The Complete Guide to Types of Light Bulbs: Features and Benefits

Do you feel overwhelmed when finding the right type of light bulb? This guide will categorize the bulbs according to their type, their features, and their benefits.

Deciding on the right one is crucial for energy savings, consumption, light quality, and mood setting. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that transitioning to energy-efficient lighting could save you hundreds. With our extensive experience in the lighting industry, we understand the lighting needs for homes, offices, and other areas.

Ready to uncover various types of lights? Let’s get started! 

Understanding Light Bulb Basics

A light bulb is a great way to illuminate any area. These bulbs are versatile and available in different dimensions, forms, and types, all with specific uses and advantages. Knowledge of these basics will enable you to make the right choice depending on the type of lighting required for home, office, or any other use.

What is a Light Bulb?

A light bulb is an electrical appliance that illuminates by causing an electrical current to flow through a metal conductor. There are many types of light bulbs. These include LED bulbs, halogen bulbs, and many more. When the current passes through the filament, the electrons experience some resistance, which heats the filament. This heat generates light, which is called incandescence.

Now, let’s take a look at the different sizes and shapes of light bulbs.

Light Bulb Sizes and Shapes

There are numerous sizes and shapes of light bulbs. Let’s discuss some of the most common ones:

Understanding Light Bulb Sizes

Bulb sizes are important when selecting the bulb for your interior. They determine both the fit and the lumen. Bulb sizes are given in eighths of an inch; the most popular is A19, and the diameter of this size is 2.375 inches. The size of the bulb defines the fixtures, the wattage, and the intensity of the light given off by the bulb.

Let’s take a look at the different sizes of light bulbs:

• A19 bulbs are a general lighting type for standard household size.

• BR40 bulbs are commonly used in low-voltage lighting. This includes pendant lighting, recessed lighting, track lighting, and flood lights.

• A15 or G25 are slightly smaller than A19 bulbs. They are suitable for desk lamps or pendant lights as well as for decorative purposes.

• Another very common type is large light bulbs. They offer a wider beam of light, ideal for spaces needing additional light.

If you want to get the best performance out of your lighting fixture, it is suggested that you follow the specifications of the lighting fixture, as well as the bulb. Energy efficiency also depends on the size of the bulb, so the size of a light fixture and bulbs is critical. You should also note that since bigger bulbs provide more light, they will be more expensive.

Common Light Bulb Shapes

Light bulbs are of many types. They are available in different shapes and sizes. They are used for different purposes in different environments. The one most frequently used is the A19 bulb type. Its purpose is to act as the general light source in a typical home. These are universal and can easily work with most fixtures, thus suitable for the bedroom, kitchens, and living room.

• B10 can be used to decorate chandeliers and other pendant lights.

• PAR is used to track lighting systems and provide a spotlight.

• G25 (Globe) or crystal style bulb, suitable for candelabra and bathroom lighting.

• The BR40 dimmable type is used in recessed lighting and outdoor floodlights.

• Incandescent bulbs, also known as A19, are suitable for common home use lighting.

Knowledge of the bulb shapes enables one to select the appropriate bulb. This also helps in making the place functional and aesthetic.

Types of Light Bulbs

Today, there is a wide range of light bulbs available. This is because technology is changing day by day. Below are the most common types of light bulbs, each with its own features and advantages: 

1. Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs work by heating a metal filament until it emits light. They are less energy efficient than other bulbs because over 90% of their energy goes into heat production. However, incandescent bulbs are used in many decorative applications, including pendant lights, as the light emitted by a bulb is warm.

Moreover, their ability to dim smoothly makes them an ideal choice for creating cozy and adaptable lighting environments in homes and hospitality spaces.

2. Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen light bulbs are a part of incandescent lamps but with a difference. They employ a similar filament that glows by getting heat. The halogen gas contained within the bulb increases efficiency and lifespan.

These bulbs use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs while giving off bright and clear light. Halogen bulbs are normally used in track lighting and recessed lighting since they give concentrated, clear, and bright light. 

3. Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Although they are common nowadays in tubes and bulbs, they contain a small amount of mercury vapor. When electricity flows through the vapor, it generates ultraviolet light, which illuminates the phosphor coat in the bulb and produces visible light.

It is always important to know that fluorescent bulbs are more energy-saving than normal bulbs and are used in large areas such as offices, kitchens, and hallways. They are available in different sizes and are commonly described in terms of length and diameter. Fluorescent lights are suitable for places that need wide and uniform lighting.

4. LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are perceived as energy-saving and certainly offer high luminous intensity. They produce the most light (lumens). These types of bulbs absorb less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LED light bulbs emit light using a light-emitting diode (LED), which offers the bulbs a longer life. These light bulbs also consume less power. A study on ResearchGate states that LED bulbs use 25% of the total energy that is used by incandescent bulbs.

5. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Light Bulbs

The High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs are appropriate for large installations, including streets, ample storage spaces, and other business establishments. Such bulbs contain sodium or mercury vapor that transfers electricity to light up the enclosure.

HID bulbs are very efficient and serve high-intensity light, which is essential for applications used outdoors where a broad beam of light is desired. They are usually fixed in places like car parking areas, street lights, open markets, and other open commercial places.

Comparison of Light Bulbs and Features

Light Bulb Features and Benefits

When considering lighting, it is important to think of its features and benefits. These can be light intensity, energy consumption, and the color rendering index.

Here are features that you should consider when choosing a light bulb:

Lumens and Watts

Lumens and watts are two measures used when selecting a light bulb. Lumens are the amount of light emitted by a bulb; watts are the amount of power a bulb uses. More lumen means that the bulb has a greater amount of light emitted, while lesser wattage means that it uses less energy.

