Which energy-saving light bulbs for the house?
Let’s be honest: we could all use some help in saving energy. So when it comes to choosing the right lighting for your home, it’s important to understand all your options. Here’s a brief overview of some popular types of light bulbs and their uses.
CFL, LED and halogen bulbs
When it comes to light bulbs for the home, there are three main types: CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and halogens. All of these bulbs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, while providing the same amount of light. However, each type has different advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before making a purchase.
CFLs are commonly used in homes because they last longer than both LED and halogen bulbs. They have an average lifespan of 10 years compared to 3-5 years for LEDs or 1-3 years for halogens. In addition, CFLs produce about 75% less heat than incandescent bulbs; This makes them ideal for areas where overheating can damage other things around them, such as electronics or furniture made of materials such as wood or metal rather than plastic, since plastic tends not to get damaged by excess heat, but instead melts, which will damage your furniture if you put a regular incandescent light into a space instead of using one made specifically for keeping things cool when possible, while providing the proper levels of illumination needed at all times regardless of how much daylight remains outside during the summer months when days tend to be generally shorter, but brighter due to the sun’s angle changing through the seasons causing shadows cast on surfaces to become darker parts appear close together making everything seem small so if the fridge door handle gets caught on a paper towel roll holder causing friction between two objects then gluing together tightly enough pull away from the full roll of the handle to leave the sticky side facing up toward the ceiling where the newborn baby will be placed head down quietly sleeping peacefully unaware of the father entering the room to kiss the mother goodnight to wake the infant who is beginning to cry loudly noticing the parents kissing just before noticing the broken towel dispenser
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
The most efficient incandescent lamps on the market are compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. These lamps contain a small electric current that excites the mercury vapor inside them, producing visible light. They last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lamps and use less energy. However, they are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs (sometimes twice as much per watt) and can take several minutes to reach full brightness when first turned on.
They also contain toxic mercury vapor, which must be properly disposed of when the bulb is disposed of or recycled. Improperly discarded CFLs can pollute landfills and waterways, but they can be recycled at Home Depot stores nationwide or through Earth 911, a database of local recycling companies.
Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs
Although there are several different types of LEDs, most of them use tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs can last up to 25 times longer and use up to 90 percent less energy. LED bulbs come in many shapes and sizes, including dimmable and color-changing ones that give off the same warm glow as incandescent bulbs without the excessive heat.
However, although they are more efficient than other light sources – drawing only 20 percent of their energy from electricity – the upfront costs can be prohibitive for some people. For example: A 60-watt equivalent Philips LED bulb will cost about $25; a similar product from Cree costs about $14 on average, but won’t be available until mid-2014; even if you buy one now, it will take several years before the investment pays off compared to buying an incandescent bulb instead ($1 a year).
Halogen bulbs
If you’re looking for the most energy-efficient bulb, your best bet is halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs are more expensive than CFLs or LEDs, but they last much longer.
Halogen bulbs are also very versatile; they work in almost every type of lamp and light fixture (except those with LED lighting). If you want to change the color temperature of your lights without replacing them, halogen bulbs allow you to do it easily.
Applications: Know your options and choose the bulb that works best for your home.
The first step to choosing the right bulb is to know your options.
You have three main lighting choices: incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and LED bulbs. Each type has distinct advantages, making it important not only to understand what each type of bulb does, but also how it functions in your home, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Each type of bulb uses energy in a different way and produces a different type of light, so it’s important that you choose a bulb based on where in your home you’ll use it most!
Summary
If you’re in the market for a new light bulb, consider researching your options and choosing the one that will work best for your home. Whether you prefer traditional incandescent bulbs or an energy-efficient alternative, there are many options to help you cut energy costs.