Lighting is an essential element of any home, be it a cozy apartment or a spacious abode. The right lighting sets the mood and can make all the difference in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. However, with so many different types of light bulbs available, it can be a daunting task to choose the right one.
Each type of bulb has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. So, whether you're looking to save money on your energy bill or if you want to enhance the ambiance of your space, understanding the differences between light bulbs is crucial. Read on to discover all you need to know about selecting the perfect lighting solution for your home.
1. Incandescent Bulb
The image of a light bulb going off over someone’s head is a classic symbol for getting an idea. It’s almost always a traditional incandescent bulb that comes to mind. These bulbs were the first type of light bulb invented and were the primary option until relatively recently.
The way they create light is by passing an electric current through a thin filament made of tungsten, which heats up to a point where it glows brightly. Since this process has been around for over a century, it’s no wonder that it’s become the go-to image for inspiration - but with the number of new technologies emerging, it will be interesting to see if that iconic image changes.
Benefits of incandescent bulbs:
- They produce warm lighting that can make spaces appear visually appealing.
- Incandescent bulbs are cheap and affordable.
Cons of incandescent bulbs:
- Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of energy.
- This type of light bulb has a short lifespan of only about 1000 hours.
2. Fluorescent Lamp / Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
Fluorescent lamps have revolutionized the way we illuminate our spaces. It's remarkable to think that these long tubes and compact lamps, known as CFLs, produce light when an ionized gas is charged with electricity.
Noble gases like Argon and Neon and additional materials such as Mercury, Sodium, and Metal Halides are used in these bulbs. When electrons in the ionized gas become excited when an electric current passes it emits photons in Ultraviolet, Visible, and Infrared Radiations.
The inside of the bulbs are coated with fluorescent elements, which convert the radiations into visible light. Thanks to this incredible process, we can enjoy affordable, efficient, and long-lasting lighting in our homes and offices.
Benefits of fluorescent/CFL bulbs:
- Fluorescent/CFL bulbs can last up to almost a decade.
- These types of light bulbs are another affordable lighting choice.
Cons of fluorescent/ CFL bulbs:
- These bulbs can be difficult to dispose of due to mercury filling.
- It is recommended to avoid turning them on and off for short periods of time and instead, leaving them on or off for a minimum of 15 minutes to prolong their lifespan.
3. Halogen Lamp
Halogen lamps are an improved version of incandescent bulbs. These lamps consist of a tungsten filament that is wrapped with a compact transparent envelope. However, what differentiates them from their predecessors is the addition of Halogen and an inert gas, which significantly improves their performance.
The gas-filled envelope increases the brightness and lifespan of the bulb, resulting in a higher luminous efficiency. In addition, these lamps are smaller in size compared to incandescent bulbs.
Benefits of halogen bulbs:
- Halogen bulbs last longer that incandescent lights for a total of around 2500 hours.
- These lights turn on to full brightness instantly.
Cons of halogen bulbs:
- They emit a lot of heat and can become a burn hazard.
- If put under high pressure, halogen bulbs may explode.
4. Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Unlike traditional light bulbs, which produce light by heating a filament, LED bulbs rely on a microchip that emits light when an electrical current passes through it. This microchip illuminates tiny light sources called LEDs, which combine to produce the visible light we need to see.
However, with this method of generating light comes the risk of performance issues caused by heat. To prevent this from happening, LED bulbs are designed with a heat sink, which absorbs and disperses the excess heat, ensuring that your LED bulbs continue to shine bright for years to come.
Benefits of using LED bulbs:
- These bulbs are the most energy-efficient type of light bulb available and use up to 90% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs.
- These lights work well in low temperatures making them suitable not only for indoors but outdoors as well.
Cons of using LED bulbs:
- Different LED light bulb brands have bulbs in varying color temperatures. It can make having consistent light in each bulb difficult to achieve if you purchase from various brands.
- Since they have a longer lifespan, LED bulbs can be more costly compared to other light bulbs.
Upgrade Your Lighting with Our Team
Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to home upgrades, but it can drastically change the look and feel of any room. At Lightning Bug Electric, our expert electricians take pride in providing top-notch lighting upgrade services to enhance the ambiance of your home while ensuring safety.
We understand that every homeowner has unique wishes and preferences when it comes to lighting, and that's why we work with you to find the best options to suit your style and budget.
Don't settle for dim and outdated lighting fixtures any longer – give us a call today to brighten up your home and make it truly shine. Call (404) 471-3847 or get in touch with our team online!