Lights–what would our world be without them? It would definitely be much harder getting anything done after dark, for sure.
But, even with how important they are, they are something that many people never consider as long as it comes on when they flip the switch. The type of bulbs you are using can have an impact on not only the light you get but your power bill, as well.
So, how do you know whether or not you should look into upgrading the lighting in your home or office? There are a couple of steps to take to make this determination, so let’s just jump right in and help you make sure you are getting the best out of your home lighting setup.
Step 1. Determine the type of bulb
The majority of home bulbs come in two different base types; Standard and Candelabra base bulbs. Most bigger fixtures in your home will contain the standard size, however, fixtures with multiple bulbs like chandeliers will be more likely to contain the smaller candelabra type bulbs. Just make sure you properly identify your base.
The main difference in the two types is that the standard bulbs tend to be on the higher output end, whereas the candelabra bulbs will usually be lower wattage and produce less lumens per individual bulb. Also, the candelabra bulbs are more commonly used in a more decorative nature and are commonly made with a pointed tip on the bulb to simulate the shape of a candle flame.
Step 2. Incandescent Vs. LED
There are two other main categories of bulbs that can both be made in either a standard or a candelabra style base, incandescent bulbs and LED lights. LED is a much more recent innovation in lighting, especially when you consider that incandescent style bulbs have been around since light bulbs were first invented over 100 years ago.
Incandescent bulbs operate by passing an electrical current through a piece of wire that causes the wire to heat and glow extremely bright, but these bulbs can fail quickly and they also have a warm-up period before the light reaches its full brightness.
LED (or light-emitting diode) lights operate by passing a current through a semi-conductive material that emits light in response. These lights are much more reliable, last much longer, and are nearly instant in reaching their maximum brightness.
Step 3. Anything that is not LED; FIX THAT!
Not that there is anything inherently wrong with the incandescent style of bulbs, but the difference in lighting and energy consumption is definitely noticeable between the two types. Incandescent has served us well for over a century, but the time for a better bulb has come.
LED lights are noticeably brighter and offer many more temperatures and lumen levels. Not to mention the fact that they last years in most cases and consume a fraction of the amount of energy. The switch over to LED is one of only a few home upgrades that you can guarantee will pay for itself in a short amount of time.
So, Do Your Lights Need An Upgrade?
Long answer short; if they aren’t LED lights, you should upgrade them if you can. Not that your lights don’t or won’t work, but there is a much better option out there that will not only improve the quality of light in your home, but they will also greatly reduce your energy use as opposed to older incandescent bulbs.
Next time you find yourself in the lightbulb section at the hardware store, go ahead and spend the little extra money on the LED bulbs for every fixture, and rest assured that over the course of its life it will save you more than you even paid for them to begin with.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind