LED or energy-saving lamps: which is better for the home. Types of lighting bulbs for the home


In the context of the ever-increasing price of electricity, we strive to save money and at the same time use normal lighting that does not hurt the eyes, is bright enough and does not cause irritation. That is why energy-efficient devices are the best solution for those who want to use high-quality light economically. From this material you will learn which lamps are the most energy-saving, what types currently exist, the better one or another type, and whether their cost is really fully worth it.

Energy saving lamps: which ones are better

To understand which lamps are the most energy-saving, let’s compare them with the usual incandescent light bulbs that are already familiar to us all, or, as they were also called, “Ilyich light bulbs.” By purchasing one such device, in just a month you will understand how profitable it is, how pleasing to the eye and how economical it is. Compared to a conventional incandescent lamp they:

  1. They consume less energy but give the same light output. That is, the efficiency of this device is much higher. Unlike an incandescent light bulb, which produces an efficiency of no more than 18–20%, such a product achieves maximum performance of no less than 70–80%. In simpler terms, out of every hundred watts an ordinary lamp, working at full power and heating the spiral, produces only eighteen to twenty percent of light.
  2. They last longer and have a longer warranty period. Any store that sells energy-saving light bulbs will provide you with a guarantee for a certain service life. In some varieties it can be about twenty years. Considering how often ordinary lamps burn out, this is very beneficial, because you can always replace a burnt-out energy-saving device under warranty.
  3. Quite safe. All energy-saving lamps (except the halogen type) do not have direct contact connections, while the Ilyich light bulb has all contacts connected by a spiral. Therefore, in this case, a short circuit is practically impossible.
  4. They do not carry such a load on the general apartment network as conventional ones. This is also one of the safety indicators; thanks to the non-overloaded network, other household appliances will not be affected.
To understand which products are better, it is worth considering the standard comparison table for energy-saving lamps. It compares light bulbs in terms of heating, power, anti-vandalism, luminous flux, service life and economic benefits. A comparison of energy-saving lamps with conventional lamps clearly speaks in favor of the former. And if you overpay when purchasing, you definitely save when using it.


If we consider all these devices regarding their effect on human vision, energy-saving lamps, incandescent lamps, daylight, then they all flicker with a certain periodicity during their operation. This is due to the way the electron pulse passes through them. This is not noticeable to the naked eye, but upon detailed study, scientists discovered that:
  • The cold spectrum affects vision more than usual and because of this, the retina is destroyed.
  • Brightness and increased flicker in fluorescent lamps affect the brain and the stability of the nerve ganglia. People who work in an office with such lighting are 30 times more likely to seek help from psychoanalysts.
  • According to the latest data from ophthalmologists, the optimal brightness is considered to be 2700–3100 K. This is good for both the living room and the children's room. Therefore, when choosing a light bulb, take this into account.
  • If the lamp is located opposite the mirror, it affects vision an order of magnitude higher. It is best to install energy-saving light bulbs near mirror surfaces and glass doors. By paying attention to your appearance, putting yourself in order before going out to the store or for a walk, your eyes and brain will not be so tired.
When comparing economical light bulbs with each other, it is worth paying special attention to heating. Your LED device will hardly heat up, the luminescent one will become warm, and you can even burn your fingers on the halogen one. In terms of warranty service life, they are also very different from each other, and if the halogen one will work for 2000 hours, then the LED one is ready to provide its factory warranty for at least 50 thousand hours.

If we talk in more detail about what they are and what they are, then let's move on to the next point of our material.

What types of energy-saving lamps are there?


By definition, an energy-efficient lamp is a special device for uniform light distribution, powered by electricity. Compared to its analogues, this product has an increased level of light output and significantly saves electricity.

Such economical devices are linear (LL) and compact (CFL). They all contain mercury and LED substances. A common feature of linear and compact fluorescent lamps can be considered tangible savings in electrical energy consumption. And at the same time, they fill the space with much more light than conventional incandescent lamps. The latter are gradually falling out of use, as many countries around the world have recently set a course for the operation of energy-efficient devices due to their overall safety and cost-effectiveness.

Which lamps are energy-saving?


