Light Bulbs - Can save you money on energy costs.

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Light Bulb types - can save you money.

With the push toward conservation of energy, many homes are becoming more-and-more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. With that said, a homeowner will integrate the “saving money” factor with decisions to purchase and install any energy saving products such as solar panels, electric cars and yes - light bulbs.

Lightbulbs, although simple and small, can add-up to a good size monthly savings. This of course depends on which type of bulb you choose to utilize and for what purpose.

Years ago, we had only one choice of light bulb – the incandescent. However, today we have the option of purchasing various types of light bulb technology. The bulb types listed below will last you much longer than your old style incandescent bulb. Each light bulb has its pros and cons and certain bulbs work better in different spaces of a home than others.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent was the most commonly used light bulb and is the least expensive. The “soft” light type of bulb has a warm, inviting quality and can be used with a dimmer; however, they're not as energy efficient as other options.

Halogen bulbs

The type of lighting halogen gives is the closest to natural daylight, known as "white light." Halogen bulbs cast a bright light and they last twice as long as incandescent bulbs. All colors appear sharper under halogen light and the bulbs can also be used on a dimmer. They are much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but are more expensive and burn at a higher temperature. Most often halogen bulbs are utilized under-cabinet lighting and ceiling recessed canned lighting. Also remember not to use your bare hands when installing or changing the halogen bulbs. The smallest residue of oil from your fingers can “stick to” the bulb, thus creating the bulb to warm-up too quickly and operate much hotter than normal – it has been documented that the higher heat can cause halogen bulbs to explode.

Fluorescent lighting

This is a common ceiling “tubular” lighting choice. This standard tubular fluorescent gives a flat, cold light. And also depending on the type, it can give a “soft light” and another projects a bright light that is bluish in color. It is a daylight-equivalent type of lighting, but this type of bulb cannot operate with a dimmer. There are many types of fluorescents on the market. There is warm ones, cool ones and varied color ones and are all known to produce more light and last longer than incandescent. Fluorescent bulbs work well to light large areas such as offices, garages, basements or attics.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) were knick-named the “pigtail” bulb when they 1^st came out. They are an easy way to adopt energy saving practices in any home. CFL’s consume a quarter of the energy that incandescent bulbs utilize. CFL’s are quiet, turn on instantly, have warmer color tones and can last about 10 times longer than incandescent. CFL’s are best known for general room illumination and can be used anywhere you would use a standard incandescent light bulb.

A couple of downsides to the CFL bulbs is that they are not at “full brightness” when you initially turn them on. This because they take a little while to warm up and they are not ideal for use with a dimmer switch. CFL’s contain argon vapor and trace amounts of mercury. Mercury is known as a harmful substance. Although the bulbs contain far less mercury than other household items, handling with care always needs to be taken to prevent breakage. FYI: when CFL’s burn out, they should be recycled.

LED Lighting

LED which stands for "Light-Emitting Diode” which is a light bulb technology that is long-lasting and is extremely energy-efficient. Because of its energy efficiency, it is projected that LED lighting will be around for quite a while.

LED bulbs create a bright light and provide only directional lighting therefore they are known to be used for mood-lighting effects and decorative purposes. Because of its directional lighting features, this also makes them ideal for under counters/cabinetry, reading areas, cooking or work areas but not for general room illumination. These bulbs give out instantaneous lighting and can be used with a dimmer switch. LED bulbs can last 5-7 times longer than the average incandescent bulb. However, LED’s are a bit more expensive than both incandescent and CFL’s.

Which Bulb shall I buy/utilize?

Nowadays in making a decision, most people will tell you they make their decision with their pocketbook in mind. And also keep in mind what type of lighting you want and where you want it. For example: if it’s for the garage, most people will use tubular fluorescent. Know that incandescent lighting is the least energy efficient of all the bulb types mentioned above. LED costs more, but last longer. CFL’s are less expensive than LED’s, but if a CFL is broken you may have a mini-environmental hazard in your home - this due to the mercury in the CFL bulb. Some people decide that CFL lighting is comparable to what they are used to and therefore choose these bulbs to replace incandescent bulbs as they burn-out.

In regards to light bulbs, it is clear that in order to save money $$… your choice should be based on utilizing less energy usage products and what light bulb is best for your household lighting needs.

Nice to see that we have options !!  Agree? - a big thank you to technology advancements.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Oscar Castillo :  BROKER - REALTOR®

(858) 775-1057

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

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