May 25, 2018
Choose the Right Bulbs
Your bulb is your light source, so the type of bulb determines what the light will look like. Different bulbs perform differently, and there are four basic types:
Incandescent: These are the traditional bulbs most of us have used for decades, and they’re starting to phase out in favor of more energy-efficient options. They produce a warm, glowing light.
Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs): These use 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb. They also last longer. They usually emit a cooler tone, but you can find them in a range of brightness levels and temperatures. It’s worth noting that CFLs do contain mercury, and while the amounts are small, they still require more careful handling and disposal, says National Geographic.
LEDs: These are just as efficient as CFLs, but they can last up to three times longer. They used to be mostly used for task lighting, because they only provided a harsh, direct light, but like CFLs, they’ve come a long way. They now offer the same look as incandescent, but they’re efficient, they’re less hot to the touch, and they last a long time. For these reasons, they can also be more expensive, but utility rebates are available. See if you qualify for a rebate in Canada by clicking the link below. https://www.saveonenergy.ca/Business/Program-Overviews/Lighting-Incentives/Available-Lighting-Incentives/LED-Incentives.aspx
Halogen: These give off a bright, white light, similar to natural daylight. Great for task lighting. They also use 10-20% less energy than an incandescent bulb.