Energy-saving fluorescent lamps include compact and linear lamps, which differ from each other in technical indicators and functions. Let's take a closer look at them to understand which energy-saving lamps are better for the home:
  1. CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) It is characterized by an arched shape, which allows it to be placed in small lamps. They are almost always used at home, being an optimal replacement for conventional incandescent lamps. They are often included in the package of non-standard lighting fixtures. Such a light bulb contains inert gases (argon and neon, known to many), as well as mercury vapor. The outer casing is finished with phosphor. Due to the collision of electrons with mercury components, externally imperceptible UV radiation is released, which turns into scattered light (this is facilitated by the phosphor coating). Compact lamps consist of three parts: a base for connecting to the electrical network, an electronic control device for igniting and maintaining the light bulb. It makes the transition from a 220 W power supply to that required for stable operation of the lamp without flickering. The third component of the device is the bulb, which is the outer shell of the lamp. Due to the differences in these elements, the type of CFL is also determined: for example, by the color of the radiation, the features of the base (there are 2D categories, often installed in shower stalls, E27 - for a regular cartridge, E14 - for a smaller cartridge, E40 - for a large cartridge).
  2. Linear fluorescent lamps (LFL) They can be circular, straight, or a specific U-variation. Straight-line devices have the shape of long glass tubes, at the ends of which there are glass legs, where, in turn, electrodes are fixed. There is a phosphor coating on the inner surface of the lamp, and the tube cavity itself is filled with inert gases and mercury. The safety of people from the harmful evaporation of mercury is guaranteed by hermetically sealing the lamp. Linear lamps differ in terms of the diameter and length of the tube, and the width of the base element. As a rule, the larger the dimensions of the LL, the greater the electricity consumption. Often, such luminaires are used in manufacturing plants and enterprises, in offices and places of public importance. Compact fluorescent lamps have become most popular among consumers, and their linear alternative is slowly going out of production.

Proven benefits of energy efficient lamps


Summarizing all of the above, I would like to emphasize that the use of energy-saving lighting devices in everyday life or at work has many advantages, among which the following are especially noticeable:
  1. According to manufacturers of lighting devices, the use of energy-saving lamps can reduce electricity costs by up to 80%. The luminous flux of these devices is much higher than that of conventional incandescent lamps.
  2. Energy efficient lamps have a long service life. This is more than 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs last. Such a long operating time is also a big plus for placing energy-saving lamps in places where frequent changes of light bulbs are very difficult (on high ceilings, between flights of stairs, etc.).
  3. Produce less heat compared to conventional lamps. Due to this, it is advisable to install small CFLs with a high power rating, especially in complex designs: sconces, chandeliers and twisted forms of lamps. Economical lamps will not melt the wires and plastic elements of the socket, which sometimes happens when using ordinary lamps.
  4. The light from energy-saving lamps is much healthier for vision because it is distributed evenly. A uniform glow is obtained due to the design of the lamp: the area of ​​​​their body is larger than that of the spiral of conventional light bulbs.
  5. A choice of different color temperatures is possible. Lamps 2700K give white color, 6400K - cool white, 4200K - daylight. The specified data is measured on the Kelvin scale.
When choosing an energy-saving light bulb, you need to not only look at all the indicators and price, but also pay attention to the manufacturer, how reliably the base is made and the quality of the glass in the product. Only if you are satisfied with the whole set of factors, the product is worth buying. Otherwise, you may well be uncomfortable with such lighting; the lamp may quickly fail, cause a short circuit throughout the apartment, or turn out to be not as economical as you would like.

For more information about choosing energy-saving lamps, watch the video:

On the modern market, energy-saving lamps are represented by linear products, as well as compact fluorescent lamps. The latter are low-pressure gas-discharge devices containing mercury. Among other things, we can highlight LED lamps, which act as environmentally friendly. Their common feature is that these illuminators save energy and have high light output when compared with conventional incandescent lamps. You should know everything about energy-saving lamps before visiting the store. You should be prepared for the fact that in the very near future you will have to abandon incandescent lamps, as the government sets a course for the use of energy-saving technologies.

