Different Types of Lightbulbs

There are so many lightbulbs available that it can get confusing when choosing the right ones for your home or business premises. If you're looking for information about the different types of lightbulbs, this guide is for you.

• Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the classic type of light bulbs that have been around for well over a century. They work on a very basic principle and were the dominant lighting source for most of the 20th century. However, these lightbulbs have decreased in popularity in recent decades. Some of the disadvantages of incandescent bulbs include low efficiency, a short lifespan, and hot burning. These are the main reasons why they are being phased out in many places. If you're still using incandescent bulbs in your home or business, reach out to the qualified electricians at Mr. Electric for electrical lighting replacement.

• Halogen Bulbs

Think of halogen bulbs as an improvement of classic incandescent lightbulb. They are brighter and more energy-efficient due to halogen gas. While they are more efficient than incandescents, halogen bulbs are still significantly less efficient than LED bulbs.

• Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are glass tubes filled with low-pressure mercury vapor and an inert gas like argon. Compared to incandescent bulbs, fluorescents use significantly less energy (around 70% less) to produce the same amount of light. However, these lightbulbs are being gradually replaced by LED bulbs in many applications.

• Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are curled versions of typical fluorescent bulbs, offering similar benefits in a smaller size. CFLs use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. However, they have a slow turn-on time.

• LED Bulbs

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lightbulbs are synonymous with energy efficiency.  LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. If you're looking for lightbulbs that will help you save on your electricity bill, opt for LEDs.

• Smart Bulbs

If you've been paying attention to the lighting world, you may have noted that smart lightbulbs have become commonplace in many homes and businesses. These bulbs can be controlled wirelessly via a smartphone or voice assistant. Smart lightbulbs can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or even voice commands.

• Mercury Vapor Lamps

These lamps utilize an electric arc passed through vaporized mercury to create light. They are often used in industrial settings, tattoo shops, aquariums, and streetlights. Even though they're not as energy efficient as LED bulbs, mercury vapor lamps can last up to 20,000 hours. This translates to fewer replacements needed.

• Reflector Bulbs

As the name implies, reflector lightbulbs utilize a reflective coating on the inside of the bulb to cast a focused beam of light. These lightbulbs are ideal for situations where you need a directed beam of light, such as track lighting, recessed lighting, and landscape lighting.

• Spotlight Bulbs

Spotlight lightbulbs are quite similar to reflector bulbs but with a narrower beam angle. They are designed to focus light on a specific area. Spotlight lightbulbs are used for highlighting objects in artwork displays or retail settings.

• Tunable White and Color Bulbs

Not so many people are familiar with tunable white and color lightbulbs because they're not commonplace in homes. These lightbulbs offer more precise control over the color temperature and color spectrum of the emitted light.

Reach Out to Mr. Electric for Electrical Lighting Replacement

Mr. Electric is a premier electrical service company providing top-tier residential and commercial electrical services, including lighting installation and electrical lighting replacement. If you're looking for a qualified and experienced electrician offering dependable electrical repair services, look no further than Mr. Electric.