The type of light that you choose for your home or business will have a big impact on the way that your home looks and feels. Unfortunately, choosing the right type of light is often something that people don’t think about until they have already made their purchase.
At this point, it becomes too late to change things around. To help you avoid making this mistake, you will want to consider reading our guide to choosing the right type of light for your needs.
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Light Bulb Basics
Not all lights are created equally. There is a huge difference between the type of light produced by an incandescent bulb and the light produced by a compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED bulb. That’s why understanding the basics of how these bulbs work is essential before making a purchase. It will help you decide exactly which one you need.
Incandescent light bulbs work by passing an electric current through a filament, which then produces heat. This heat then causes the bulb to glow and produce light. CFLs and LEDs, on the other hand, use completely different technology. CFLs contain a gas that is excited by electricity, which then releases ultraviolet light. This UV light is then converted to visible light by a phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb. LEDs, on the other hand, use semiconductors to produce light.
Understanding The Contrast Between Light Bulbs
It’s important to understand some fundamental differences between incandescent bulbs and CFLs or LEDs before you can choose the right type of light for your needs. The first thing that you need to understand about incandescent bulbs is that they produce a lot of heat and only give off about 10 lumens per watt, which makes them extremely inefficient. This means that it costs significantly more to run an incandescent bulb than it does to use other types of light sources, such as CFLs or LEDs.
The other major difference between these two types of lighting technology is the fact that incandescent lights will produce a warm glow and cast yellow/orange shadows, while CFLs and LEDs both give off a cool glow and cast bluish shadows. These differences can be very important when thinking about your choice of lighting if you plan to use the light for tasks such as reading or working on the computer.
Types Of Light Bulbs
Now that you understand the basics of light bulbs, it’s important to know about the different types of lightbulbs that are available on the market. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common types:
Incandescent is the oldest type of light bulb and is still used in many homes today. They are relatively cheap to purchase, but they use a lot of energy and produce a lot of heat. On the other hand, CFLs are becoming more and more popular because they are very efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They also produce very little heat. LEDs are the most efficient type of light bulb and can last up to 50,000 hours. They also produce very little heat. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, but they use a different type of gas that makes them more efficient. However, they also produce more heat than incandescent bulbs.
Choosing The Right Bulb
The first thing you need to do is determine how much light you need. This can be done by measuring the square footage of the room that you plan to light and then multiplying this number by 10-15. This will give you an estimate of the number of lumens you will need.
Once you have determined the number of lumens you need, you can then start to narrow down your choices. If you want a light that is similar to an incandescent bulb, then you should look for a halogen or CFL bulb. If you are looking for a more efficient light source, then you should consider an LED bulb. Keep in mind that not all LEDs are created equal and some are brighter than others. Be sure to read the specifications of each bulb before making your purchase.
Other Things to Consider
There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing the right light bulb. The first is how much you will be paying for each unit. CFLs and LEDs tend to cost more upfront, but they use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs, which makes them cheaper over time. Be sure that you also factor in the cost of replacement bulbs, as LEDs and CFLs typically need to be replaced less often than incandescent bulbs.
Another thing to consider is how warm or cool the light will be. If you are looking for a light that is similar to an incandescent bulb, then you should choose a halogen or CFL bulb. If you are looking for a cooler light, then you should consider an LED or CFL bulb. The color temperature of the light is measured in Kelvins and will give you an idea of how warm or cool the light will be. Therefore make sure you consider it before making your purchase.
Choosing the right type of light bulb for your needs can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be By understanding the different types of light bulbs and how they work, you can make a decision that will be right for you. Just remember that the best choice will be a light bulb that is efficient and long-lasting. In addition, you should carefully consider your lighting needs before making a purchase, so you can choose the right type of light for any given situation.
