This post is part of a series written to help you understand the differences between the popular CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and the newest kind of light bulb: the LED (light emitting diode). You can browse the entire series here.
Depending on where you plan to use your light bulb, you may need to consider how it will react to the space’s temperature.
For a chilly area, like outdoors in a cool climate or inside a refrigerator/freezer, an LED will work best for you.
LEDs love cold environments. In fact, using them in places with cooler temperatures may even make them last longer – beyond their standard rated lives.
CFLs, on the other hand, require a lot of heat to initially turn on. When you operate them in below-freezing temperatures, you’ll have a hard time even getting them to start up.
So why do LEDs thrive in cooler temperatures?
It’s simple. Excessive heat will cause the light emitting diodes within the fixture or light bulb to degrade at a faster rate. That’s why well-designed LEDs are equipped with “heat sinks” to adequately dissipate the heat created by the lights themselves. When LEDs are used in cooler environments, it’s easier for them to stay cold, preserving the diodes for a longer amount of time.
Stay tuned for more information about the differences between CFLs and LEDs!