How to choose an energy-saving lamp for an apartment. How to choose an energy saving lamp? Which lamps are better for home: LED or fluorescent

Buying lighting lamps for an apartment or house is a routine, but not a trivial task. It is necessary to correlate the cost of the lighting device, the quality of its performance, and, above all, the technical characteristics. The power of the lamp, the brightness of the luminous flux and its color temperature must correspond to the room in which it is used. For example, in the office and bathroom you need bright white light, and in the bedroom - muffled warm. This article will help you find out what criteria you can use to choose energy-efficient, affordable and useful lamps for your home that contribute to productive work or quality rest.

Types of light bulbs suitable for houses and apartments

Incandescent lamps

These are classic household light bulbs made in the form of hollow volumetric flasks in the shape of a pear, a ball, a candle, etc. with tungsten filaments has more than half a century. During this time, they were replaced by various types of devices that are superior in all respects, except for the cost. The low price is the main reason why incandescent lamps are still bought and used in bulk. And this despite the fact that they process more than 90% of the consumed electrical energy into heat, that is, they release it into the atmosphere.

In recent years, inexpensive and energy-efficient alternatives have appeared, so the production rate of incandescent lamps has been greatly reduced. Feeling the economy on their own wallet, people were convinced of the low efficiency of this option.

A significant disadvantage of incandescent lamps is their short service life - from 1000 to 3000 hours of illumination. In addition, they are produced exclusively for screw cartridges. A small plus is that the lamp works without problems directly from the 220 V network. Due to the fact that the device strongly heats the air around it, incandescent lamps cannot be used in stretch and some suspended ceilings, as well as for organizing lighting in furniture.

Halogen lamps

Halogen bulbs also work due to the glow of a hot filament installed inside the bulb. However, these devices are more durable, since they are filled with halogen vapors to extend their service life by 2-3 times. Most often, bromine or iodine vapors are used. Halogen light sources are available compatible with both screw and pin sockets.

For use in various purposes, these models are made with a different shape of the flask, complemented by a coating of reflective materials. This changes the temperature, brightness and angle of dispersion of the light flux. Due to such variability and small dimensions, halogen bulbs were first used mainly in electronic equipment, lighting furniture and ceiling structures.

The light output of halogen lamps is 25-30 lm/W. They are available in E14, E27, G4, G6, G9, etc. Due to the bright directional flow, it is convenient to organize accent lighting with their help.

The principle of operation, based on the incandescence of internal components, gives this type the same disadvantage as traditional "pears" - they intensively convert electric current into thermal energy, which is dissipated in the air. However, the energy consumption is reduced by a factor of three.

An important feature is the requirement for the cleanliness of the surface of the flask - it should not get fat and moisture, otherwise the device burns out. Therefore, the replacement is always carried out with gloves.

Fluorescent lamps

The principle of operation of these devices is based on the ability of certain substances to emit a glow under the influence of an electric charge. Such substances are called luminophores. A fluorescent lamp is a sealed tubular glass bulb, the walls of which are coated with a phosphor from the inside. Inside the flask is filled with mercury vapor and contains several electrodes. When an electric current is applied, an electric charge arises, due to which the glow begins.

Tubular

A couple of decades ago, it was believed that tubular fluorescent lamps are the most economical light bulbs for the home. At that time, they really were the best available options. The adjustment of the required charge in such a device is carried out by a starting-regulating unit, which combines a starter and a voltage transformer. By default, it is included in the design of the lighting device into which the lamp is inserted. Fluorescent lamps are not compatible with other types of lamps.

Compact "economy"

Compact fluorescent lamps, in which the bulb is made of several thin tubes, are very popular these days. Their work is based on the same principle, but the devices are more versatile. First of all, they are available with common E14 and E27 bases, making them suitable for replacing low-efficiency incandescent lamps. In addition, the control circuit is built into the design of the lamp itself.

Such devices are sold in every store as energy-saving. They are indeed many times more efficient than incandescent lamps, because they consume less electricity and do not process it into heat. In addition, they are more durable, which is why they were popularly called "housekeepers".

Fluorescent lamps have two irreparable shortcomings. First, the device emits a pulsating light. This is caused by fluorescent lighting technology. Such light increases the load on the eyes, leads to fatigue, and can adversely affect the psycho-emotional state. Secondly, potentially dangerous mercury vapors are inside the flask. In case of depressurization or it is necessary to carry out a number of works to ensure chemical safety in the room. And they cannot be thrown away with ordinary household waste - they must be handed over at a collection point or in a special container for hazardous waste.

LED lights

The operation of lighting devices of this type is based on the action of semiconductor LEDs. For the glow of these elements, it is not necessary to create an airtight environment and fill it with certain substances, therefore LEDs for chandeliers, wall lamps and home lamps are traditionally made bulb-shaped. The LEDs only need a 12V or 24V DC supply to light up.

