How do incandencent and fluorescent and LED lights compare in regards to price and lumens and lasting life?

Answer 1

Incandescent lights are the least expensive, but the shortest lasing at ~ 1500-2000 hours. This type of lighting inefficiently creates an over abundance of secondary heat.

Fluorescent lighting is moderately priced and lasts 5000-8000 hours (4 times longer than incandescent). This type of lighting is available in warm and cold varieties and is ~4 times more efficient than incandescent. Fluorescent lights do not operate well at low temperatures and must come up to operating temps before maximum light output will be appreciated. Mercury is a concern when disposing of these bulbs, and they tend to heat up when lit for a time.

Light Emitting Diode lighting is rather expensive but last upwards of 50,000 to even 100,000 hours. LEDs are moisture, vibration and shock resistant, and instantly obtain maximum output. Most LED lights produce a low lumen for their respecive size. LED light bulbs are true watt misers being ~ 20times more efficient than incandescent, and they remain very cool to the touch. Like fluorescent lights, different color temperatures are available for warm or cool lighting. LEDs also come in many color varities.

I think the efficiency claims above for LEDs are overstated. Please visit Donald Klipstein's lighting page to view unbiased information on lighting efficencies. Commercially available LED products have not yet exceeded the efficiency of T8 and T12 fluorescents.

Answer 2

Incandescent: 10-12 lumens per watt

Halogen: 15 lumens per watt

CFL: 50 lumens per watt

LEDS: 50-60 lumens per watt in bulbs you can buy in a store, but some manufacturers have claimed more than twice that.

Answer 3

By far the LED lamp will outlast an incandescent lamp.