With rising energy costs, it is becoming more important than ever to control your lighting sources . If you haven’t already made the necessary changes to your fixtures and bulbs, now might be the time to take a closer look at what types and sizes you should be using in each room throughout your house.
There are several different types of bulbs to select from:
- Incandescent is the most common bulb that has been in use for decades but will soon be phased out of the market. Incandescent bulbs are the least expensive and least energy efficient.
- Halogen is a variation of the incandescent bulb, but the halogen light is more efficient, has a longer life-span, and produces a brighter light.
- LEDs are light emitting diodes. They work differently than other bulbs in that they don’t burn off of filaments. The light is produced by circulating electrons that give off light when electricity is applied. These are by far one of the most energy efficient bulbs.
- Fluorescent bulbs produce a brighter, whiter light. They consist of mercury filled tubes that emit ultraviolet light when electricity is supplied.
- CFLs, or compact fluorescent bulbs, are far more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, using 67% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan.
There are also different types and sizes of light bulbs.
- Colors. Light bulbs come in soft white, amber, blue, clear, frosted, black, yellow, and white.
- Shapes. Shapes vary dependi...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