Types of compact fluorescent lamps

In order to decide which device to choose, you should also consider the types of bases. The information provided in the article will help you find out. You should pay attention to compact ones. They can be classified depending on their components. For example, such devices can be 2D based on the base; they are intended for decorative and sealed lighting, including showers. G23 are used for bathrooms, showers and wall lights. G24Q3, G24Q1, 2G7, G24Q2 are intended for household and industrial devices. When considering the types of energy-saving lamps, you will also pay attention to G53; they are used as energy-saving lamps for spotlights.

The most common base is E27, it is made for a regular cartridge, but E40 is a base for a large cartridge. If you have a lamp with E27 or E14 sockets, then you can use it for conventional devices with traditional sockets. They are the easiest to install in traditional lamps. The numbers listed above correspond to the thread diameter in conventional units of measurement. Their declared service life can range from 3,000 to 15,000 hours. For such cartridges, lamps are produced that have a diffuser or an open tube.

Varieties according to radiation color and shape

When looking at the types of energy-saving lamps in the store, you can also choose from the products described above by color, the last of which can be cool white, daylight, neutral white or warm white. The diameter of the flasks such products can be 7, 9, 12 and 17 mm. They should also be distinguished by their shape, that is, if you wish, you may prefer U-shaped or spiral-shaped.

Lamps that have a spiral shape are somewhat smaller in size, unlike U-shaped ones, due to their length. However, in terms of power they are completely equivalent. It is worth remembering that appearance does not affect functionality at all. Spiral-shaped lamps will be more expensive due to the labor-intensive technology of their manufacture.

Reviews of fluorescent lamps

If you are studying the types of energy-saving lamps, you can choose fluorescent lamps; according to users, they can reduce energy consumption by 80%, but the luminous flux will be even more intense. This comparison is true for incandescent lamps. Buyers claim that such devices have a long service life; they can be used for 15,000 hours. This is 14 times more than a traditional lamp. These circumstances make it possible to install the described devices in places where frequent changes of equipment are difficult, including rooms with high ceilings. These types of energy-saving lamps produce less heat compared to traditional ones. That is why you can use them in quite complex designs, namely in chandeliers and sconces. Users emphasize that in such lamps the lamp can melt the wire or plastic element of the socket.

Feedback on light uniformity and color temperature

Consumers love that the light from CFLs is gentle on the eyes and spreads more evenly. This became possible due to the design of the device. The body area of ​​such a lamp is larger compared to a spiral device. Consumers pay attention to the ability to choose color temperature. This indicates that colors may vary. Thus, 2700 K refers to warm white light, while 4200 K is If there is a need to choose a cool white color, then 6400 K should be preferred. It is worth considering that the cooler the color temperature, the closer the light will be to red. If you choose compact fluorescent lamps, then, according to users, you can diversify the lighting, making it more original.

Types of LED devices

If you want to purchase energy-saving lamps for your home, you should definitely consider the types of such devices. This includes LED products, which differ from each other not only in design, but also depending on the area of ​​use. According to the last criterion, among such products we can distinguish LED lamps, which are intended for lighting offices and apartments. There are also LEDs intended for interior lighting. Modern industry produces LED lamps for architectural and landscape lighting. It is impossible not to mention street lamps, as well as industrial spotlights. You can even find explosion-proof LED lamps on sale.

Varieties according to design features and properties of emitted light

If you are considering energy-saving lamps, you need to study the types in more detail. Thus, LED lamps are a source of diffused, high-quality light that is pleasing to the eye. It is as close as possible to the illumination of so-called daylight. If there is a need to decorate a storefront, then you should choose the same LED lamps. However, they must have directional light. For office premises they are used. Their appearance resembles an oblong tube, which is equipped with a rotating base. Such devices have a unique design that allows you to change the angle of the glow.

Energy-saving lamps include any lighting devices whose light output significantly exceeds the usual “Ilyich bulbs”. They have a higher efficiency, consuming 1 unit. luminous flux is almost 5 times less electricity (the lion's share of energy is spent on glow, while losses due to heat generation and other physical losses are minimized), and a longer service life.

Energy-saving lamps vary depending on the type of base, cost, principle of operation, emitted spectrum, as well as shape and dimensions.

Classification of energy-saving lamps

Energy-saving light bulbs, depending on the principle of operation, are divided into:

— fluorescent lamps: linear and compact types;

- LED bulbs.

Fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps were developed a long time ago, but they did not become widespread due to their specific shape. They were made in the form of tubes of different lengths, which required special lamps and also caused inconvenience during their installation or replacement. Compact fluorescent lamps can replace incandescent lamps and be used in standard lighting fixtures.

A fluorescent lamp consists of 3 elements:

- base;

— ballast;

— a luminescent flask, inside of which there are vapors of mercury and argon, and a phosphor is applied to the inner surface.

Electromagnetic radiation is generated by the ballast and electrons are released onto the surface of the spiral. When a glow discharge occurs, ultraviolet radiation is formed in mercury vapor. When passing through the phosphor on the surface of the lamp, this radiation is transformed into visible light.

(LED) lamps

In LED lamps, the light source is LEDs (semiconductor devices that emit light when connected to the network). The main advantage is low power consumption without compromising brightness and light output.

(xtypo_quote) In other words, a 6-W LED lamp will generate the same amount of light as a 60-W incandescent lamp, while using 8 times less power. The manufacturer provides a guaranteed service life of 30-50 thousand hours (20 years of trouble-free operation). (/xtypo_quote)

Their advantage is that they do not create heat during operation: there is no risk of fire, and you can also experiment by creating unique interior lighting. Such lamps do not contain toxic substances, so there is no danger if they are damaged. Moreover, the bases of LED lamps allow them to be mounted in any type of lamps. The glow of LED lamps does not put additional strain on the human eye organs.

Their main disadvantage is cost: they are 2 times more expensive than fluorescent ones. LED lamps are intended for household, industrial and street lighting. LED sources glow predominantly in one direction, making it possible to use them for directional lighting.

In addition to the above areas, LED lamps can be used to illuminate public places, museums, art galleries, corridors, warehouses, elevators, since there is no ultraviolet component in their light spectrum.

Varieties depending on the type of base

Depending on the type of base, compact fluorescent light bulbs are divided into several types:

1. E14 lamps with a 1.4 cm thread. Such devices are usually installed in small household sockets.

2. E27 lamps have a 2.7 cm thread and can be installed in regular size sockets.

3. E40 lamps with a fairly large base diameter due to the presence of a built-in electronic ballast. Lamps with such a base are usually used for lighting industrial areas and construction sites.

4. G23, 2G7, G53, 2D and other models of decorative lamps used in spotlights for illumination.

Sources with sockets E14, E27, E40 are intended for use in household appliances, instead of incandescent lamps. This type of lamps is characterized by significant dimensions, so replacement is not possible for all sizes of lamps.

The next important characteristic is the color of the glow. The human eye perceives different light sources differently. Based on this criterion, the following types of lamps are distinguished depending on the color of the glow:

- warm white;

- neutral white;

- cold white;

- daylight.

Energy-saving lamps differ depending on the size of the bulbs. They can have the following diameter:

Depending on the shape, I distinguish lamps:

— U-shaped;

- in the shape of a spiral.

The high efficiency, practicality and long service life of energy-saving lamps have made them quite popular and the most commonly used type for industrial and residential premises.

It is difficult to imagine how a century and a half ago humanity managed without lighting lamps. After the advent of this miracle of technology, for a long time we were content with ordinary incandescent lamps, but they, like candles and kerosene lamps, are already fading into oblivion. They are being replaced by more economical lamps that consume less electricity and last for years. But how can we, who are accustomed to focusing only on the power of an ordinary lamp and its base, choose the right energy-saving lamp for our home and apartment, since there are a huge number of them on store shelves? We were helped to figure it out by real experts in this field, employees of the online store 220svet.ru, who have been helping Russians make their lives brighter for several years in a row and are selling various kinds of lamps and fixtures.

The store delivers products to all regions of Russia, and over many years of operation it has managed to establish cooperation with major manufacturers, so it offers its customers competitive prices. The company sells a huge number of lamps of different types and power; the entire range can be found on the page https://220svet.ru/catalog/lampochki/. In addition, the online store sells floor lamps, sconces, spotlights, chandeliers, table lamps and other lighting items, offering customers a guarantee on all products.

No. 1. When can you not do without energy-saving lamps?

