Going to the store and picking up a lightbulb is not the simplest thing to do anymore, luckily this guide will lead you in the direction you need to go when deciding which lightbulb to purchase for your home’s lighting. As technology improves, home accessories become more advanced, eco-friendly, and save you tremendous amounts of money. This can be said for lightbulbs just as easily as it can for any other home accessory that could be upgraded. There are a variety of types of lightbulbs out there available for purchase, these lightbulbs have differences in their shade of lighting, intensity of lighting, and the amount of energy consumed, among many other things.
There are two key terms you need to remember before purchasing a light bulb: watts and lumens. These two terms are very important when deciding which lightbulb to install. Watts refer to the actual amount of energy that is required to power the specific bulb you are installing. Lumens will actually tell you the amount of light being emitted from the bulb. Now that there is a basic understanding of some of the characteristics of lightbulbs, which is right for you?
Fluorescent
This daylight-equivalent light bulb gives off a harsh, flat light. There are many types of fluorescent lightbulbs in the market, some emitting a cold, bluish light and others a warm light. Fluorescent light bulbs cannot be set on dimmer switches. This type of bulb works well with lighting larger areas or rooms.
Compact Fluorescent
This type of fluorescent light bulb consumes a quarter of the energy that incandescent light bulbs do and last ten times longer. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are much more efficient than the regular fluorescent light bulb. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are instant-on, quieter than a normal fluorescent, and usually have a much warmer tone to the light being emitted.
Incandescent
Incandescent lightbulbs are the most common and cheapest form of lighting on the market. Incandescent bulbs give off a warm, skin tone-friendly light that creates a very inviting feeling where it is installed. This type of bulb has been proven to be psychologically pleasing to the person who is using said light. Incandescent light bulbs can be used on a dimmer switch, but they are not as energy efficient as the other types of lightbulbs, such as the fluorescent.
Halogen
This type of lightbulb is actually a form of incandescent light bulbs. Halogen light bulbs are able to give off the closest clone of natural lighting, also known as “white light.” Under halogen lights, colors give off a sharper appearance and they can also be dimmed. These lightbulbs are little more expensive and burn out at a higher rate, but they are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
LED
This long-lasting lighting option is the best you can get when seeking out lighting for maximum energy efficiency. LED light bulbs, which means “light-emitting diode,” are becoming an energy-saving sensation for homeowners across the U.S. One of the main reasons for this is because LEDs give off a directional form of light, not diffused. LED light has a longer life and are more durable than other light bulbs out there on the market making it popular. This makes them good for things such as under-counter lighting, as well as lamps and outdoor use.
Smith Electric & Associates are located in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!