While
a light bulb’s function is fairly simple, choosing a light bulb is
anything but. There are so many options available that it can seem
overwhelming. Rather than buy a bulb that appears to fit, take the time to
figure out which bulb is the right match for your fixture. Here's what you need
to know about which light bulb to buy:
Lifespan
Dealing
with burnt-out bulbs is becoming less of a routine event and more of an
occasional annoyance, thanks to the long lifespans offered by the latest in
bulb technology. LED bulbs typically offer a lifespan between 10 and 20 years
and are the longest-lasting bulb. CFL bulbs will last for several years, and
halogen bulbs typically need to be replaced once every year or two. In
contrast, incandescent light bulbs will fizzle after about 1,000 hours of use,
with some bulbs lasting slightly longer.
Watts
The
amount of energy used by a light bulb is measured in watts. Incandescent bulbs
and halogen bulbs have the highest wattage, making them less energy-efficient
choices. CFL bulbs use fewer watts, but LED bulbs are the real winner in energy
efficiency—an 8 or 9-watt LED bulb emits as much light as a 60-watt
incandescent bulb.
Color
The
mood and functionality of a room can be impacted by the color of its light
bulbs. For any given room you're outfitting, decide whether you prefer a soft
white bulb with a yellow hue or a whiter, brighter light (often called a
daylight bulb). In between are warm white or bright white bulbs. Choose
brighter bulbs for areas where you plan to read or study and softer,
yellow-hued bulbs for accent lighting or a warm ambiance.
Type
There
are four common types of light bulbs used in homes, however, three of them are
currently being phased out due to their lower energy-efficiency.
1 - Incandescent: Once the mainstay of light bulbs, today, incandescents are on the way out and are no longer available in many communities. While inexpensive to purchase, incandescent bulbs use a lot of electricity and don’t last nearly as long as LED bulbs, plus they generate considerable heat during use. Incandescents do work with dimmer switches, however, and give a warm light that many people prefer to the cooler light of a LED bulb.
2 - Halogen: Already banned, halogen bulbs are energy-efficient but not long-lasting. They give off an intense white light that works well in outdoor fixtures.
3 - Compact Fluorescent (CFL): Another type of light bulb that’s now on the way out, CFL bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescents, but not as efficient as LEDs. CFL bulbs take a few moments to reach their full brightness, which is not quite as bright as the light emitted by a LED bulb.
4 - Light-Emitting Diode (LED): The most popular type of light bulb today is the LED bulb, and for good reason. These bulbs are highly energy efficient, don’t contain mercury, don’t heat up during use, and provide bright light with a slightly cool cast. You’ll find LED bulbs in every size, shape, and color. Visit our Electrical Department in Corinth (450-7247) Monchy (450-7248) Vide Bouteille (450-7246) or Babonneau (450-5759) branch for the best choices in light bulbs. Also check out our our facebook page and website for top quality products. We’re always happy to serve you #ShopRayneau# #EverythingUnderOneRoof#
May I also add that one can also use smart led light bulbs that can further save on energy by having them turn themselves off after a pre determined time if you forgot to turn them off.
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