Choosing the right light for your home is extremely important. It can add to the ambiance and beauty of your space. Every lightbulb works best in different rooms for your home. The following are the different types of lightbulbs.
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Incandescent
This type of lightbulb is inviting and warm. It compliments skin tone and gives off a light that feels like home. It uses a wire filament that gives off light when heated to a certain temperature. An inert gas, which is enclosed in the glass bulb, protects the filament from oxidising.
Advantages
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Less expensive
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Produces warmer colour
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The intensity of the light can be dimmed or controlled
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Not difficult to install
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Immediately switches on
Disadvantages
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If you are looking for an energy efficient light source, this is not the one for you
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Short lamp life compared to other types
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The light it gives off can warm a room
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Halogen
This is actually a variation of incandescent, where the bulbs can also be dimmed and give off a natural daylight look for the room. Take caution when changing the light bulb and do not use your bare hands. Even the smallest amount of oil from your hand can make the bulb warm too rapidly which can cause it to explode.
Advantages
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Lasts longer then incandescent bulbs
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Uses 50% less energy than ordinary incandescent bulbs
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No mercury waste, unlike fluorescent bulbs
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It burns brighter
Disadvantages
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Costlier that incandescent bulbs
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Emits a lot of heat
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Requires shielding because of its high-pressure gas
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Should not be touched with bare hands
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Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL)
This kind of lightbulb lasts ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. It is an upgraded and smaller version of the old fluorescent lamp. The light it emits is warmer and color-corrected. It is quiet and turns on instantly as well. It initially costs more but will save you more in the long run because it is energy efficient.
Advantages
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Uses 50 to 80% less energy than incandescent lights
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Less expensive in the long run because it lasts much longer
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One CFL bulb can reduce carbon emission
Disadvantages
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Turning them off and on too frequently can reduce their lifetime
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Cannot be used as spotlights
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The presence of mercury, which can be released when the bulb gets broken
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Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Probably the most energy efficient type of lightbulb. It lasts the longest as well. However, it cannot be used for room illumination. It is usually used for directional lighting. You can check out Aurora lighting LED downlights if you are planning to purchase this type of lighting.
Advantages
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Long life
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Energy efficient
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Temperature and impact resistant
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Doesn’t contain toxic materials
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Can be of different colours
Disadvantage
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A bit expensive
Whatever type of lightbulb you are going to use, it is very important that it suits your space well and its use is maximised. Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each type, it will be easier for you to choose.
Image: www.downlightsdirect.co.uk