The whole world has recognized that energy-saving light bulbs are the future, but cheap incandescent light bulbs are still sold en masse. So which lamps are best to use? For lamps that operate at least 2-3 hours a day, it is better to take energy-saving lamps. In this case, the purchase will pay off within a couple of years, and then full savings will begin.

When we are talking about a lamp that is turned on infrequently and for a few minutes a day (for example, in basements and attics), then it will be more economical to use an incandescent lamp, at least while they are still on sale. By the way, the government of the country has already limited the sale of incandescent lamps with a power of more than 100 W and its next step will most likely be a ban on lamps with a power of more than 50 W.

No. 2. Types of energy saving lamps

Energy-saving lamps include:

  • fluorescent lamps;
  • LED bulbs.

Looking ahead, we note that LED lamps are superior to fluorescent lamps in all respects: they are more durable, completely harmless, do not flicker, and their luminous flux does not decrease over time. LED lamps lose only in terms of price, but they are more economical in operation.

Both versions of energy-saving lamps differ from incandescent lamps in that all electricity is converted into visible light, while “Ilyich light bulbs” lose a significant part of the energy by converting it into heat.

Sometimes energy-saving lamps include halogen lamps., which is not entirely correct. They are 2-3 times more durable than conventional incandescent lamps, but are still significantly inferior to their LED and fluorescent counterparts. A halogen lamp is actually the same as an incandescent lamp, only filled with bromine or iodine vapor (substances belonging to the halogen group). In a conventional lamp, the tungsten atoms from which the coil is made begin to evaporate at high temperatures and deposit on colder surfaces. This is the main reason for their low durability. If you add halogens to the flask, they will react with tungsten, and the resulting compounds will then decompose into their original components: part of the tungsten returns to the spiral, and durability increases.

The service life of halogen lamps is 2-4 thousand hours, but when used together with a dimmer, the durability increases to 8-12 thousand hours. Such lamps have high quality color rendering, they are small, can be produced in interesting shapes and do not require specific disposal. Not the longest service life and low efficiency still do not allow halogen lamps to be classified as energy-saving.

No. 3. Fluorescent energy saving lamps

Fluorescent lamps are 5-20 times more durable than incandescent lamps and use 75% less electricity to produce the same light output. Visible light technology this is fundamentally different. In fluorescent lamps, an electrical discharge passes through vapors of mercury and inert gases, causing ultraviolet glow. When passing through a layer of phosphor applied to the inner surface of the lamp bulb, it produces visible light.

It is more correct to call those lamps that are used in everyday life compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), since non-compact ones are also manufactured, which have very long bulbs and are used in large rooms. CFLs, as a rule, have a bulb in the shape of a twisted spiral and traditional screw bases, so these lamps can easily replace conventional incandescent lamps.

Advantages of fluorescent lamps:


Disadvantages of fluorescent lamps:

  • the need for careful operation and proper disposal, since such lamps contain mercury, the amount of which can range from 2.3 mg to 1 g;
  • sensitivity to voltage drops and frequent starts, which reduces service life. Experts do not recommend using fluorescent lamps in public places or equipping them with motion sensors. It is better not to turn off these lamps if you leave the room for a short time. The optimal indicator for achieving the greatest durability is 5 inclusions per day;
  • The lamp needs some time to begin to shine at its maximum capacity. At room temperature this takes about 30-45 seconds;
  • over time, the luminous flux of the lamp will decrease, which is associated with degradation of the phosphor, so it is better to take a lamp with a small power reserve;
  • unpleasant flickering;
  • complex connection diagram;
  • sensitivity to high temperatures, so it is better not to use such lamps in luminaires that limit heat dissipation.

When using fluorescent lamps at low temperatures, their light output will be lower than declared. Such lamps cannot be used with dimmers. It is very rare on sale, but you can find lamps with adjustable brightness, but they cost several times more than regular ones and do not have a long service life.

No. 4. LED bulbs

LED lamps are the pinnacle of light bulb evolution. They do not have the disadvantages characteristic of their analogues, they consume 6-10 times less electricity than incandescent lamps, and are several times more durable than fluorescent lamps. There are no tungsten spirals or harmful substances in such lamps - the light source is an LED, the complex principle of which allows one to dispense with the use of dangerous and toxic compounds.

