LED vs CFL
Both are energy-saving alternatives to incandescent, but LED has surpassed CFL on every practical metric. Today the only scenario favoring CFL is if you already have them installed.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | LED | CFL |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 60–150 lm/W | 40–70 lm/W |
| Lifespan | 15,000–50,000 h | 6,000–15,000 h |
| Warm-up time | Instant | 30 sec – 3 min to full brightness |
| CRI | 80–95+ (your choice) | ~82 standard |
| Dimmable? | Yes (LED-compatible dimmer) | Only specific models; limited range |
| Mercury | None | 3–5 mg (hazmat disposal required) |
| Cold performance | Excellent | Poor — slow start below 5 °C |
| Frequent switching | No impact on lifespan | Reduces lifespan significantly |
| 10-year operating cost | Lower | Higher (lower efficacy + shorter life) |
Verdict
Choose LED for every new purchase. CFL has no remaining advantage over LED in consumer applications. Use existing CFL stock in fixtures that stay on for long periods and switch infrequently, then replace with LED when they burn out.