Light bulbs serve a functional and decorative purpose in the home. Learn about the different light bulb types and how to choose the right one for any room.
Picking a light bulb doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, you can usually safely go with an LED (light-emitting diode) bulb. LED bulbs are the most efficient light bulb type available, offering the same light output—but much lower wattage—than traditional incandescent bulbs, which translates into less energy use.
LEDs shine by passing a current through small diodes, and a heat sink keeps the bulb from getting hot. Because they don’t add excess heat into the home, LEDs can help you save on air conditioning costs.
We like
It’s the most high-performance of all light bulbs. It’s lifespan in unmatched (15 years minimum). It stays cold to the touch. Its switch base is the same as an incandescent light. They fit all standard light sockets, do not contain any mercury, and can last more than 20 years.
Good to know
They are more expensive when purchasing but last a very long time. They can even be used outside as long as they are rated for outdoor use, which is indicated on the packaging.
Once the most common type of light bulb, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out all around the world. However, more efficient designs are still available, and specialty bulbs will remain available as well. Incandescent light is produced by a heated filament, and the bulb usually lasts around one year. Incandescent bulbs also do not contain any mercury, and they can be used with dimmer switches.
We like
Its soft light, affordable price and the possibility to adjust the intensity.
Good to know
It’s the least eco-friendly bulb. It produces a lot of heat and often needs to be replaced.
Its tube is filled with a gas that radiates and heats up its white fluorescent coating when in contact with electricity.
We like
It consumes little energy and lasts longer than both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Its screw base is the same as an incandescent bulb.
Good to know
The CFL bulb cannot be used with a dimmer and cannot be used outside. Do not throw it in the trash as it contains mercury.
Similar to incandescent bulbs, halogen light bulbs have a filament that glows when heated. They also last for around a year, but they use considerably less energy. Halogen bulbs do not contain any mercury.
We like
Its size and bright light. It’s perfect for light fixtures. It uses 30% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts 3 times as long.
Good to know
It produces a lot of heat.
Light bulb packages provide a lot of useful information to help you make your choice. You can find out the brightness, light appearance, bulb life expectancy, energy use, the estimated yearly cost to run, and mercury amount.
Are you confused when reading the packaging label? You’re not alone. Here is the meaning behind the terms used. Learn then, and you can then make the “bright” choice!
Lumens measure light output. Simply put, more lumens mean a brighter bulb, and fewer lumens mean a dimmer bulb. A standard bulb has an output of about 1600 lumens.
Pick the best combination of output and longevity by comparing the lumens and length of life on different light bulbs.
Kelvin (K) is a measure of a light bulb’s colour or appearance. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale mean yellower light, while higher numbers mean bluer light.
Incandescent | Halogen | CFL | LED |
100 watts | 72 watts | 23 watts | 14-16 watts |
75 watts | 53 watts | 20 watts | 12-13 watts |
60 watts | 43 watts | 15 watts | 8-9 watts |
Incandescent | Halogen | CFL | LED |
100 watts | 72 watts | 23 watts | 14-16 watts |
75 watts | 53 watts | 20 watts | 12-13 watts |
60 watts | 43 watts | 15 watts | 8-9 watts |
Light bulb shapes and bases vary depending on function and style. Different LED bulbs, for example, are designed for use with pendant lights, wall sconces, table lamps, ceiling fans, and a variety of other light fixtures. For some extra flair, consider vintage and decorative bulbs.
When replacing a light bulb, bring along your old bulb or take a picture that you can refer to as you shop. This will help ensure that you buy the correct replacement while looking for more stylish or energy-saving options.
Replace your light switches with dimmers. These allow you to regulate the intensity of the light according to your needs. With this replacement, you can prolong the lifespan of your bulbs and reduce your energy consumption.
Before buying your light bulbs, verify the label to make sure they are compatible with a dimmer.
Set up an indoor garden and enjoy year-round harvests with specialty LED grow lights that encourage strong and healthy plant growth. Choose balanced spectrum bulbs to nurture plants from the seedling to the budding stage, and then switch to advance red spectrum bulbs for the flowering or fruit production stage.
Light bulb tech has increased dramatically over the last several years. Stay on top of these innovations by considering some new lighting features.
With a smart phone, we can adjust their intensity, the colour of the lighting, create an ambiance and more:
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