Energy-saving light bulbs: the pros and cons

There are many different opinions about energy-saving lamps. There are both their supporters and ardent opponents. This article summarizes all the available information about them, provides the advantages and disadvantages of such lamps, which will make it possible to draw a certain conclusion about their usefulness.

Energy-saving lamp - is an analogue of lamps installed in offices, which are called "fluorescent tubes." In fact, this is exactly the same tube, which is made in the form of a spiral or a snake, which has a pair of mercury inside. From the outside, the tube is treated with phosphor. Under the influence of electrical discharges, mercury vapor intensely emit UV rays. This leads to the emission of light by the phosphor. Inside the base of such a lamp is an electronic control gear (or, briefly, ECG), through which the start of such a lamp is made.

Merits

First, we will focus on the positive aspects:

1. High durability. Manufacturers themselves say that the energy-saving lamp is ready to serve for 10-12 thousand hours. The market presents to the consumer lamps with different levels of quality, so for the average time it will be more correct to take 7-8 thousand hours. It should be noted that ordinary lamps often serve no more than 1 thousand hours, and on average this figure does not exceed 650-750 hours.
2. Low consumption of electrical energy. Everywhere it is stated that lamps of this type can consume five times less energy. Also, manufacturers claim that the lamp for energy saving with a power of 12 W will illuminate the room with the same power as an ordinary lamp with a power of 60 watts. Such indicators may be slightly overestimated, but the difference in power by 3-4 times between different lamps is quite real.
3. Provision of a fluorescent lamp type warranty from the factory. Rarely there are situations requiring really apply during the warranty period to replace the lamp, but this is in fact possible. Ordinary "Ilyich bulbs" are not subject to warranty replacement at all.
4. Such lamps are devoid of the stroboscopic effect, which allows to receive a constant stream of light even if the voltage "jumps". Under such conditions, tiredness of the eyes during long work at a personal computer is significantly reduced.
5. These lamps are practically not exposed to heat, so they can be used in places where there is a limit on temperature.

Negative sides

Disadvantages of energy-saving lamps:

1. Significant price. The cost of one such bulb can reach 90 rubles for domestic or Chinese copies. With regards to imported lamps, the price for them is about 180 rubles. Using lamps of different production, we can conclude that both domestic products are quite competitive and have good quality.
2. The lamp tube has mercury vapor inside it, therefore it is absolutely forbidden to break such a lamp. If this happens, it is recommended to urgently carry out the ventilation of the room.
3. The base of the lamps described is usually slightly larger than that of incandescent lamps we are used to, so this lamp will not look good in every interior. In some lamps they simply can not be installed.
4. Not everyone will be pleasant and comfortable that light, which emits a fluorescent lamp. Many people believe that the color emitted by an ordinary lamp is partly filled with yellow, and energy-saving lamps give out pure white color, which is not comfortable for everyone.

Unpleasant fact
Lamps of new generations, in comparison with ordinary ones, produce a brighter light. The British Association of Dermatologists provides data according to which it can harm people who have a high level of photosensitivity of the skin. According to the statements of scientists, the use of energy-saving lamps can turn for a person who has skin diseases, harm, even skin cancer, and also cause migraines.

How to handle an energy-saving lamp

In order not to face negative consequences when using such lamps, it is necessary to follow a number of strict recommendations and mandatory requirements.

1. Immediately it should be understood that it is necessary to be extremely careful when handling a fragile lamp. Maximum attention should be paid when transporting the product, installing it or removing it.With such manipulations hold the lamp by the body, made of plastic. In particular, this is true for models with a thin tube. You also need to work carefully with the shades, which have a narrow neck, as you can encounter problems when installing the lamp.
2. Remember an important thing: energy saving lamps negatively relate to frequent switching off and on. A luminaire whose power is below 13 W can almost never be turned off. They work without problems throughout the day, as the life of the lamp is reduced due to constant switching on, which leads to unnecessary costs.
3. If in some places of the apartment it is planned to turn on the lamp frequently, then you can use lamps with the possibility of a smooth start in such a situation. It may not always be convenient, but the service life will invariably be extended. Before purchasing, you should ask the seller about the presence of such a function.

So, the main advantages of energy saving lamps are its high durability and low level of electrical energy consumption. It is advisable to purchase lamps that are three times lower in power: instead of 0.060 W, 0.020 W should be taken.If we translate it into working hours, the difference between the lamps will be approximately 280 kW / h for 7 thousand hours. If we take as a basis the fact that one kilowatt costs three rubles, then direct savings amount to 840 p. with one lamp.

Also, fluorescent lamps have a lower level of electricity consumption, from which it becomes clear that the level of load on the electrical network is reduced. Accordingly, the risk of interruptions, “knocking out” of traffic jams and short circuits is reduced.

If we take into account all the above information, we can conclude that it is sometimes desirable to spend money once, but save in the future and not spend too much time on the replacement of lamps.In this case, be sure to remember that with a high level of photosensitivity of the skin, an opportunity to save money is not so expedient for you. And it is more logical, if you trust the warnings of scientists, to use still ordinary lamps.

Video: how to properly dispose of energy-saving light bulbs