Fluorescent tubes have been around for a long time. They have been consistently proven to be an economical solution while producing the illumination required in offices, car parks, fire stairs etc. In recent years, however, a newer form of light source has come to the fore: The LED or Light Emitting Diode. Both fluorescent tubes and LED’s have their advantages and disadvantages, but LEDs have more pro’s than con’s.

Benefits.

1. Long Term Cost: It is true that LEDs are more expensive initially than fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights, but they can provide huge potential savings over the long term. While incandescent lights last for a paltry 800 to 1500 hours, and fluorescent lights last up to 10,000 hours, LEDs can last up to a staggering 60,000 hours. This can provide substantial savings as a result of fewer replacements needing to be bought.
2. Maintenance: The amount of time spent replacing bulbs, especially in larger buildings, can be counterproductive. Due to the longer lifespan of an LED bulb over a fluorescent tube, maintenance and replacement times can be reduced markedly when LEDs are used.
3. Noise: Fluorescent tubes are notorious for being noisy, especially if they have been used for a significant amount of time. They tend to emit clicking and popping sounds intermittently, but most annoyingly, they can produce a low buzzing sound. Since fluorescent tubes are often used in offices and working environments, this can be distracting. LEDs do not have this problem and operate silently with no annoying quirks or noises.
4. Colour: Fluorescent lights are notorious for their colour profile. While some fluorescent tubes now use a different type of phosphorous powder to produce a warmer colour, most fluorescents produce only a cold blue/white light. It is stark and not very welcoming. LEDs on the other hand provide all manner of different colours easily for any purpose. This is what makes LEDs so adaptable. They can be used in almost any environment or lighting situation.
5. Environmental Impact: Fluorescent lights by their very nature must contain a small amount of mercury. This metal and vapor is extremely hazardous to both humans and the environment. If it is ingested or inhaled it can cause serious complications and as such must be disposed of safely. LEDs are completely safe and do not contain such poisonous materials, putting home owners and parents at ease while knowing that they are not contributing to pollution.

Instant On: LEDs light up as soon as an electrical current is passed through them. Fluorescents do not do this and require time to flicker before staying on. Not only that, many fluorescent lights do not provide optimum illumination levels until they have been running for a few minutes. LEDs provide instant light and instant full illumination.