To ensure normal operation in household electrical appliances, a driver must be present in the LED power circuit that converts the current to the desired operating parameters. In lamps for screw cartridges, it is already included in the design and is located between the base and the LED itself.

In terms of energy consumption, service life and lighting efficiency, these are considered to be the best light bulbs for household and not only use. Firstly, they consume up to 10 times less electricity, often giving out even brighter luminous flux. In addition, they are several times superior to analogues in terms of service life. Some manufacturers of LED lamps claim that their service life with proper operation reaches 25-35 years.

The characteristic disadvantages of LED lamps are the high price, as well as the presence on the market of a large number of low-quality products. Cheap devices from “nameless” brands often pulsate, which quickly tires the eyes and makes you feel worse. Due to the use of low-grade electronics in the ballast, they also do not have an impressive lifespan. Therefore, the purchase requires a thorough approach to the choice and does not tolerate savings.

What lamps are most convenient and useful for a house or apartment?

Of course, it is impossible to unambiguously answer the question of which light bulbs are best for use in household electrical appliances. Firstly, it is difficult to focus only on cost, brightness, power consumption, color temperature, or some other indicator. Secondly, different options are preferred for different rooms and appliances:

the most comfortable light for the eyes is emitted by incandescent lamps, but they “burn” a lot of electricity;
fluorescent lamps are economical, but tire the eyes;
halogen economical and bright, but they are not recommended for use in bedrooms and children's rooms;
LED lamps are good in many ways, but they are expensive.

For a deeper understanding and easy comparison, please refer to the following table.

Comparison of LED and energy saving lamps

The brightest, most durable and energy-efficient options today are LED and fluorescent "housekeepers". Both options have a good ratio of lumens produced to watts consumed, but the lower cost speaks in favor of the second option. In turn, the average life of LEDs is 5 times longer. Therefore, the difference in price more than pays off in the long run.

To make a choice, LED or energy-saving, information about the shortcomings also helps:

"Housekeepers" work well under constant load. Frequent switching on and off wears them out quickly. It is a poor choice for installation in the kitchen, hallway, bathroom or toilet;
the narrow operating temperature range does not allow the installation of fluorescent lamps outdoors. They also work worse in high humidity, so a bath or bathroom is also not a choice;
fluorescent lamps are poorly dimmable - a smooth change in the brightness of the glow through a special driver;
if the energy-saving lamp has lost its phosphor, it begins to shine in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. For safety reasons, a replacement must be carried out even if the device continues to operate;
LED lamps, in fact, do not burn for 25-30 years, because they are never operated in ideal conditions. On average, their service life is 2-4 years;
there are many inexpensive low-grade models on the market that shine too brightly and with a strong pulsation;
an LED lamp costs up to 5 times more than an energy-saving one;
for long operation, the LED lamp must be in a luminaire with good heat dissipation, the fact is that the high temperature overheats the LED, and it burns out.

When choosing light bulbs for an apartment and a house in accordance with the consumption of electricity, consider what power models you will need to use. To calculate the illumination (in lux), you should divide the value of the luminous flux (indicated in lumens) of the bulbs by the area of \u200b\u200bthe room in which they are used. According to the building codes and regulations in force in the Russian Federation, in kitchens and living rooms the illumination rate is 150 Lx, for children's rooms - 200 Lx, libraries and study rooms - 300 Lx, bathrooms, corridors, halls, showers and bathrooms - 50 Lx (for bathroom can be increased to 100 Lx).

Do not forget that lamps from reputable manufacturers are guaranteed to comply with the standards of operation and the declared technical characteristics. When buying incandescent lamps, this is not so noticeable, but when purchasing an LED or fluorescent lamp, it is better to pay extra for the brand in order to be sure of quality, safety and durability.

In the face of constantly rising electricity prices, 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 find out which lamps are the most energy-saving, what varieties currently exist, the better one or another type, and whether their cost really pays off.

Energy-saving lamps: which ones are better

To understand which lamps are the most energy-saving, let's compare them with the usual incandescent bulbs already familiar to us all, or, as they were also called, “Ilyich's bulbs”. By purchasing one such device, in just a month you will understand how profitable it is, pleasing to the eye and more economical. Compared to a conventional incandescent lamp, 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 gives an efficiency of no more than 18-20%, such a product reaches a maximum efficiency of at least 70-80%. In simpler terms, out of every hundred watts, an ordinary lamp, working at full power and heating the coil, gives out only eighteen to twenty percent of the light.
They last longer and have a longer warranty period. Any store that sells energy-saving light bulbs will give you a lifetime warranty. In some varieties, it can be about twenty years. Considering how often ordinary lamps burn out, this is very beneficial, because you can always change a burned-out energy-saving device under warranty.
Pretty safe. All energy-saving lamps (except for the halogen type) do not have a direct connection of contacts, while Ilyich's light bulb has all contacts connected by a spiral. Therefore, in this case, a short circuit is almost impossible.
They do not carry such a load on the general apartment network as usual. This is also one of the safety indicators, due to the non-congestion of the network, other household appliances will not suffer.

