Complete LED vs fluorescent lighting comparison: 5-year TCO analysis, energy savings (50-70%), lifespan (50,000h vs 8,00…
| Comparison | Option A | Option B | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 50,000 hours (L70) | 8,000-15,000 hours | LED (5-6× longer) |
| Energy Efficiency | 100-180 lm/W | 60-100 lm/W | LED (50-80% more efficient) |
| 5-Year TCO (per fixture) | $80-120 | $200-350 | LED (50-65% savings) |
| CRI | 80-97 Ra | 50-85 Ra | LED (superior color) |
| Warm-up Time | Instant | 1-3 minutes | LED |
| Mercury Content | None | 3-5mg per tube | LED (eco-friendly) |
| Dimming | 0-10V / DALI / TRIAC | Limited (special ballast) | LED |
| Cold Temperature | Works at -30°C | Flickers below 10°C | LED |
LED lighting outperforms fluorescent in every measurable dimension: 5-6× longer lifespan, 50-80% better efficiency, 50-65% lower 5-year TCO, superior color rendering, instant-on, mercury-free, and full dimming compatibility. The ROI payback period for LED retrofit is typically 1-3 years.