Every type of light bulb has its purpose and depending on your lighting needs, you might require different types of light bulbs throughout your home.
So, what is the longest-lasting light bulb? What is the brightest light bulb? Learn the answers to these questions and the differences between fluorescent, incandescent, LED, CFL and halogen bulbs from Batteries Plus Bulbs.
What is Fluorescent Lighting?
The typical fluorescent light produces a cold, flat light that often gives off a bluish tone. Many types of fluorescent light bulbs are available, including bulbs with warmer tones, cooler tones and specially-colored tones. These light bulbs usually last longer than incandescent bulbs and produce more light, making them an ideal fit for large spaces like attics or basements.
What is a CFL Bulb?
Unlike traditional styles of fluorescent bulbs, CFLs use around a quarter of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last almost 10 times longer. Compact fluorescent bulbs feature warmer tones that may be more aesthetically pleasing than standard fluorescent bulbs. CFL bulbs can be used anywhere you might install an incandescent bulb.
Although these bulbs contain far less mercury than some other household items, extreme caution should be exercised to prevent breakage. CFLs should also be properly recycled once they've burned out.
What are LED Lights?
LED light bulbs are among the longest-lasting, brightest and most energy-efficient light bulbs on the market. The LED technology keeps bulbs cool to the touch while preserving large amounts of energy.
How Long do LED Lights Last?
Compared to incandescent bulbs, an LED bulb won't burn out as quickly. These light bulbs often have a rated life of 50,000 hours, approximately 50 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, 20-25 times longer than most halogen light bulbs, and 8-10 times longer than CFL light bulbs.
How do LED Lights Work?
LED, which stands for light-emitting diodes, is a lighting technology that absorbs the heat captured by the light bulb into a heat sink . As a result of their unique design, LED light bulbs:
- Use less electricity than other bulbs.
- Don't contain mercury.
- Don't emit infrared or UV rays.
What is Incandescent Light?
The most commonly used light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs range in size and are often installed in lamps, vehicle headlights, decorative lighting and flashlights. These light bulbs range from 40-110 watts and come in an array of shapes and glass types, such as colored, frosted and clear options. Incandescent lights emit a warm, yellow-white light and most bulbs last up to a year.
What are Halogen Bulbs?
A variation of incandescent bulbs, halogen light bulbs emit the closest approximation of natural daylight and colors often appear sharper under their glow. These bulbs are typically more energy-efficient than their incandescent counterparts and are often used as under-cabinet or recessed lighting. But, the bulbs burn at high temperatures, so make sure you let them cool off before handling them with your bare hands.
Looking for the best assortment of light bulb types for your home or office needs? Batteries Plus Bulbs has you covered. Shop our impressive selection of LED, fluorescent, CFL, halogen, incandescent and other types of bulbs now.