To understand which products are better, it is worth considering the standard comparison table of energy-saving lamps. In it, light bulbs are compared in terms of heating, power, vandal resistance, luminous flux, service life and economic benefits. Comparison of energy-saving lamps with conventional lamps clearly speaks in favor of the former. And if you overpay when buying, then you definitely save when using it.

If we consider all these devices regarding their impact on human vision, energy-saving lamps, incandescent, daylight, then they all flicker with a certain frequency during their work. This is due to the way in which an electronic impulse passes through them. This is not noticeable to the naked eye, but upon closer examination, scientists found that:

The cold spectrum affects vision more than normal and because of this, the retina is destroyed.
Brightness and more frequent flickering in fluorescent lamps affect the brain and the stability of nerve nodes. People working 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 2700–3100 K. This is good both for the living room and for the children's room. Therefore, when choosing a light bulb, consider this.
If the lamp is opposite the mirror, it affects vision by an order of magnitude higher. It is best to install energy-saving light bulbs near mirrored surfaces and glass doors. Paying attention to your appearance, putting yourself in order before going 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 practically not heat up, the fluorescent one will become warm, and you can even burn your fingers on the halogen one. In terms of warranty period, they are also very different from each other, and if the halogen one works 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 it is and what they are, then let's move on to the next paragraph of our material.

What are energy saving lamps?

By definition, an energy efficient lamp is a special device for uniform light distribution, powered by the mains. In comparison with its counterparts, such a 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 a tangible savings in electrical energy consumption. And at the same time, they fill the space with much more light than the usual incandescent lamps. The latter are gradually falling out of use, as many countries around the world have recently set the course for the operation of energy-efficient devices due to their overall safety and economy.

What lamps are energy saving?

Energy-saving fluorescent lamps include compact and linear lamps, which differ from each other in terms of technical indicators and functions. Let's consider them in more detail to understand which energy-saving lamps are best for the home:

CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) characterized by an arcuate shape, which allows it to be placed in small lamps. They are almost always used at home, being the optimal replacement for conventional incandescent lamps. Often they are included in the package of non-standard lighting fixtures. The composition of such a light bulb contains inert gases (known to many as argon and neon), as well as mercury vapor. The outer case is finished with a phosphor. Due to the collision of electrons with mercury components, an 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 mains, an electronic control device for lighting and keeping the light bulb burning. It performs the transition from the 220W power supply to that which is required for stable operation of the lamp without flickering. The third component of the device is the flasks, which are the outer shell of the lamp. Due to the difference 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 showers, E27 - for a regular cartridge, E14 - for a reduced cartridge, E40 - for a large cartridge).
Linear fluorescent lamps (LLL) are ring, straight, or a specific U-variation. Rectilinear devices are in the form of long glass tubes, at the ends of which there are glass legs, where, in turn, electrodes are fixed. On the inner surface of the lamp there is a phosphor coating, and the tube cavity itself is filled with inert gases and mercury. The safety of people from the destructive evaporation of mercury is guaranteed by hermetic soldering of the lamp. Linear lamps differ in terms of the diameter and length of the tube, the width of the base element. As a rule, the larger the dimensions of the LL, the greater the consumption of electricity. Often, such LLs are used in manufacturing plants and enterprises, in offices and public places. The most popular among consumers are compact fluorescent lamps, and their linear alternative is slowly leaving production.

Proven benefits of energy efficient lamps

Summing up 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:

According to manufacturers of lighting devices, the use of energy-saving lamps can reduce up to 80% of electricity costs. The luminous flux of these devices is much higher than that of conventional incandescent lamps.
Energy efficient lamps have a long service life. This is more than 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. Such a long operating time is also a big plus for placing economical lamps in places where frequent changes of light bulbs are very difficult (on high ceilings, between flights of stairs, etc.).
They produce less heat than conventional lamps. Due to this, it is advisable to install small CFLs with a high power rating, especially in complex structures: sconces, chandeliers and swirling lamp shapes. Economic lamps will not melt the wires and plastic elements of the cartridge, which sometimes happens when using ordinary lamps.
The light of energy-saving lamps is much more beneficial for vision, as it is distributed evenly. Uniform radiance is obtained due to the design of the lamp: the area of \u200b\u200btheir body is larger than that of a spiral of ordinary light bulbs.
You can choose from different color temperatures. 2700K lamps give white color, 6400K - cold white, 4200K - daylight. The specified data are measured on the Kelvin scale.

When choosing an energy-saving light bulb, it is necessary not only to look at all the indicators and the price, but also pay attention to the manufacturer, how the base is reliably made and what quality the glass is 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 in the entire apartment, or not be as economical as you would like.

