What would we do without lightbulbs?
The illumination they provide is, for the most part, taken for granted until we flick a switch, are left in the dark, and realize with frustration that a lightbulb has burned out. Then we undertake the pesky task of unscrewing the worthless bulb and purchasing a replacement. Often this seems like a simple matter of heading to the store—until we get there and realize just how many styles, sizes, colors, and brands of bulbs are now available.
The world of lightbulbs has changed greatly since the 1800s, when inventors (including Thomas Edison) harnessed electric energy to make light. Now the lighting options for the home are many—and finding the right bulb can be tricky. To help you navigate the world of artificial illumination, I’ll give you a brief rundown on bulb basics. Then we’ll have fun exploring some of the newest lighting innovations.
THE BASICS
When you select a lightbulb, you’re probably choosing from incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen options. The type of light fixture you have may dictate which bulb style you purchase.
Incandescent bulbs are the most common type for homes, in part because they are inexpensive and produce a warm color that complements skin tones. To create that pleasant light, a filament inside the incandescent bulb is heated to the point of glowing. Incandescent bulbs come in a variety of colors and styles (the most common of which is the A-line, or standard, bulb).
Halogen lights work well for bright white task or accent lighting. They use the same technology to produce light as incandescent bulbs do, but halogen bulbs usually are more efficient (they can produce almost 50 percent more light for the same amount of energy) and put off a minimal amount of heat (although they usually cost more than incandescents).
Fluorescent lights, which are often found in commercial and institutional settings, typically come in the form of tubes but are also available in circular and U shapes. This type of bulb generally lasts longer than incandescent options and comes in a wide spectrum of colors. Fluorescent lights hold mercury vapor, which emits ultraviolet light when electricity is applied. The coating inside the bulb turns the ultraviolet rays into visible light. Some subcompact tubes can even be used in fixtures that usually require incandescent bulbs.
The first step in narrowing down your lightbulb selection is to find the bulbs with the same base size and bulb style as the one you’re replacing. Then look at wattage—if the wattage of any of the bulbs you’re looking at exceeds what’s recommended for your light fixture, scratch them off the list. Then, to select the best bulb, compare the lumens and life of different bulbs that have the wattage you need.
For more in-depth information on lightbulbs and how they work, check out this bulb buying guide.
THE INNOVATIONS
Here are some of the best innovations in lightbulbs to hit the market in recent years. I’m sure you’ve heard of the first one on this list before, but it’s worth mentioning.
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) are a form of fluorescent bulb that use less wattage to produce more light. In fact, CFLs with Energy Star certification use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs—and they last 10 times longer! Of course, to get this major savings in energy you’ll have to pay a bit more upfront. But when a single bulb can save you $30 or more in electricity expenses—and the bulbs are made to fit almost any light fixture indoors or out—there’s no reason not to use them. One warning: CFLs contain mercury, so somewhere down the road when you finally have to change them make sure you dispose of the old bulbs properly. Learn how to clean up broken CFLs and how to calculate the amount of energy you’ll save by using them here.
Photo courtesy of Progress Lighting
Everlume LED Fixtures made by Progress Lighting come in a variety of styles—including minipendants, cove lighting, step lighting, and recessed fixtures—to fit in any home. What makes them so great? These LED light fixtures, shown right, emit a warm white glow, have an output that’s similar to a 40-watt bulb, are eco-friendly, and contain no mercury or other harmful substances. The best part: They boast a lifespan of more than 30,000 hours (that’s 15 to 20 years!) compared to 1,5000 to 2,000 hours for most incandescent lamps, 2,000 to 4,000 for halogen lamps, and 8,000 to 10,000 for CFLs.
Light those places in your home that don’t see much natural light—like hallways, closets, and bathrooms—with Solatube Daylighting. Here’s how this system works: A daylight-capturing dome sends light into a reflector, which travels through an angled tube into the house. UV light is blocked in the process, so all you see is soft, natural illumination. I’m a big fan of this form of tubular daylighting because it can go almost anywhere (and is relatively easy to install), allows you to use less electricity during the day, and ushers sunlight into your home. Who doesn’t want more sunlight?
By day, the Sun Jar looks like a frosted Mason jar sitting on your windowsill. But don’t be deceived—inside the jar you’ll find a high-efficiency solar cell, a rechargeable battery, and low-energy LED Lamps. Whenever it’s dark outside or when lights are off indoors, the jar emits light that resembles natural sunlight. Think of it as mood lighting—or the perfect nightlight. (Oh, and in case you’re wondering, there is an “off” switch to conserve energy when you don’t need light from the jar.)
Before I leave you for today I’d like to solve one last lighting dilemma: What do you do with your old lightbulbs? One option is to dispose of them properly. But if you’re feeling crafty, why not squeeze even more energy use out of them by making an oil lamp? Or craft some salt and pepper shakers to set out with tonight’s dinner.
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
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