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Each person is going to have different home lighting goals that depend on several different factors. Without any knowledge of light bulbs and how they work, it’s hard to achieve those goals. You might even think you’re stuck with the poor lighting you currently have. Well, you’re not, and we can help.
There are several different types of bulbs to choose from.
The first is the incandescent bulb. This is the standard that everyone thinks about when discussing light bulbs. Even though it used to be the standard, they are slowly being phased out, and some wattages aren’t being produced anymore. They’re being replaced with more energy-efficient options, although the industry will still produce some specialty incandescent bulbs.
Next are fluorescent bulbs. These are low-energy bulbs that come in several different color temperatures. In addition to using less energy, they also produce less heat. They could be a great option, especially in the hot temperatures in Florida.
Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, except they use less energy and give more of a spotlight effect. They don’t use any mercury; instead, they are heated to the point that they start to glow. You’ve probably seen them outside of the home on spotlights or in garage lighting.
LED bulbs are now the most sought-after light bulb available because they are low-energy, and they will last for up to 20 years instead of just one or two. They come in several different color temperatures, which arguably makes them the most versatile bulb on the market.
It would help if you familiarized yourself with the term’s wattage and lumens. These terms will help you find the best light output and energy usage for your home lighting. Most people think that a higher wattage means more light is coming from the bulb, but that’s not the case.
The wattage is how much energy the bulb uses, and energy does not equal brightness. So, if you want to lower your energy usage for the environment or lower your electric bill, get a low wattage bulb. Pay close attention to the maximum wattage your fixture can hold. If you go over it, it will ruin your light fixture.
It’s important to note that different bulbs will produce a different level of brightness even if they have the same wattage. That’s why you need to pay attention to lumens. Lumens are the measurement of how much light the bulb puts out or how bright it is. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.
The type of light you introduce to a space can significantly affect how the space feels. In rooms where you’re spending your screen time, like your living room or office, it can be a good idea to put a more subtle or dimmable light—that way, the home lighting won’t cause a glare on your screen. In areas like the kitchen, you’ll need proper and bright lighting so you can work effectively.
You can also decide what bulb to get by deciding what light color you want. The Kelvin scale will tell you the appearance of the bulb’s light. If you want a soft white for your bedroom, you’ll want a bulb that’s around 2700K-3000K. The next step up is warm white, which is about 3500K. They’re great for just about any area of the home.
The brighter and more vibrant bulbs are bright white and daylight. Bright white ranges from 4000K-5000K, and they’re great for bathroom lighting or kitchens. Finally, daylight bulbs range from 5000K to 6500K, and they’re perfect for reading. The higher the Kelvin number, the brighter and cooler the light will be.
Now that you know the difference between wattage and lumens, and you know what type of light works best in the different areas of your home, you’re ready to hit the hardware store. If you’re still not sure, don’t suffer in silence. Call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric today at 1-800-475-1504, and we’ll help you get the home lighting of your dreams.