For more information on choosing energy-saving lamps, see the video:

It is hard to imagine how a century and a half ago mankind managed without lighting lamps. After the appearance 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 used to focusing only on the power of an ordinary lamp and its base, choose the right energy-saving lamp for a house and apartment, because there are a huge number of them on store shelves? We were helped by real experts in this field, employees of the 220svet.ru online store, who have been helping Russians make life brighter for several years in a row and are selling all kinds of lamps and lamps.

The store delivers products to all regions of Russia, and over the years of work has managed to establish cooperation with the largest manufacturers, therefore it offers its customers competitive prices. The company sells a huge number of lamps of various types and powers, 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 is energy-saving lamps indispensable?

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

When it comes to a lamp that is turned on infrequently and for several minutes a day (for example, in basements and attics), then it would be more economical to use an incandescent lamp, at least while they are still being sold. By the way, the country's government 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 outperform fluorescent lamps in all respects: they are more durable, completely harmless, do not flicker, 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's bulbs lose a significant part of the energy by converting it into heat.

Sometimes halogen lamps are referred to as energy-saving lamps., which is not entirely correct. They are 2-3 times more durable than conventional incandescent lamps, but still significantly inferior to LED and fluorescent counterparts. A halogen lamp is actually the same incandescent lamp, only filled with bromine or iodine vapor (substances belonging to the halogen group). In an ordinary lamp, the atoms of tungsten, from which the spiral is made, begin to evaporate at high temperatures and deposit on colder surfaces. This is the main reason for their low durability. If halogens are added 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 grows to 8-12 thousand hours. Such lamps have a high color rendering quality, they are small, can be made 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 here is fundamentally different. In fluorescent lamps, an electrical discharge passes through a vapor of mercury and inert gases, causing an ultraviolet glow. When passing through a layer of phosphor deposited on the inner surface of the lamp bulb, it forms visible light.

Those lamps that are used in everyday life, it is more correct to call compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), since non-compact ones are also made, which have very long flasks and are used in large rooms. CFLs usually have a coiled bulb and traditional screw bases, so they 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 vary from 2.3 mg to 1 g;
sensitivity to voltage drops and frequent starts, from which the service life is reduced. Experts do not recommend using fluorescent lamps in public places and 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;
It takes some time for the lamp to reach its full potential. At room temperature, this takes about 30-45 seconds;
over time, the luminous flux of the lamp will decrease, which is associated with the degradation of the phosphor, so it is better to take a lamp with a small margin of power;
unpleasant flicker;
complex connection scheme;
sensitivity to high temperatures, so it is better not to use such lamps in fixtures that limit heat dissipation.

When using fluorescent lamps at low temperatures, their light output will be lower than stated. These lamps cannot be used with dimmers. It is very rare on sale, but you can find dimmable lamps, but they are many times more expensive than ordinary ones and do not have a long service life.

No. 4. LED bulbs

LED lamps are the pinnacle of the evolution of light bulbs. They are devoid of the drawbacks typical of analogues, consume 6-10 times less electricity than incandescent lamps, and are several times more durable than fluorescent lamps. There are no tungsten filaments or harmful substances in such lamps - the light source is the LED, the complex principle of the glow of which allows you to do without the use of dangerous and toxic compounds.

The LED lamp can be part of a whole or sold as a replacement light bulb. The latter becomes the object of our attention.

Main Advantages of LED lamps:

Basic flaw such lamps are expensive. There is an opportunity to save money - lamps of unnamed Chinese manufacturers, but it is better not to take 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

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

The concern of the manufacturer is pleasant, but educated people should understand that lamp power and light output are not the same, and everyone familiar with watts 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 level of brightness, you can build on equivalent power. 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 10-12W lamp will shine like a 75W incandescent lamp.

The dependence of the luminous flux on power makes it possible 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 give only 10-16 lm of light ceiling, i.e. have a light output of 10-16 lm / W. Halogen lamps have a light output of 15-22 lm / W, fluorescent - 40-80 lm / W, LED - 60-90 lm / W.

No. 6. Colorful temperature

A lamp with the same power can give light of a different shade, warmer or colder. Color temperature is measured in kelvins and must be indicated on the packaging of the lamp. On sale you can find lamps with temperature from 2700 K to 6500 K: The lower the value, the warmer and more yellow 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 occur.

No. 7. Color rendering index

The source of light can greatly influence a person's perception of colors. We all know how the same shade can differ under different lighting conditions. The reference is sunlight, its color rendering index CRI is 100. For artificial light, this indicator 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 reproduction.

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

No. 8. Life time

The manufacturer usually indicates the 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 live 10-15 years, a fluorescent lamp - about 5 years. Manufacturers give a guarantee for LED lamps.

