Evolution of Bulbs
Candles, furnaces, gaslights, oil lit lamps etc. were used to create lighting prior to the invention of bulbs. Using energy efficient bulbs help keep the environment green as light uses immense amount of electricity.
Let’s have a glimpse at the evolution of bulbs.
INCANDESCENT BULBS
The incandescent bulbs have a typical tear-drop shape. The output from the bulb generates more heat than light. Out of the total electricity provided only 10% emits light, the rest is consumed to heat its filament, wasting energy. These bulbs don’t last more than 1000 hours and have high operating costs.
HALOGEN BULBS
Halogen bulb, were similar to incandescent lamp that used a halogen gas to emit light. In comparison to incandescent bulbs, they provided higher efficiency, quality of light, and a highly rated life. The efficiency of the halogen bulbs too resulted in high operating costs; they were costlier than the former. They emit a lot of heat to the extent that one cannot touch them with bare hands. Despite being advantageous over incandescent bulbs, they have their disadvantages too.
COMPACT FLUOROSCENT LAMPS (CFLs)
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) joined the league in 1980s. CFLs are bulbs having a coiled tube instead of being round like the old incandescent light bulbs. In contrast to Incandescent and halogen bulbs, CFLs are cheap and high energy efficient. CFLs utilize about 75% less energy, resulting in production of less greenhouse gases keeping the environment safe. The average life span of CFLs is 15000 hours making it last for 5 or more years as per its use. Ahh! Look at the benefits of those spiral shape bulb.
Then what makes them inferior?
The use of vaporized mercury in CFLs , declined their application. The mercury content present in a bulb isn’t as harmful as it’s believed to be, but measures must be taken in case of any exposure to the chemical.
In an actual case, we have to worry about the mercury that is released into the environment and food chains due to careless disposal of used bulbs. Used bulbs are often disposed of with the rest of the garbage or broken into pieces or dumped in the land which leaks the mercury into the environment. In return depleting soil quality and entering our food chains.
Can we stop this?
Yes! Recycling of CFLs is a small step you can take to prevent the mercury from getting into the environment.
Therefore the mercury doesn’t make the CFLs bad from using, but improper disposal does. Next time let’s not throw away the bulb instead recycle it.
Fact:
Life span of a CFL is reduced by 85% when frequently switched on and off. Next time don’t play with that switch. But do not forget to turn the lights off when not in use.
So who emerges as the winner in this battle of bulbs? You might think, of course its the CFLS, with the efficiency and environmental friendliness it brings.
Well no, LED bulbs win the battle of bulbs as their efficiency is higher than all those mentioned and you do not need to worry about any mercury. But don’t forget to recycle them too.
After all these steps will help you hit two birds with one stone i.e. save the environment and your money too.