LED light bulbs provide high efficacy as they produce more lumens per watt than incandescent light bulbs. As a result, they can be used to save energy. 

Color Temperature and Rendering

Color temperature and rendering have been defined as the ability of the bulbs to provide well-balanced lighting. This is accompanied by a bulb’s capacity to produce color at any given instant. 

Color temperature is measured by the unit kelvin (K). This points to the type of light produced by the bulb. LED light bulbs with lower Kelvin values, meaning 2700K, are warm white, while bulbs with high Kelvin values, such as 5000K, provide light daylight.

The color rendering index (CRI) is used to determine the capability of a light source to reveal the actual colors of the object. The higher this rating is, the better it is for scenarios that involve replicating colors, such as in arts or kitchens. 

Dimming and Control

Most LED bulbs have this dimming feature to give you the ability to control the brightness level depending on the mood or activity. Some bulbs include a remote controller, while others are controlled through an application on a smartphone or smart speaker using Wi-Fi.

These smart bulbs bring comfort and convenience into your life by providing the ability to manage lights remotely and create schedules or scenes. If you want a comfortable and flexible lighting solution, then consider a remote-controlled bulb. 

Choosing the Right Light Bulb

According to the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey(NHCS), 120.71 million consumers in the United States used energy-efficient light bulbs in 2020. Common misconceptions are that some light bulbs are expensive and are a waste of energy, while some are cost-efficient but have poor lighting quality. Here is what you should consider while choosing the light bulb:

Consider Your Needs

The type of lighting you require determines the kind of light bulb you should choose from the market. For instance, if you need task lighting then there is task lighting that is available in the market.

This type of light bulb is suitable for activities such as reading or cooking. There is also ambient lighting, which is used to light up a room. Consider what type of color temperature and color rendering best fits into your surroundings.

Some lighting may be perfectly suited for relaxation, while other types of lighting may be appropriate for a working environment. Also, more features must be considered. These include the efficiency of energy as well as the usage period of the bulb. 

Read the Package Label 

It is imperative to read the package label in order to know about the specifications of the bulb. This will help you select the right type of bulb and choose the features that are well-suited to your needs. The label provides information about wattage, brightness(measured in lumen), color temperature (daylight, warm, cool), and energy-efficient ratings.

So, if you prefer a bulb that produces day or warm light, it is best to read the package label on the product.

Specialty Applications

There are many types of brighter light that are made to suit different uses other than homes or offices uses. For example, Auto headlight bulb. They are designed to provide better road illumination. On the other hand, smart bulbs, are incorporated into home automation systems.

Selecting the right bulb for these specific usages guarantees the best performance and efficiency you require. Let’s take a look at the application of bulbs:

Automotive Headlight Bulbs

Automobile headlight bulbs have a tendency to produce more light, like the common bulbs used in lamps and fixtures. When they are being replaced, it is advisable to get one that is compatible with the make and model of the vehicle.

Automotive headlight bulbs are categorized by halogen, LED, and HID, each with different brightness and lifespan. It is advisable to refer always to the car’s manual or seek the help of a professional when choosing the right one.

Smart Home Integration

Smart light bulbs are one of the most important elements of modern home automation systems. This enables the user to manage the lighting through a smart device or voice decisions through Amazon Alexa or even Google Assistant. These lighting options are also energy-efficient.

These compact fluorescent bulbs have options for the time and intensity of the light and sometimes even the hue. Some models allow you to switch the light from warm yellowish light to cool blue. This will help you find the right lighting for any situation – be it at home or on the road. Smart bulbs are versatile and energy-saving and are ideal for smart homes.

FAQs

Which candle bulbs are the best energy-saving light bulbs?

LED light bulbs are currently the most efficient type of light bulbs that one can purchase. They consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs and produce equivalent or even better light intensity. Also, LED bulbs have a longer lasting time in order to know how much energy they use. This makes them more efficient.

Can I replace old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs?

Yes, you can replace the incandescent bulb with LED bulbs. LED bulbs come in all types of forms and sizes to accommodate most fixtures and produce the same amount of light as a regular bulb but with lower wattage. The only thing you need to know is whether the LED bulb matches the wattage and socket of the fixture.

What is the most suitable bulb for reading?

For reading, LED bulbs with full brightness and a cool white color temperature of 4000K to 5000K are suitable. These bulbs offer cool light with full brightness that does not strain our eyes and helps in perfect concentration of the eyes. Make sure that the bulb has a high CRI so the colors look natural and bright.

How long do LED bulbs last?

LED bulbs are highly durable because they have a lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 hours, depending on the quality of the bulbs and usage. This is far longer than that of an incandescent bulb which has a lifespan of 1000 hours and a fluorescent bulb which has an average lifespan of 10000 hours.

Conclusion

Selecting the right light bulb will enable one to consume the right energy, spend a specific amount of money, and get the right lighting impact. Whether you’re aiming for a warm, inviting look or clear light that is suitable for work, choosing the right light bulb is key.

It’s important to embrace energy-efficient bulbs, particularly LED bulbs since they will help you save on bills and contribute to the environment. Begin your purchase of energy-efficient bulbs now, or transition from traditional bulbs for better lighting and lower bill costs.

Ready to Make Your Home More Illuminated?

Risun Corp is an experienced manufacturer with more than 15 years of experience in the lighting industry. We specialize in providing you with quality energy-saving solutions for business and residential purposes. Moreover, we also provide innovative and sustainable solutions that guarantee you have the best lighting for any location.

Are you looking forward to improving your lighting and, at the same time, saving energy costs? Discover a vast collection of energy-saving bulbs by checking out our product catalog or by getting a consultation. Contact us today to discover the best lighting products that we believe will suit your house or your commercial space!