No. 9. Plinth type

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

In everyday life, 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 that the lamp gives not only light, but also performs a decorative function, then it is better to choose LED bulbs, which can be in the form candles, balls etc. Halogen lamps and incandescent lamps provide an even greater choice in this regard, but saving money with them will not work. 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 for energy-saving lamps, then with the brightness control everything is much worse. Of course, you can find a sample that can be connected to a dimmer, but it will not be cheap, and the economical lamp still does not implement all the options for adjusting the brightness. If you want to use a dimmer, it is better to take a halogen lamp.

Finally

To make the energy-saving lamp meet your expectations, buy products of well-known manufacturers(Philips, OSRAM, GE, Ecola) and ask about the warranty period. For a normal LED lamp, the warranty will be 2-3 years, not 6 months.

Energy-saving light bulbs are products shrouded in a halo of mystery. It would seem that the main advantage of their use is obvious even from the name - buy and rejoice.

Nevertheless, many of our compatriots are in no hurry to acquire "miracle developments", wanting to first find out:

what is their device;
what is their “frugality”;
are they dangerous?
why such familiar and “native” incandescent lamps fell into “disgrace”.

A number of users are also confused by the fact that reviews about the operation of such light sources are not always the most flattering.

All these doubts are fair and have the right to exist. Therefore, we will talk in detail about the advantages, disadvantages and intricacies of operating luminescent "housekeepers". And also about how to choose the right energy-saving lamp, if for you its pluses still outweigh the minuses.

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) device

The first linear fluorescent lamps were produced in the United States in the late thirties of the last century. They began to be actively used in the fifties and sixties - they became a successful solution to the issue of lighting in industrial enterprises and office buildings. Unfortunately, linear fluorescent lamps could not become a "household breakthrough" for quite obvious reasons - their dimensions are very much not "home".

Therefore, the desire of manufacturers to significantly reduce the dimensions of the development became completely unsurprising. They succeeded in this “undertaking” only in the eighties, after new, better phosphors had been created. The diameter of the tube was reduced to 12 millimeters, and the tube itself was repeatedly bent. Years later, specialists managed to reduce the weight and size of fluorescent lamps so much that they became serious “competitors” to traditional incandescent lamps.

A modern compact fluorescent lamp consists of two key elements - a curved bulb and a base.

In the CFL flask there are tungsten electrodes "coated" with activating substances (a mixture of oxides of barium, strontium, calcium). The flask is filled with an inert gas with a small admixture of mercury vapor.

When voltage is applied to the lamp, a charge arises between the electrodes (which is quite natural), and it lights up. But almost all the radiation generated by it lies in the ultraviolet range. In order for this radiation to be "transformed" into light visible to the human eye, the inside of the flask is coated with a special substance - a phosphor.

The composition of the phosphor directly determines the color characteristics of the resulting light, i.e. "quality phosphor = efficient lamp".

Interesting! A compact fluorescent lamp is the absolute champion among all light sources in terms of the number of common names. No matter how they call her - “kllshka”, “energy saving”, “housekeeper” ...

The advantages of "housekeepers" over incandescent lamps

The first and main advantage of compact fluorescent lamps is the highest light output. About five times larger than incandescent bulbs. If we talk about specific numbers, this means that the light output of a 100 W incandescent lamp will be equal to the light output of a 20 W fluorescent light source. The main trump card of such a purchase, as you might have guessed, lies in the ability to reduce electricity consumption for lighting by about 80%. Reducing the energy used is a "joy" not only for the wallet, but also for the environment. By reducing our consumer demand for it, we reduce the amount of harmful gas emissions, which are an "essential" by-product in the production of electricity.

Important! Throughout the civilized world, it is the importance of preserving the environment that is the key motivating factor for the transition to energy-saving light sources.

The classic reason for the failure of incandescent lamps is the burnout of the tungsten filament. The principle of operation and structure of CFLs are radically different. This allows them to operate 6-15 times longer. The average resource of housekeepers is 6-12 thousand hours.
Since CFLs need to be replaced much less frequently than Ilyich's bulbs, they are very convenient to use in hard-to-reach fixtures (for example, in apartments with high ceilings).
Housekeepers not only consume less electricity, but also emit less heat. This allows you to safely install them in chandeliers and lamps with a temperature limit. Now you don’t have to worry that the cartridge, trim elements and wire will “float”.
Energy-saving lamps allow you to organize softer and more uniform lighting.

Disadvantages of energy saving lamps

Replacing all the ordinary light bulbs in the house with housekeepers at once can be quite difficult financially. One CFL will cost 10-20 times more than a conventional incandescent lamp.
Too frequent on / off will significantly shorten the life of the housekeeper.
Standard CFLs must not be used in luminaires that are controlled by dimmers (dimmers). For these purposes, there are special CFLs with brightness control, but needless to say, they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than the already expensive "ordinary" housekeepers.
CFLs contain mercury and other toxic substances - they must be disposed of properly; You can't throw them in a regular trash can.
It takes some time for the housekeeper to warm up to full power. In a room with a normal room - up to 45 seconds.
When using compact fluorescent lamps outdoors, it will not be possible to achieve the same bright light as indoors.

