Today we have the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) which is a type of bulb that is commonly known for its efficiency for using less power than other commonly used bulbs, whilst still giving off the same amount of light. As usual with fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury, which complicates the process of disposal. The old incandescent lamps cause little or no threat, except for broken glass and can be disposed of as regular waste. However Fluorescent tubes, Compact Fluorescent lamps and most discharge lamps such as SON and Metal Halide lamps do hold potentially dangerous and harmful substances that need to be handled with care and disposed of according to the regulations of your local waste authority.
CFL (Compact Fluorescent lamp) bulbs, when compared to other bulbs, take slightly longer to heat up after being switched on, therefore there is a delay in reaching their full brightness. While incandescent bulbs reach there full brightness a fraction of a second after being turned on, some CFL bulbs can take up to a minute to achieve their full brightness.
Lamps that hold gases, which can either be more or less than the atmospheric pressure, can either explode or implode if the glass is damaged or broken. Breaking such a lamp during the disposal is not recommended unless wearing the correct protective equipment.
See some examples of LED Bulbs
LED stands for light emitting diodes. LED lights were commonly used as decorations for Christmas trees in the past. They are now in everyday use in homes and businesses.
The life of an LED light bulb can be as long as 50,000 hours. This time frame is based on ideal conditions with the LED light bulb not being exposed to extreme heat or cold, or moisture. Poor air circulation can reduce in the life of an LED light, by not letting the heat produced by the bulb to dissipate into the surrounding area.
Heat dissipation can be a problem for LED bulbs. If the heat of the bulb is not dispersed, the bulb can burn out prematurely, which can be an expensive failure. Higher-lumen bulbs in particular are prone to this problem, some feature space-age fins to combat this.
LED light bulbs are energy efficient.
High quality LED light bulbs have an average life expectancy of 50,000 hours, while the life expectancy of an incandescent bulb is only about 1,200 hours and compact florescent (CFL) bulbs last for about 8,000 hours. Unlike CFL bulbs, LED bulbs don't contain mercury, so recycling them is easier and safer.Contact your local recycling centre and ask if they have special LED bulb restrictions. Because LED bulbs don't contain mercury and aren't considered a hazardous material, they may be safely recycled, but each recycling centre may have their own regulations.
Many households and businesses have made the switch to LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs to save on their energy use and monthly electrical costs. LED light bulbs are much more expensive than incandescent lamps, but the LED bulb can eventually offset the initial cost, as it lasts up to 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb and uses about one-eighth of the electricity.
In contrast to other types of bulbs, the light from an LED bulb was largely directional. This means that the light is more focused, and thus it is harder to light up a large area like a living room or playroom, however there are now non-directional versions available.
Most versions of bulbs have an LED equivalent including Spot lamps with MR16 or GU10 fittings and Tubes.
There are also options to have LED bulbs that work with or without dimmer switches.
See some examples of LED Bulbs
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