CFL(compact florescent lamp) bulbs are cheaper than LED bulbs but they do not dim and it takes some time after switching on for them to become fully bright. Another disadvantage of CFL bulbs is that they either don't turn on or don't reach full brightness in very cold climates so they are not suitable for outdoor lighting on the porch. When LED's first came out the light output was horrible and they were $20 and up PER BULB! They have come a very long way since then and the price has come way down if you know where to look. Two other advantages of LED bulbs are that they are more energy efficient than fluorescent bulbs and they last longer. I actually had a CFL bulb catch fire in my kitchen! Count me in as an LED man! Here are some comparisons:
Comparison chart
Fluorescent Bulbs | LED Bulbs | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Roughly $6 to $15 for a 4-pack; $2 to $15 per bulb for Energy Star qualified bulbs | $16 to $25 for Energy Star qualified bulbs. I have found a site where some lamps are only $2! https://www.myled.com/led-bulb.html |
| Energy efficiency | More than incandescent bulbs; less than LED bulbs | Much more than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs |
| Longevity | Usually 6,000 to 15,000 hours. Up to 35,000 hours. | 50,000 hours or longer |
| Electricity used equal to 60 W incandescent | 13-15 watts | 6-8 watts |
| How they work | Fluorescent bulbs generate light by sending an electrical discharge through an ionized gas. | Illumination by movement of electrons through semiconductor material |
| Materials used | Argon, mercury vapor, tungsten, barium, strontium and calcium oxides | Semiconducting material doped with impurities to create a p-n junction, free of mercury |
| Turn on instantly | No - takes time to warm up to full capacity | Yes |
| Types | Tanning bulbs, growth bulbs, bilirubin bulbs, germicidal bulbs | Applications in aviation, automotive, advertising, and traffic signal lighting |
| Temperature sensitivity | Yes - may not work < -10°F or > 120°F | None |
Here is the best site I've found for LED lamps. I have bought several from this site and they are cheap and have great light output! | https://www.myled.com/led-bulb.html |

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