When you are purchasing a replacement light bulb for your fixture, you must consider several different technical factor that define the bulbs. For instance, you must all consider the technology of the bulb, the shape of the bulb, the base type of the bulb, the brightness of the bulb, and the color of the bulb when you are purchasing an new bulb for your fixture. The technology of the bulb, such as incandescent, LED, compact fluorescent, or halogen bulbs, determine how the bulb consumes electricity and how much heat it produces while performing its task of creating light.
Incandescent bulb use a filament to create light but produce alot of heat, limiting the lifespan of those bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy efficient, using less electricity and producing very little heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs are also energy efficient but contain mercury and hum when you turn on the bulb.
How to Choose the Right Light Bulb for Your Fixture
Halogen bulbs produce very bright, crisp light but end up very hot to the touch during use. The shape of the bulb must match the fixture in which the bulb is to be used. For example, A19 bulbs are the most common shape for light bulbs because they are compatible with many standard lamp.
B-type and flame tip bulbs are slim in shape and chandeliers use them. Globe bulbs are round in shape and are used in vanities. Reflector bulbs, like the BR or PAR bulbs direct the light in only one direction and are used in kitchen and track lighting.
Tubular bulbs have a straight shape and are for appliances. Multifaceted spot bulbs is used to highlight specific object in a room. Ensure the shape of the bulb matches the openness of the fixture; otherwise, it may overheat or look incorrect in the fixture.
The base of the bulb determines if the bulb will fit within the fixture. There are several base type, including threaded bases of different diameters. The most common is the medium base, though some fixtures use smaller bases called candelabra bases.
Other bases include twist-lock bases for track lighting and bi-pin bases for tubes or low voltage lighting fixtures. Make sure the base of the bulb match that of the light fixture because otherwise, the bulb cant be attached to the fixture. Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts.
Bulbs with low lumens are used as night lights. Medium lumen bulbs provide general lighting for room. High lumen bulbs are used for task lighting like in kitchens.
Using multiple types of bulbs allow the brightness in a room to be controlled. Color temperature is also an important factor in the definition of a light bulb. Color temperature is measured in Kelvins.
Warm color like amber and soft white are best for living and bedrooms. Cooler colors like daylight are used in offices and bathrooms to allow people to focus and to see the true color of the objects around them. If color temperature is too high in a bedroom, the bedroom may be too bright.
Conversely, if the color temperature is too low in an office space, the office may be too dim for people to focus on there work. When purchasing light bulbs, dont purchase bulbs based off their wattage. Also ensure that you check the print on the base of the existing bulb in the fixture before purchasing a new bulb.
For instance, bedrooms may require bulbs with warm color and medium brightness, kitchens may require bright light for task lighting, and bathrooms require bright, crisp light for grooming activity. If you follow these guideline, you will be able to purchase the more correct light bulb for your fixture.