The LED bulb can be part of a single piece or sold as a replacement bulb. The latter becomes the object of our attention.

Basic advantages of LED lamps:


Basic flaw Such lamps are expensive. There is an opportunity to save money - lamps from nameless Chinese manufacturers, but it is better not to buy them. Moreover, many Chinese and even some domestic manufacturers somewhat overestimate the characteristics of their lamps - it is better to take products from famous European companies. LED lamps are sensitive to high temperatures, so they cannot be used in saunas.

No. 5. Lamp power and luminous flux

Conventional incandescent lamps have been in use for so long that when choosing, we are accustomed to looking mainly at power as a key indicator. We all understand how a 40 W or 60 W lamp will shine. The power of energy-saving lamps is several times lower (4-25 W), so for many, purchasing a suitable lamp raises many questions. Manufacturers make this task easier for us and indicate on the packaging the equivalent power, i.e. tell us how an economical light bulb will shine, comparing it with the luminous flux of an incandescent lamp of a certain power (for example, on a fluorescent lamp it may be written “8 W corresponds to 40 W”).

The manufacturer's concern is pleasant, but educated people should understand that lamp power and light output are not the same thing, and the familiar watt is a unit of power. Luminous flux is measured in lumens. To make it easier to understand: a 40 W incandescent lamp gives a luminous flux of 470-500 lm, 60 W – 700-850 lm, 75 W – 900-1200 lm. Now, when studying the packaging of an economical lamp, you can already roughly imagine how it will shine.

When choosing a lamp with the required brightness level, you can also rely on power equivalent. For fluorescent lamps you can use a factor of 5: if it is indicated that the lamp has a power of 12 W, then this means that it will shine like a 60 W incandescent lamp. For LED this coefficient is about 7-8: a 10-12 W lamp will shine like a 75 W incandescent lamp.

The dependence of the luminous flux on power allows us to judge the efficiency of the lamp and its light output, which is measured in lm/W. Incandescent lamps for every 1 W of electricity consumed provide only 10-16 lm of ceiling light, i.e. have a light output of 10-16 lm/W. Halogen lamps have a light output of 15-22 lm/W, fluorescent lamps - 40-80 lm/W, LED lamps - 60-90 lm/W.

No. 6. Colorful temperature

A lamp with the same power can produce light of different shades, warmer or cooler. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and must be indicated on the lamp packaging. On sale you can find lamps with temperatures from 2700 K to 6500 K: The lower the value, the warmer and yellower the light will be.

When choosing, you can focus on the following standards:


It is undesirable to use lamps with different color temperatures in the same room - this will cause discomfort, and if it is constant, vision problems may arise.

No. 7. Color rendering index

The light source can greatly influence a person's perception of colors. We all know how different the same shade can be under different lighting. Sunlight is considered the reference, its color rendering index CRI is 100. For artificial light this figure is slightly lower, but the closer it is to 100, the more correct and natural colors we will see. All modern energy-saving lamps have CRI 80 or more– this is normal color rendition.

Color rendering and color temperature in the markings are encrypted three-digit code, for example, 830, where the first digit indicates the color rendering index (in our case it comes out to CRI 80), and the last two indicate the color temperature (3000 K).

No. 8. Life time

The manufacturer usually indicates durability in hours, but this parameter may not be entirely clear to the average user - it is more convenient for us to count in years. On average, under normal operating conditions, an LED lamp will last 10-15 years, a fluorescent lamp – about 5 years. Manufacturers provide a guarantee for LED lamps.

No. 9. Base type

Still considered the most popular classic Edison base with a diameter of 27 mm, which is denoted E27. Most household lamps are designed to install lamps with just such a base. This was the standard for incandescent lamps, and manufacturers of energy-saving lamps did everything for user convenience and mass-produced lamps with an E27 base. Some sconces, table lamps and small lamps may require lamps with a smaller base - E14. Large, powerful luminaires usually use lamps with a base E40. If it is difficult to determine which base a lamp needs, you can go to the store with an old incandescent lamp.

Compact lamps with pin contacts. In them, the base is marked with the letter G and the number following it, which indicates the distance between the pins in mm, for example G10.