High-quality energy-saving lamps - how to choose and what to look for?

Weighed all the pros and cons? Have you come to the decision that this development definitely deserves consumer attention? So, it's time to go shopping. But which energy-saving lamp to choose if there are so many of them on the shelves?

There are a number of parameters by which you can determine the best samples for each specific case.

Power

Power is the first parameter that you should decide on when choosing an energy-saving light bulb. Considering that the light output of a CFL exceeds the light output of a conventional incandescent lamp by about five times, it is necessary to use the following “translation” rule - divide the power of a “classic” light source that you are used to, by five. In practice, it will look like this: if 75-watt incandescent bulbs “flaunt” in your chandeliers, then a housekeeper with a power of 15 watts will be quite enough.

Note! The “law of division by five” does not always work. Some Chinese manufacturers can "please" buyers with only a fourfold increase in capacity. Therefore, the information on the packaging should be studied more than carefully.

Plinth type

The vast majority of modern housekeepers, intended to replace obsolete incandescent lamps, use the "traditional" Edison base. The designation has such energy-saving lamps e27.

Sconces and small lamps may require light sources with an e14 base - pay attention to this. It differs from the classical one in a slightly smaller diameter.

Large energy-saving lamps with an e40 base are suitable for powerful and overall lighting fixtures.

Colorful temperature

Unlike incandescent lamps, CFLs can produce a different kind of glow. That is why some housekeepers seem to us uncomfortable for the eyes.

Such visual irritation occurs due to the incorrect color temperature of the lamp matched to a particular room.

for office premises and cabinets, lamps with a color temperature of 6000-6500K will be optimal. They emit a cold white light with an "admixture" of blue;
for the living room and nursery, it is advisable to stay at housekeepers with natural white light (4200K). This tone is very close in spectrum to natural light;
for the kitchen and bedroom, CFLs with a color temperature of 2700K are ideal. Lighting from such a source is very similar to the atmosphere created by an incandescent lamp.

Price and service life

You should not be tempted by an obscenely cheap housekeeper. Otherwise, you run the risk of running into an “instance” that is unable to work even thousands of hours out of the declared four to six.

Guarantee

The warranty period for an energy-saving light bulb can be from 6 to 36 months, depending on the manufacturer. Naturally, the bigger it is, the better.

Be sure to ask at the place of purchase of the goods for the terms of the guarantee. As a rule, it is required to keep the receipt and the box from the product.

Form

The form of luminescent housekeepers can be quite diverse:

U-shaped;
spiral;
semi-spiral;
flask-shaped (pear, ball, candle).

Choose the one that best suits your aesthetic preferences and overall interior design.

Worth knowing! The most popular are U-shaped and spiral housekeepers. The shape of the product does not affect the quality of its work, which cannot be said about the price. Spiral, as a rule, are more expensive than U-like due to more complex production technology.

Helpful advice! When buying fluorescent light bulbs for the first time, do not try to take a dozen at once to all rooms of the house. Take two or three with different color temperatures, test them, see if the eyes get tired from the acquired samples. And after a couple of days, buy the lamps to the required amount.

Which company to choose an energy-saving lamp?

If it is not difficult to determine the power, color temperature and type of base, then, as a rule, difficulties arise with the choice of a manufacturer. What are the best energy-saving lamps to choose, given that brands are “like stars in the sky”?

Experts are unanimous - preference should be given exclusively to those brands that have been on the market for many years and which can boast of exceptionally positive feedback from consumers.

The best energy-saving lamps, according to experts, are Philips, Osram, DeLux, Navigator, Camelion, Era.

Philips

Philips is the first company to offer new energy-saving light sources in the eighties. Since then, it has been actively and fruitfully developing the field of energy-saving technologies. Philips energy-saving lamps are always a wide range and beautiful appearance. And excellent quality and durability.

Osram

Osram is another "pioneer" of the housekeeper market. The company produced its first lamp in 1985. All Osram fluorescent energy-saving lamps have a long service life (up to 15,000 hours) and can easily withstand an impressive number of restarts (5,000 - 500,000).

Navigator

Navigator energy-saving lamps appeared on the domestic market in 2006. The range of products under the name Navigator includes about a hundred positions, among them: U-shaped, spiral-shaped, decorative light sources.

camelion

The range of Camelion energy-saving lamps is able to satisfy the wishes of any buyer with any income level. Three series of housekeepers are produced under the Camelion brand:

Camelion ECO;
Camelion Classic;
Camelion Pro.

Camelion ECO is a standard size, half-year warranty, high brightness and a service life of 6000 hours.

Camelion Classic is compact in size, guaranteed 1 year, service life - 8000 hours.

Camelion PRO is an ultra-compact size, exclusive range, warranty - 1 year, service life - from 10,000 hours.

