4 Major Types of Light Bulbs
Thomas Edison is said to have created the first “commercially practical” incandescent light bulb in 1978. Ever since that was created, the light bulb has significantly evolved and isn’t just the incandescent one anymore. Different types of light bulbs satisfy different needs and purposes. It’s important to note that there isn’t one type that’s better than the other and they all have features that make them perfect for different uses. The light bulb was originally invented simply to help people see better and has fulfilled that purpose considerably well.
Knowing the exact type of light bulb to purchase for a particular room or purpose is extremely important. Sometimes, all you need is just something to brighten up the place that will conserve energy. Other times, you can’t really worry about energy consumption because you need a very strong and bright light. The following types of bulbs and their features will help you make a better decision the next time you need to make a purchase.
Incandescent Bulbs
The incandescent bulb is currently the cheapest and the most common type. With this, the filament in the bulb is heated quickly until it glows, and that produces light. On average, they range from about 40 to 110 watts and can last anywhere between 700 and 1,000 hours. Incandescent bulbs are used in flashlights, cars, and in lamps. They are available in different shapes and sizes, basically for aesthetic appeal, and come with clear or coloured glass. One downside however is that they aren’t the most energy-efficient option.
Halogen Bulbs
The halogen bulb is quite identical to the incandescent bulb. This is because it also contains a filament that is heated up to produce light. The difference here is that there is a halogen cycle which somewhat ensures that a lot less energy is used up during this process. Another reason why halogen might be better is that it does not go through the tungsten evaporation as in an ordinary incandescent bulb does, making the likelihood of the bulb blackening, significantly reduced. Even though they are a lot more expensive, halogen bulbs have many uses and last about a year. Lampwise has a wide array of efficient halogen bulbs for different uses.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)
CFL bulbs are a fantastic option because they conserve energy by as much as 75 percent when compared with incandescent bulbs. One other reason CFL is a great choice is that under normal circumstances, it can last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.
LED Bulbs
This type is the most energy preserving option of all the bulbs ever made. LED bulbs do not contain mercury and last considerably longer than other types. They also do not produce any infrared or UV. LED bulbs are also able to last many years if they are used properly. They also stay cool because any heat generated is again contained, making sure they never burn any hands that touch them. They also save energy.
As earlier stated, all types have their different uses and the choice of purchase is really predicated on where the bulb is expected to light up. It’s important to go through each and learn the different features and types of light they produce to make a more informed decision on what to purchase.