No. 10. Bulb shape and brightness adjustment

If it is necessary for the lamp to provide not only light, but also perform a decorative function, then it is better to choose LED bulbs, which may be in the form candles, ball etc. Halogen and incandescent lamps provide even greater choice in this regard, but you won’t be able to save money with them. Fluorescent lamps They are produced only in the form of spirals and tubes.

If things are not so bad with the shape of the bulb of energy-saving lamps, then with brightness adjustment everything is much worse. Of course, it is possible to find a sample that can be connected to a dimmer, but it will not be cheap, and an economical lamp still does not implement all the possibilities for adjusting the brightness. If you want to use a dimmer, it is better to take a halogen lamp.

Finally

To ensure that the energy-saving lamp meets your expectations, buy products from well-known manufacturers(Philips, OSRAM, GE, Ecola) and ask about the warranty period. A normal LED lamp will have a warranty of 2-3 years, not 6 months.

For comfortable lighting in the evening, a one-room apartment requires from ten to twenty lamps, depending on the area and layout. If they are all 60 W incandescent lamps, then the total maximum power will be 1200 kW - like an electric kettle. In this case, almost all the energy in the light bulb is wasted not on useful work (lighting), but on heating the environment. The luminous efficiency of an incandescent lamp is only 5% of the energy consumed. That is, in the evening in the house for several hours every day, 1140 kW are emitted in the form of infrared waves... to nowhere. The service life of such lighting devices is only 1 thousand hours. It is irrational, expensive and wasteful.

Therefore, it is not surprising that since 2012 it has been impossible to buy household incandescent lamps in the European Union. And in Russia, the circulation of incandescent lamps with a power of 100 W and above has already been banned, and a phased ban of all other categories is being prepared.

Energy-saving lamps (ESL) are offered to replace conventional lighting devices. In general, this means that they are more efficient and have a longer service life than traditional light sources.

Options to select

To figure it out how to choose a bright lamp for the home, comfortable for the eyes and at the same time energy saving, you need to have a good understanding of what technical parameters it is characterized by.

  1. Flask size. ESLs are often larger in size than incandescent lamps. Therefore, you need to measure the lamp shades to understand which model will fit inside.
  2. Base type. In domestic conditions, the e27 base is most often used (27 is its diameter in mm). Less commonly, lamps are made with a seat for an E14 base; these are low-power devices for decorative lighting. The E40 base also comes across, but, as a rule, in large lamps and public places.
  3. Power. Since energy-saving lamps are more efficient, their power ranges from 7 to 20 W. For the convenience of consumers, it is indicated on the packaging which energy-efficient lamp is analogous to an incandescent lamp.
  4. Life time. There can be no dual interpretations here: the more, the better. Numerical values ​​start at 7 thousand hours.
  5. Luminous flux value. Measured in lumens (lm), it shows how much visible light the device emits. The lower the ratio between luminous flux and power, the more efficiently electricity is used.
  6. Colorful temperature. Simply put, it is the color of light. It is measured in kelvins (K). The most natural and comfortable for the eyes is warm white light with a temperature of 2700 to 3200 K, and it should be used in the home.

General advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of energy-saving lamps are obvious: low energy consumption and long service life, for the sake of these advantages they are switching to more efficient lighting devices. There are not many disadvantages:

  • higher price compared to traditional ones;
  • difficulty achieving optimal color temperature;
  • As a rule, light is emitted in a narrow spectrum, which is not beneficial for vision.

Types of energy saving lamps

There are three types of ESL on sale: halogen (gas-filled), LED and luminescent lamps. Each of them has pros, cons and rational uses for home lighting.

Luminescent

fluorescent lamps

The operating principle of this light device is that a gas discharge is ignited in a glass flask filled with an inert gas with mercury vapor. Since it emits ultraviolet radiation, it is converted into visible light using a phosphor layer that coats the glass shell from the inside. The color temperature of the lamp depends specifically on the composition of the phosphor. Powerful energy saving luminescent lamps daylight are widely used for lighting public and industrial premises.

Advantages

The average lifespan of a fluorescent lamp is 8,000 hours, while only 11 watts are required to provide the same luminous flux as a traditional 60-watt lamp.

The cost is relatively low - from 100 to 200 rubles for high-quality products from well-known manufacturers (for example, Osram).

