Lighting CFL vs LED question

[greenjeans]

I am wanting to make the switch to LED as soon as I have the money, but have a question.

Is there a significant temperature difference between using, say, 8 CFL bulbs, vs using a panel like the MarsHydro 96x3 reflector?

I find the CFLs to be pretty hot, and I would very much like it if I could reduce my temps by moving to the MHdro.

I have seen reports that the heat is vented out the sides, rather than the top on these lights, and I wonder how that will affect the temps in my small box (2x3x4ft).

Anyone have solid experience on temps when switching from CFL bulbs to the MarsHydro LED panels?

 

[Papa Munch]

Hi Greenjeans. I use the 96x3 and love it! I'm using a 2'x4' tent. I am also using 4 23W CFLs for supplemental and the 96x3 is much cooler than the CFL's. In fact I ordered a 48x3 last night to replace another LED light that I am using. This 'other' light runs pretty hot but my Mars light.......barely warm. YMMV. I am no expert as I am just midway of my first grow but I could safely state that the 96x3 is much cooler than 8 CFL's.

 

[greenjeans]

Thanks for the experience based info Papa Munch! Can anyone else confirm this? I'd like to be sure..

 

[blue]

I can confirm that my 200w(ish) MS006 LED puts out less heat than my 150w CFL

I've grown CFL --> HPS --> LED

(Just T5 and plasma .... and sun to go!)

 

[opi8250]

All I can say is in my 3.5x3.5x5 space, my 300 watt led puts off way less heat than my 250watt cfl bulbs. I had to add a space heater when I shut them down.

 

[pop22]

CFLs degrade quickly, they lose about 20% of their output in three months. LED light is also much more photon dense. They are a bargain really and they degrade very little, even over a period of years.