Choosing the Right Light Bulbs
When shopping for light bulbs online or in a store, understanding some common lighting terminology you will encounter as well as the different types of bulbs that are available is helpful.
First, you will probably notice that there seem to be a million options in home lighting. The heat emitting bulbs to which most people are accustomed are called incandescent light bulbs, which use heat to produce light and waste a majority of the energy they consume in the in the process. Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, are fluorescent bulbs for use in standard fixtures which represent the home lighting version of the long used fluorescent tube lights. CFLs are rapidly gaining a stronghold on the lighting industry due to their significant energy conservation compared to incandescent bulbs. Halogen lighting is similarly energy efficient and produces very bright light, but the great deal of heat it produces makes it less desirable than fluorescent bulbs for many consumers.
If you have ever purchased a light bulb, or any electrical gadget for that matter, you have probably come across the term watts. A watt is a measurement of electricity, or the amount of work that can be accomplished using a given amount of electric current at a certain voltage. If you are replacing a standard incandescent bulb and are satisfied with the intensity of the light it produced, you can simply purchase a bulb with the same wattage. However, if you are replacing standard incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting, you will not need to purchase the same wattage as your old bulb. Why? Fluorescent bulbs are multiple times more efficient at utilizing electricity, and therefore require fewer watts to produce the same amount of light as a higher wattage incandescent bulb. For instance, you can replace a 75 watt incandescent bulb with a 20 watt fluorescent bulb, and achieve the same level of light output. The packaging of most CFLs denotes the equivalent incandescent wattage for your reference. Bear in mind that many light fixtures and lamps specify the maximum wattage bulb they support, and adherence to this specification is important for your safety.
While brightness levels for different rooms are largely a matter of personal preference, it helps to consider what level of lighting you prefer for specific applications when purchasing light bulbs. Many consumers utilize bright lighting in the kitchen for visibility, but dimmer ambient lighting in the living room for the atmosphere. You can use the bulbs already in your home to determine the appropriate wattage to purchase, either adjusting up for more brightness, down for less or staying with the same level.
You will also notice when purchasing light bulbs that the options span a wide range of prices. Compact fluorescent lights have a higher purchase price than incandescent bulbs, but are probably a better value when you consider the energy savings and longer life. Also, check to see if your utility company is offering a rebate or other incentive for switching to fluorescent lighting, as many are. Being educated on the pros and cons of different types of lighting that are available will help you make an educated decision for your household.
Related Tags: light bulbs, cfl, fluorescent lighting, choose light bulbs, light bulb types, cfls, incandescent light bulb, fluorescent light bulbs
About the Author: John Billington is the president and CEO of Five Rivers Inc., a leading online provider of home lighting, bathroom lighting and decor. For more information, please visit www.fiverivers.com.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the