The payback period under these conditions is one year, despite the fact that self-respecting companies provide a 3-year guarantee on them.

Flaws

Design features determine the disadvantages of fluorescent lamps:

  • the shape of the flask is limited by the need to use a thin tube;
  • the maximum luminous flux value is not reached immediately after switching on;
  • stability of operation strongly depends on the quality of electricity;
  • possible light pulsations may cause damage to vision;
  • rapid wear as a result of frequent switching on and off.

LED


 LED lamp

This type of lamp uses an LED, a semiconductor device. In order to be suitable for replacing a traditional incandescent lamp, they must include a special device called a driver - a current source, as well as a module with several dozen LEDs.

Advantages

LED fixtures have a lifespan of 30,000–50,000 hours. Energy consumption is the lowest in the ESL class: 8 W corresponds to 60 W of a traditional light bulb.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

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The use of glass is not required; the lampshade is usually made of plastic - a more reliable design, more difficult to damage due to negligence. It heats up less, does not contain mercury, and is easy to dispose of.

Flaws

The main disadvantage is the high price. The cost of 9-watt lamps of good quality starts from 150 rubles. You can also list some disadvantages associated with the design of the device:

  • narrow light cone;
  • big sizes;
  • brightness decreases over time;
  • difficulties in providing the required spectrum of light.

Halogen


 Halogen lamp

This type is a modification of an incandescent lamp. A special gas consisting of bromine or iodine vapor is added to its cylinder. This increases the service life to 2000 - 4000 hours, and also allows you to increase the temperature of the coil for greater brightness. In the case of using special circuits for smooth switching, the operating time increases to 8000 hours.

Colorful temperature

Let’s take a closer look at the quality indicator of light – color temperature. The human eye perceives sources in the range from 2500 K to 10000 K, while:

  • 2500 – 2800 K is felt as a very warm light (candles, open flame);
  • 2800 – 3500 K – analogue of the setting sun;
  • 3500 – 5000 K – neutral lighting (morning light);
  • 5000 K and above – cold daylight.

Experts who study the influence of light on the human body recommend choosing bright, warm light for home lighting, as it is most beneficial for vision, relaxes and does not suppress the production of melanin, the sleep hormone.

In stores and other public spaces, powerful neutral light is used that does not distort color rendering. According to consumer reviews, daylight is best used for work areas, it invigorates and increases productivity.

Color rendering index

Light from different sources has different effects on the perception of brightness and color saturation in a room. Color rendering coefficient characterizes the degree to which the apparent brightness of a color corresponds to its true value when illuminated by a specific source. The higher the index value, the more natural the light is. Solar illumination is taken as a standard with a coefficient of 100. Among ESLs, halogen lamps have the best coefficient; high-quality fluorescent and LED lamps have an index of about 80.

Lamp power and luminous flux

The main characteristic of energy saving is the ratio of luminous flux to power. The best examples in the class of LED sources have a light output of 90 lm/W, fluorescent - 70 lm/W, halogen - only 16 lm/W.

Life time

This characteristic directly affects the return on investment in high-quality light sources and the feasibility of their use. It would be correct to use several less powerful lamps instead of one more powerful one; their service life will certainly be longer. The best light source among ESLs in terms of duration of use is a device based on LEDs. But you must definitely choose well-known manufacturers who care about their reputation and use high-quality components.

Base type


 base type

Threaded sockets E27 and E14 are most common in everyday life.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

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It should be noted that buying LED lamps with a 14 mm base may not be a very good solution. For normal operation, LEDs require an appropriate current source and proper cooling.

These conditions are quite difficult to implement in small-sized conditions. A high-quality bright lamp should be large. Therefore, for small sconces it is advisable to use fluorescent or halogen lighting devices.

Bulb shape and brightness adjustment

For some types of EBW, especially fluorescent lamps, the shape of the bulb is limited by design features. Their common types are U-shaped and spiral. For aesthetic reasons, it is better to use them in semi-closed and closed shades. Straight, tubular ESLs are used to illuminate kitchen surfaces and other work areas. LED devices with a standard base, as a rule, have a traditional pear-shaped shape. A common type of halogen lamp is a cone with a deflector.