What is the difference between regular light bulbs and energy-saving light bulbs

There are significant differences between ordinary light bulbs and energy-saving light bulbs in multiple aspects. Below, I will explain in detail from several aspects:

1. Working principle
   Ordinary light bulb: It mainly generates heat and visible light by heating wires (such as tungsten wires) to high temperatures. This method results in a large amount of electrical energy being converted into heat energy, while only a small portion is converted into light energy.
   Energy saving light bulbs, such as LED lights and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), have very different working principles. LED lights directly convert electrical energy into light energy through semiconductor materials, resulting in higher efficiency; CFL, on the other hand, utilizes the principle of gas discharge to conduct current in the internal gas column, causing the gas to emit radiation and produce visible light.
2. Energy efficiency and conservation
   Ordinary light bulbs have low energy efficiency, with most electrical energy converted into heat energy and only about 10% converted into light energy, resulting in significant energy waste.
   Energy saving light bulbs: High energy efficiency, LED lights and CFLs lose less heat when producing light, resulting in lower energy consumption. Generally speaking, at the same wattage, energy-saving lamps save about 80% more energy than ordinary light bulbs. For example, a 5-watt energy-saving light bulb is approximately equal to the brightness of a 25 watt regular light bulb.
3. Lifespan
   Ordinary light bulbs have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 1000 to 2000 hours.
   Energy saving light bulbs: have a longer lifespan, with LED lights typically having a lifespan of between 25000 and 50000 hours, and CFL lights having a lifespan of approximately 8000 to 10000 hours. This means that energy-saving light bulbs require less frequent replacement, reducing usage costs.
4. Initial cost and long-term operating cost
   Ordinary light bulbs: The initial purchase cost is low, but due to low energy efficiency and short lifespan, the operating costs (including electricity and replacement costs) during long-term operation are high.
   Energy saving light bulbs: The initial purchase cost may be higher than ordinary light bulbs, but due to their high energy efficiency and long lifespan, the total cost during long-term operation is lower.
5. Environmental impact
   Ordinary light bulbs have a significant impact on the environment during production, use, and processing due to their high energy consumption, short lifespan, and potential presence of harmful substances to the environment (although modern light bulbs have made improvements in this regard).
   Energy saving light bulbs: They have a relatively small impact on the environment because they have low energy consumption, long lifespan, and most LED products do not contain harmful substances. In addition, energy-saving light bulbs also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have a positive effect on mitigating climate change.
   In summary, there are significant differences between ordinary light bulbs and energy-saving light bulbs in terms of working principles, energy efficiency, lifespan, initial and long-term operating costs, and environmental impact. When choosing a light bulb, it is recommended to consider these factors comprehensively to choose the type of light bulb that is more suitable for your needs.