Light Bulb Types: How to Choose the Best Light Bulbs (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the best light bulb? ›

Which light bulb is the most energy efficient? LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option available, and can therefore save you the most money on your electricity bills. They produce 40-80 lumens per watt, and offer several other benefits, including longevity and brightness.

For most rooms, a 60 watt bulb is the standard. A 25 watt bulb gives off low levels of light, where as a 100 watt bulb is very bright.

Here are some recommended kelvin levels for various rooms: Living room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white) Kitchen: 3,000 – 4,000 K (neutral white) Dining room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white)

Soft White (Yellow Range, 2700K to 3000K): This is the standard color of incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are perfect for illuminating bedrooms, living rooms or dens and highlighting dark woods.

Most residential LED light bulbs have a typical light bulb shape but are usually made with a plastic shell instead of glass, with only a portion of the body being translucent. Look for an "LED" or "LED LAMP" marking on the bulb as well.

The numbers of the bulb indicate its base size, which is based on its diameter at its widest point, measured in eighths of an inch (⅛”). For example: An A19 bulb indicates that the bulb comes in a standard household shape (code A), and the '19' indicates that the base is 19/8ths inches in size.

LED light bulbs use a light-emitting diode (LED). This is a solid-state semiconductor that emits light when a current passes through it. These high-efficiency bulbs emit more lumens per watt and last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs. A 10W LED bulb produces as much light as a 60W incandescent bulb.

LED light bulbs stand out as the most energy-efficient option, using 75% less energy and lasting 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

How do you tell which light bulb you need? ›

The three main and most important characteristics you must match with the replacement bulbs are the lamps voltage, wattage and base. The secondary characteristics of your bulb are bulb shape, type, lumens, color temperature and life.

Light-emitting diode bulbs—LEDs—are the most energy-efficient choice, and the primary type of light bulb available now. These bulbs do not get hot to the touch and contain no mercury (unlike fluorescent bulbs and CFLs).

You should check the label on the lamp to find out what lightbulb wattage to use. Most lamps can accommodate a maximum of 60 watts, and you shouldn't exceed the maximum wattage. However, you can use a lower wattage lightbulb than the stated maximum, even if it's brighter than average.

Wattage That is Too High

If you buy one that has higher wattage than what is called for, you stand the chance of the bulb experiencing overheating. This is also referred to as “overlamping”. While this may not seem like too big of an issue, it is. It could result in the actual socket melting.

Lower Kelvin scores produce warm, yellowish light suitable for a cozy atmosphere, while higher Kelvin scores emit cool, bluish light ideal for tasks requiring focus. Cool LED light bulbs will be anything over 5000K, while anything under 4,500K will provide warmer tones.

Smaller spaces, such as hallways or bathrooms, might need 40–60 watt light bulbs. Medium-sized rooms, like kitchens and bedrooms, often need lightbulbs with a power range of 60 to 100 watts. Larger rooms, such as living rooms or dining areas, may benefit from lighting that is at least 150 watts.

When you want to turn up the cozy vibes in a space, then soft white bulbs are the way to go. When you need a brighter light, then daylight bulbs are your best bet.