Today, there are multiple light bulb types to choose from. Depending on the lamp itself, the lighting you want, and your energy-saving goals, there are different types of light bulbs to fit those needs.
There are five standard light bulb types, and each has its pros and cons. Incandescent lights are the most common and cost-effective, while fluorescent lights come in various colors. LEDs are long-lasting and found in most devices like Smartphones, TVs, tablets, and more. Smart light bulbs are newer and work with an app on your phone that allows you to change the color of the light at any time.
Each type of lightbulb will come with a variety of options for wattage. Watts refers to how much energy is used by the lightbulb. The brighter the light, the more watts it uses. Bulbs can range anywhere from 6 to 100 watts: Standard incandescent bulbs use the most, ranging from 40 to 100 watts, while LED uses the least, ranging from 6 to 14 watts.
Different types of electric lights have different benefits, so it all comes down to what sort of light you need or want.
These are your standard everyday lightbulb. On average, they will work for 700 to 1,000 hours or around one year, depending on how often they are left on. But they are the least energy-efficient of your options. However, they are also the least expensive, making them an attractive option when you’re on a budget. The warm lighting can be used with dimmers and can be a less harsh light, especially at a lower wattage.
Fluorescent tube bulbs are the sort you’ll likely find in schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. They create a “whiter” light and use far less energy, and last longer when compared to standard bulbs. They have a phosphorous coating covering the outside that converts radiant energy into light. However, they can be difficult to dispose of as they contain mercury.
Regular fluorescent lights aren’t meant for most homes, but compact fluorescent light is working its way into replacing the incandescent bulb. Generally, these bulbs come in a spiral shape, and they can have anywhere from 9 to 23 watts. They have a lifespan of up to 10,000 hours, ten times the maximum lifespan of a standard bulb. These are an excellent option if energy and long-term cost efficiency are your goals.
Halogen lamps are an improved standard bulb. They use the same type of filament but use a small amount of Halogen with inert gas to create light. The lifespan of these bulbs is slightly longer than a standard bulb, but not as long as a compact fluorescent light. These bulbs usually use 29 to 72 watts, making them slightly more energy efficient than a standard bulb.
Growing in popularity and becoming more common by the day, LED lights are the most energy-efficient on the market, and they come in various color options. With a semiconductor device, the electricity is applied to a negatively charged diode. This creates the flow of electrons releasing photons, which combine to emit light. There are different types of LED lights, but you’ll mostly find them in TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other technology.
With so many different types of lights available, it may be hard to choose a specific type of bulb. If your concern is energy savings, you’ll want to select a different bulb than if you need something on a budget or in a pinch. Incandescent lighting isn’t the most energy-efficient, but it provides a warmer light color and meets a small budget. Fluorescent lighting is brighter and the most energy-efficient, while halogen lights tend to mimic outdoor light but are more expensive.
Because they generally last longer, energy-efficient light bulbs work to help you save money in the long run, even if they are more expensive to purchase initially. You can save even more money on your power bill by switching to Now Power Texas. With no deposit, no credit check, and prepaid power options, you can decrease the money you spend on electricity, no matter which type of light bulb you prefer.
If you are looking for more information about different light bulb types or are interested in learning more about our Texas electricity plans, reach out to Now Power today at (844) 227-2648.
