Which Type of Light Bulb Should You Choose for Your Home?

Manufacturers make many types of light bulbs, but which types are right for residential use? Oftentimes, it can be hard to tell. When changing light bulbs, it is important to know which will work best to provide ideal lighting for each room in the home.

Incandescent

Although incandescent light bulbs have decreased in popularity, most stores still carry them. The reason they have fallen out of favor in recent years is their high energy usage and warm color temperature. However, these bulbs work well in low-key areas such as the living room and as an affordable dimmable option.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent bulbs come in standard and compact sizes for use all throughout the house. The standard bulbs are found most often in the garage, while compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, work virtually anywhere, except around a vanity. The rather harsh lighting emitted by these bulbs is great for tasks but is not flattering while looking in the mirror.

LED

LED light bulbs have quickly become a fan favorite due to their excellent energy efficiency and wide range of styles. Plus, they come in a variety of hues, ranging from warm to ultra-cool. While these bulbs are more expensive than the other options, they last a lot longer. Many LED light bulbs will provide lighting on a daily basis for well over 10 years without a problem.

Halogen

Halogen bulbs use more energy than LEDs, but less than incandescent bulbs, to emit vivid white light across a large area. Because they get quite hot with normal use, halogen bulbs are typically used outdoors in fixtures with a metal shade. They work great in fixtures activated by motion sensors, brightly lighting up the space on demand even on the darkest nights.

Smart

As Wi-Fi connected features have become more common in homes to turn them into smart homes, light bulb manufacturers have set their sights on creating smart bulbs. These LED light bulbs easily screw into regular fixtures but provide much more functionality than basic bulbs. Instead of just using a switch, these bulbs are activated with an app. The user can choose from a variety of colors, adjust the intensity, and even have them turn off and on at specific times of the day.

With a newfound understanding of all the residential light bulb options, everyone can head out to buy their preferred types. Then, they can perfect the lighting outside and in every room with ease.