When looking into ways to light up your commercial spaces, fluorescent lights have long been the industry standard for smooth and even lighting. But there are now several options available to you that may be a better investment than the older fixtures, chief among them being LED tube lights. But why use LED tube lights vs. fluorescents? The question boils down to older technology against newer advancements.
Safer Materials
Fluorescents
Hazardous materials have been an issue in light bulbs for a very long time, the most noteworthy danger being mercury, which was used in the construction of bulbs throughout history. If inhaled or in contact with skin, mercury vapor has the potential to cause irritation to exposed areas and sickness, especially in small children.
LED Tube Lights
LEDs are not manufactured with the same hazardous materials as fluorescents, including lead, mercury, or other potentially toxic substances. In the event that LED tube lights do break, the only danger they present comes from the broken glass.
Longer Lifespan
Fluorescents
Fluorescent lights have an estimated life of roughly three to five years before they need to be replaced. But during the end of their life, fluorescents can flicker due to their failing power. This flickering can act as a distraction to workers and runs the risk of causing headaches because of the strobing effect.
LED Tube Lights
LED tube light bulbs have a life expectancy of close to 70,000 hours, which equates to nearly eight years. The difference with LEDs’ end of life is that they do not immediately shut down or begin to flicker; instead, there is a gradual dimming of the light source until it burns completely out. Even while it is in the process of burning out, LEDs still provide an even source of lighting.
Energy Efficient
Fluorescents
When discussing energy-efficient lights, you must know how many watts a bulb is using to produce a lumen. A watt is a unit of energy, while a lumen is a measurement of light intensity, and older bulbs are known to use up a significant amount of wattage to produce light. For example, fluorescents typically produce around 50 to 100 lumens.
LED Tube Lights
LED tube lights produce around 150 lumens per watt, making them the most economical choice. But while it may seem like an insignificant difference with just one light, the effect is amplified when an entire area utilizes LED lights. This mass installation will see your electricity usage decrease while emanating more light at the same time.
Modern Lighting With Improved Construction
Fluorescents have been the industry standard for decades, but with the advancement of LED lighting, they are no longer the best option available. The reasons to choose LED tube lights over fluorescents are many, but the primary reasons are that they are cleaner and more efficient than the bulbs that came before.
