in a hazardous waste collection centre or any other authorised waste handling facility. Coming to LEDs, you will be using them for an extended period before you start to worry about recycling them. As per research, around 95 percent of LED lights can be recycled, thus, making them safer for the environment.

4. Cost savings- Though the upfront cost of a LED tube light is more than the cost of a fluorescent tube light, the energy efficiency and durability make up for it. This makes them environmentally sustainable alongside getting your power bills lower. Fluorescent lights can transmit only up to about 50 to 100 lumens per watt. One main reason is that fluorescent tubes emit heat, which is not the case with LED lights. LEDs produce 3.4 btu’s/hour, compared to 85 for incandescent bulbs. LEDs use electrical energy to produce light. But fluorescent lights use heat energy to produce light, leading to the production of a lot more heat and inefficiency. 

5. The flow of light- LEDs provide the flow of light in a single direction, that is, unidirectional. Most LEDs have a beam angle of 120 degrees. However, fluorescent lights emit light in all directions, which means light is spread in 360 degrees. Thus, with LEDs, our requirement for focussed lighting gets solved as they being unidirectional offer a more focussed and brighter angle. 

LEDs are springing up to be not only the most reliable and durable but also the most cost-effective and eco-friendly lighting solutions available in the market. Light Emitting Diodes have been in the market for a long time and have built for themselves a solid fanbase. Markets are filled with different types of LED lights to suit all sorts of needs and demands of the customers, whatever might be your requirement, right from decorative purposes to functional ones. For instance, there are miniature LEDs that are used only for mobile phones, TVs and digital cameras. AS-LED is a particular type of light that is customised as per the need of every individual customer. Digital billboards, public display boards etc., make use of this type of LED. 

The third most popular type of LED is LED strip lights with an adhesive coating and a thin circuit board that allows it to be flexible and easy to use. These are mostly used for decorative purposes. Looking back, it is quite difficult to ascertain and establish the date of origin of LED tubes. However, most researches hint towards the early 2000s as the birth year of these lights that now rule the market. Thus, switching over to LED lights will save you about 40 percent of energy and help you stay clean by not harming the environment.