There are many different types of light bulbs out there, almost too many to count. It can get confusing right?
What light bulb is used for what, which light bulbs are the most energy efficient and which light bulbs are best overall? I’m sure these are some of the common questions many of you ask yourself when purchasing a light bulb.
You're not alone! Throughout this blog, we will be covering all of this and many more. Read on to find out more and we can promise that you will never be confused about the different types of light bulbs ever again!
What Types of Lightbulbs Are There?
The creation of light bulbs is still emerging to this day, but what types of light bulbs are there and what are they commonly used for?
LED Light Bulbs
Firstly, we have LED light bulbs. The LED light bulb (also known as a light-emitting diode) First dominated the market in 2008.
The LED light bulb emits 90% more efficiently compared to incandescent light bulbs and is also a lot more affordable compared to what it used to be. LED light bulbs have a lifespan of around 27 years which last up to 25 times longer than Incandescent light bulbs.
We have discussed what an LED light bulb is, but what can LED lights be used for? LED light bulbs are best used in places in your home or garden where you would like to control the brightness.
Some areas where LEDs shine the brightest are:
- Flashlights
- Under cabinet fixtures
- Night lights
- Around your house
Most LED light bulbs contain no harmful chemicals which therefore means that you can dispose of them in a safe manner. These types of light bulbs can be recycled as LED bulbs are made from recyclable materials. You can find LED bulbs in a range of colours such as red, blue and many more.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
These types of light bulbs are widely used but are very controversial. This is due to their lack of efficiency as they waste around 90% of the energy they use as heat.
Therefore, this means that these types of bulbs only convert 10% of their electric power into light. The Incandescent light bulb is one of the least economically friendly light bulbs as it wastes a lot of energy.
Incandescent Light bulbs may not be energy efficient however, the upfront cost is low. These types of light bulbs are most commonly used for:
- Table lamps
- Chandeliers in dining rooms
- Night lights
- Bedroom Nightlights
These light bulbs are made from non-toxic materials, therefore allowing you to dispose of them along with your garbage.
Halogen Bulbs
This type of light bulb was introduced in 1959 and was the first real step towards creating an energy-efficient light bulb. The Halogen Bulb has an increased lifespan of two to three times the standard Incandescent light bulb.
Halogen Bulbs produce brighter white light as well as use less energy. Some of the common uses for Halogen bulbs are:
- Outdoor and indoor floodlights
- Car headlights
- Projectors
- Pendant lights
These bulbs are safe to also dispose of with the rest of your recycling.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
This type of light bulb emerged in the 1930s, however, it wasn't until the mid-1980s that compact fluorescent lamps were first commercialised.
These types of light bulbs are energy efficient and one of the more low-cost types of light bulbs available. They last around 6,000- 15,000 hours and produce a similar amount of light as incandescent bulbs do.
Compact fluorescent lamps are commonly used in spaces where you may read or complete projects, Such as:
- Reading and table lamps
- Kitchens and bathrooms that are in need of a large area of light
- Outdoor floodlights
Unlike incandescent and LED lights, compact fluorescent light bulbs cannot be disposed of in your general waste bin. This is because compact fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury vapour. Therefore this means that the disposal of this type of light bulb is a bit more complex.
What Are the Overall Best Types of Light Bulbs
Although there are many different types of light bulbs out there that work well, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are good. LED light Bulbs on the other hand, currently top the energy efficiency charts and are actually the best types of light bulbs overall.
LED light bulbs are perfect for under cabinet lights due to their long lifespan and durable features. Placing an LED light under a cabinet is convenient as you’ll hardly need to replace the light bulb due to the longevity of its lifespan, therefore, making it a great option for hard-to-reach places.
But what is it about LED light bulbs that make them that makes them so great? LED light bulbs have a lifespan of 25,000 hours or more, whereas light bulbs such as Incandescent light bulbs have a lifespan of only 1,000-2,000 hours. Other key features as to why this type of light bulb is the best overall are:
- LED lights are durable, shock-resistant and shatterproof
- The bulbs don’t create heat
- LED bulbs don't use mercury vapour or any other harsh chemicals
Where Can I Purchase Light Bulbs From?
Here at LED Supplier, we have a range of different light bulbs all in one place. From LED strip lights and LED light bulbs to garden and kitchen lights we have everything you need in one place to make choosing your light bulbs a lot easier.
We have an extensive collection of residential and commercial LED lighting and we ensure that everything we sell is up to an excellent standard to satisfy our customers.
