[meyanka (OP)]

Few days ago, I read an article that talked about the ill effects of incandescent light bulbs. So, I decided to replace them with CFLs only to discover that they do not work as efficiently as expected. To add to this I also discovered that it contains toxic substances like mercury and if broken should be handled with care. Totally confused!! Someone recommended that I replace CFLs with LEDs. Do you think it’s a better option?

[Karsten]

What "ill effects of incandescent light bulbs"? What did you expect regarding the efficiency of CFLs?

What is your ultimate goal? Increased energy-efficiency, or your personal health?

[canlyhanson]

he aim is to encourage use of more energy efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) and LED lamps.

[SeanB]

Remember that lighting is around 10% or so of your electric bill, so the claims of savings from the lamps are slightly ( Ok really really incredibly) overstated. If you are living in the UK the incandescent light bulb does not produce " waste heat" but it reduces the heating bill a little bit by being on. It cannot be used in all applications - not good to put in as an oven light, on a garage door opener, or as a deaf alert. It may last a little longer than the conventional lamp, but most do not, often failing well before the lamp it replaced as most are cheap junk that is cost reduced to the max, the manufacturer hoping it works at least once after it leaves the factory door.

Disposal is an issue, they contain mercury, rare earth phosphors ( which are a very finite resource in any case, and are called rare for a reason as most are more costly than gold) and highly refined silicon and other toxic plastics.

Compare to the common lamp, glass ( sand from just about anywhere), steel for the shell and supports ( recyclable indefinitely, and available in almost every country as ore) and a small amount of Tungsten ( a little rarer, but still commonplace and biocompatiable as hip joint replacements). They do use a little more power, but see the top point, and probably cost the same in overall lifetime cost.

[Geezer]

Remember that lighting is around 10% or so of your electric bill,

Huh? If I heat my home with gas and cook with gas, and only run a PC and a TV from electricity, are you saying they account for 90% of my electricity bill?