Era

Era energy-saving lamps first appeared in Russia in 2008.

Their current range makes it easy to replace absolutely all incandescent lamps - regardless of the shape and type of base.

Design features

The only structural element that unites all types of lamps is the base. Otherwise, the design differences between energy-saving devices and LED devices are significant.

All such devices are divided into three types:

Incandescent. Warp: tungsten filament; vacuum flask, usually with an inert gas composition.
Gas-discharge.
LED.

Only gas-discharge and LED light sources are considered energy-saving.

The glow of gas-discharge lamps is realized by means of an electric discharge in metal or gas vapors. Gas dischargers can be divided into:

High pressure lamps. There are sodium, mercury and metal halide. This type is best suited for outdoor lighting.
Low pressure lamps. This type includes fluorescent light sources. The main structural element is the electrode tube, which is filled with vapors of argon gas and mercury. The inside is covered with a phosphor. For it to glow, a short-term high-voltage discharge must fall on the spiral. If there is low voltage in the house's electrical network, the lamps may light up problematically (not immediately and dimly or not at all). They are used for both indoor and outdoor lighting of a house or apartment.

When you need to choose which light bulbs are best for your home, LED or energy-saving, the latter means fluorescent devices.

A modern alternative to the types of lamps described above are LED devices. Such lighting elements, due to their design, are characterized as:

energy saving;
eco-friendly;
durable, resistant to power surges.

A minor drawback is the cost of LED-lamps. The technology of their production is new, not yet modernized, due to this it is quite expensive. The payback of one-time costs for their purchase is almost 100%, due to their durability and economy.

Design features of LED sources:

The principle of using the light flux. The light emitter is an LED or a group of them. Such a diode element converts electric current into light by passing current through a special crystal (semiconductor).
The light emitting element of the diode family processes electric current into light by passing it (current) through a semiconductor crystal. A significant advantage - the current is passed only in the required direction.
The light emitter can be either in an open design or placed in a special flask.

Such light emitters are much more resistant to mechanical stress, in contrast to a similar element of fluorescent lamps (an electrode tube with mercury vapor and gas).

Differences in the design of CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and LED light bulbs is one of the main parameters of technical and operational characteristics, which allows you to determine how they differ. Their economy is also important.

Luminous flux: which lamps are more economical

Most consumers are guided by this very criterion, making a choice in favor of fluorescent or LED lamps. To determine the difference in economy and electrical efficiency of these two types, you can compare them with respect to energy consumption and operating efficiency with traditional incandescent lamps.

The most important indicator, without which it is impossible to make such a comparison, is the luminous flux. This parameter determines how much light will be in the room of the house or apartment. It is measured in Lm (lumens; lm). The higher the luminous flux of the lamp, the brighter it will be in the room during its operation. This value may decrease over time.

Almost all manufacturers of energy-saving and LED bulbs indicate on their packages that the main operating parameters of their lamps correspond to those of incandescent lamps.

Focusing on the average values of such performance characteristics of most common lamp models and manufacturers, an analysis was made of the efficiency and economy of electricity consumption in relation to the value of the luminous flux. The results of such a comparison are shown in the table.

Based on the tabular data, you can easily determine that LED bulbs are much more economical and better in terms of quality of operation compared to similar energy-saving ones.

Efficiency

The value of the ratio of the luminous flux to the working power of the lighting element also indicates the efficiency of the light bulb. This value isolates a certain set of indicators and is called efficiency (efficiency) or "light output". Measured in lm/W. The higher the indicator, the more economically the lamp works.

For an incandescent lamp, this value is very underestimated - less than 10 lm / W, therefore, it has a very low light output. This is its most significant drawback. For comparison: the average efficiency of an ice lamp is 90%; most energy-saving ones are below 90%.

To make it easier to make a choice, it is worth considering how else these types of lamps differ.

Comparison of quality indicators of light sources

The fundamental differences in the main parameters of such a characteristic should be summarized, highlighting the most basic criteria. Namely:

Brightness. This parameter is also called the intensity of light. Measured in cd (cd). Data on this indicator are found on packages of lamps intended for non-domestic use. This is an important criterion when choosing an artificial source for the "running lights" of cars.
Colorful temperature. Also called color rendering index, color temperature. It is measured in K (kelvins). Base is a measure of the hue of a source color and can be divided into:
- warm color. It is indicated on the packaging by numbers from 2700 K to 3300 K. This shade is comparable to the diffuse color of the sky at sunset;
- day or natural color. Designated 4000 K; 4200 K. Comparable to a shade of a soft sky;
- cold. The package says 5000 K.

To determine the priority in such a choice, it is worth considering also the difference in the sizes and shapes of the lamps.

Appearance: plinth type

The perception of interior design largely depends on the quality of lighting in the room. Properly chosen lighting option will emphasize the advantages of the interior and hide the flaws. An important aspect, without which it will not be possible to implement such a design move, is the choice of a suitable shape and a pleasant appearance of lamps for modern lighting fixtures.

