Remember back in the day when there were only a handful of light bulb options and going to the hardware store to replace a bulb was a completely brainless task? No, I wasn’t born in 1913, but I do know that today we are blessed/cursed with options. You have to choose between incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), and halogen…various shapes and sizes and colors. What to do! Well, a good starting point: always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and never exceed the recommended wattage. Also, familiarize yourself with what is out there! The following information should hopefully shed some light (sorry, that was tacky)

Incandescent

Incandescent bulbs are the standard bulbs that most people are familiar with, the bulb that most lamps require, and typically the most inexpensive option. The pros in using incandescent bulbs: 1.) They produce a warm and steady light that complements skin tones. 2.) They can be used with a dimmer. 3.) They come in a grand variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The cons: 1.) They are not as energy efficient as some of the other options listed below. 2.) Although they can last for 700-1000 hours, other bulb options far outweigh this feat.

Types of Incandescent bulbs:

A-line: The standard lightbulb shape available in a variety of wattage and color options.

Reflector: An indoor bulb used for directional lighting such as recessed light or as a spot light.

Globe: A round bulb typically used without a shade, such as in vanity lighting.

Candle: A decorative bulb that can be used with dimmers or as accent lighting in chandeliers.

Flicker: A filmament in the bulb that resembles a flickering flame. Typically used in chandeliers and candelabras.

Bullet/Torpedo: A decorative bulb resembling a torpedo. Typically used in night lights.

Flame: A flame shaped bulb with wrinkled glass typically used with dimmers or in accent lighting.

Tubular: A tube shaped bulb used in undercabinet lighting or picture lighting.

Ceiling Fan: A bulb made specifically for ceiling fans (also available in bulb and flame shapes)

Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are the most energy efficient of all light bulbs. They actually use 67% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last longer (some up to 10,000 hours!). Most CFLs either consist of a number of short glass sticks, or two or three small tubular loops. The pros to using CFLs: 1.) They use less wattage than incandescents thus improving energy efficiency. The cons: 1.) They are more expensive than incandescents. But, because their life span is typically 6 times longer than incadescents they are without question an economically smart choice. 2.) CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and therefore cannot be tossed out in your trash like other bulbs can. Instead, take them to Ikea, or contact Lightbulbrecycling.com, or check out Earth 911 to find a CFL recycling stop near you.

Here is the general rundown of how the wattage for a CFL compares to an incandescent bulb:

CFL Bulb Incandescent Bulbs
7–10 Watts 40 Watts
15-18 Watts 60 Watts
20 Watts 75 Watts
20-25 Watts 100 Watts
32 Watts 150 Watts

Types of CFL bulbs:

3-way: Made for 3-way table lamps. This bulb lasts 6 times longer than a standard A-line.

Dimmable: Made for incandescent dimming circuits. It lasts 13 times longer than a 100 watt A-line.

Post: Has a shatterproof cover and lasts 16 times longer than a 75-watt A-line.

A-line: Looks similar to a standard incandescent A-line but lasts 6 times longer than a 60 watt A-line.

Spiral: Spiral shape provides better light distribution than other CFLs and is great for table lamps. Lasts 8 times longer than a regular A-line bulb.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs generally produce more light per watt and have a longer lamp life than incandescents. Pros to fluorescent bulbs 1.) Great for lighting entire rooms. Cons: 1.) Fluorescent bulbs typically come in a linear format so they are not used in most home decor lighting (i.e for table lamps or pendant lamps) but there are circular and u-shaped options as well. 2.) Color has been an issue for fluorescents bulbs in the past but now there are more options for varying indoor lighting needs (i.e. black lighting, sunlight, cool white, soft white, natural color).

Types of Fluorescent bulbs:

Grow lights: Fluoresecent lights design specifically to provide “natural” light indoors for the growth of indoor plants.

Linear: Tubes available in lengths of 24″ to 48.”

Circular: Non linear fixtures.

U-shaped: Fluorescent bulb with a ballast on one end only.

Aquarium: Fluorescent lighting designed specifically for fish tanks.

Halogen

Halogen bulbs produce the whitest, purest light and generate up to 30% more light and last longer than incandescent light bulbs. But, they also cost more than incandescents. Halogen bulbs are a variation of incandescent bulb technology. These bulbs work by passing electricity through a tungsten filament, which is enclosed in a tube containing halogen gas. In order for the chemical reaction to take place, the filament needs to be hotter than what is needed for incandescent bulbs. Thus, the bulbs need to be constructed of a thicker, but smaller glass which then translates to a higher cost. Too much information? I hope not. Due to the smaller glass bulb, the halogen bulb gets quite a bit hotter than other bulbs. A 300 watt bulb can reach over 300 degrees C. Pros to using Halogen bulbs: 1.) Pure, white light. 2.) Produce more light than incandescents which make them great for general lighting. Cons: 1.) More expensive than incandescents. 2.) Attention must be paid to where halogen bulbs are used, so that they don’t accidentally come in contact with flammable materials, or burn those passing by. 3.) Care must be taken not to touch the glass part of the bulb with fingers. The oils from fingers weaken the glass and shorten the bulb’s lifespan. Many times this causes the bulb to burst when the filament finally burns out. Thus, always use a clean rag when to handle the halogen bulbs.

Types of Halogen bulbs:

A-line: Classic bulb shape but with all the benefits of halogen (long life, good color).