When it’s time to swap out your old bulbs or install new fixtures, choosing the right bulb type can be overwhelming. With incandescents, CFLs, halogens, and LEDs, how do you pick the right bulbs for your home lighting? Here’s more information, including the pros and cons so that you can find the perfect home lighting solution every time.
Feeling Nostalgic? Go With Incandescents
Let’s start with old-school incandescent bulbs. You know, the kind that made up your childhood home’s lighting. Incandescents produce light by heating a wire filament with electricity. The benefits? Warm, familiar light quality, and good dimming options. But they don’t last long and use more electricity. If you’re feeling nostalgic, incandescents add a cozy vibe.
Want to Save Money? Try CFLs
Next up, CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps. They produce light differently than traditional bulbs, using gas enclosed in a tube that gives off UV light when electrified. The UV is converted into visible light by the fluorescent coating. CFLs use about 75% less energy and last much longer than incandescent. According to Julie Evans Design, a standard 60-watt bulb emits 750 to 850 lumens of light. The downsides are a small amount of mercury and delayed brightness. For energy savings, CFLs are a good option for home lighting.
Looking For High Tech? Stick With LEDs
LED bulbs are the new kids on the block. They contain semiconductors that emit light when powered with no filaments or gases involved. LEDs are super energy efficient, long-lasting, and durable. They come in different color temps and dimming options. The cons are higher initial cost and possible dimmer incompatibility. However, for value and performance, LEDs can’t be beat.
Picking the Perfect Bulbs
Consider shape, usage, budget, color, and brightness. Warm white bulbs create a cozy ambiance in living rooms and bedrooms. Cool daylight works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. Select globe or flame-tipped bulbs for decorative fixtures and standard A-shape for lamps. Compare lumens for brightness and only buy “dimmable” if using a dimmer. Finally, compare costs over the bulb’s lifetime rather than just the upfront price.
You can easily find the perfect bulbs for every fixture in your home. Let the light shine in and create the perfect atmosphere with bulbs tailored to your home lighting needs. If you’re looking for new home lighting fixtures, visit our website to shop the selection at Premier Lighting.
Posted 11/22/23