Having decided on the type of light bulb, a person pays attention to the type of base. They are:

Standard or screw. Most common in everyday life: E14 (minion) and E27. The number indicates the diameter of the base. Installation features are not provided. Light bulbs with an E40, E27 or E14 base are allowed to be mounted in sockets of standard incandescent lamps. The E27 base has a 27 mm thread, and the E14 has a reduced thread of 14 mm.
Pin. In everyday life, they are not used as often as screw ones. Pin contacts are more often used in luminaires of modern lighting options. Cartridge marking is very important.

The number that follows the letter marking of this type of base is the distance between the pins, indicated in millimeters (GU4 or GU5.3, etc.).

After choosing the base, the type and size of the lighting elements are selected. A more original shape (candle, ball) and beautiful design - for LED and halogen lamps. Luminescent can only be in the form of a spiral or tube.

Comparison of shapes and sizes

It is important for a modern consumer not only how much more economical it will be to operate one type of lamp compared to another, but also the priority of their appearance.

By choosing the optimal size, you can eliminate the situation when a lamp that does not fit in size and shape sticks out of an ordinary lamp.

Energy-saving lighting elements can often be found in the form of a complex spiral tube with a phosphor deposited inside. They are as compact as possible - they can be mounted in a medium-sized ceiling lamp.

LED devices have a much more varied interpretation of shapes and sizes. Of these, the two most common are:

Miniature size. The diameter of the crystal circumference is 1.5–3 cm. A source with such an LED size will turn out to be quite small - less than three centimeters. Very often, such a light bulb is installed in furniture and stretch ceilings.
standard format. It all depends on the size of the flask. Its presence is optional. The diode does not require a specific environment. Increasingly, bulbless LED lamps are used (they are called "corn" - for their characteristic appearance).

As a result, when choosing which type of lighting sources is best, you can see that LED lamps have more advantages - many different shapes and sizes.

Advantages of LEDs in comparison with fluorescent counterparts

Of course, if you have the opportunity to choose, then it is better to buy ice lamps to illuminate your house or apartment. To justify such a decision, it is enough to highlight the advantages of this type of light bulbs and compare with the analogue, based on the above material, namely:

Increased operational efficiency. The average value of the level of light output in relation to the operating power is 130–160 lm / watt. For comparison: most energy-saving light bulbs have a maximum of 100 lm / watt.
Immune to temperature. This means that this type of light source is capable of operating at different ambient temperatures, both at -60 ° C and at +40 ° C.
The presence of different directions of the light flux. An important advantage, especially when mounting table or wall lighting fixtures. The ice bulbs mounted in them will realize a uniform luminous flux for a specific narrowly focused device.
The quality of the luminous flux. The design of this type of lamp is performed with a different number of LEDs. Due to their significant concentration, the quality of light output will be as high as possible.
Some modern devices with ice technology are designed with the ability to adjust the brightness level.
Durability. The structural elements of ice light sources are immune to most external factors, do not have burnable elements (as in old lamps - a tungsten filament). The service life of an average energy-saving light bulb, according to manufacturers, is about 10,000 hours of operation, for an LED one - from thirty to sixty thousand.

It all depends on the manufacturer, the price-quality ratio. Preference should be given to global brands: OSRAM; Philips or domestic - "Era"; "Space". These companies are stable in terms of selling high quality products.

In addition to the technical and operational advantages of LED sources, it is worth dwelling on a comparison of the impact on the user's health.

Impact on the human body: a comparison of fluorescent and ice lamps

Such a criterion is most easily determined by highlighting the following main points of impact:

Radiation. LED light bulbs are absolutely coherent. It means that the LED itself acts as a light emitter of the working spectrum. In comparison with energy-saving ones, it does not have a tangible effect on human vision. Fluorescent lamps are the opposite. The principle of light generation in them is based on the interaction of the discharge and the phosphor, which from the discharge comes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. This is how lighting is created. Moreover, such a discharge also creates an additional luminous flux - ultraviolet radiation. Vision is affected slightly, but negatively.
Flicker. For an ice lamp, such an operational characteristic is uncharacteristic, flickering is practically absent, due to the fact that a constant voltage is required for the operating power of the LED. And the flickering frequency of fluorescent lamps is about fifty hertz.
Mercury. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor. If the flask breaks, the body is poisoned by certain doses of these fumes. LED sources do not contain any harmful substances.

The choice of LED or energy-saving lamps for lighting your home is a very topical issue. It is quite simple to determine by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each type: both operational and constructive. After such a comparison, the user will understand how to distinguish an ice lamp from an energy-saving lamp not only in appearance, but also to find differences in their functionality. Then it will be possible to choose the optimal light source for a specific lighting design solution and for the individual operational features of the room.