Not all light bulbs are created equal. There are many different types of light bulbs out there and they each have their own specific use cases, pros, and cons. We’ve created a fresh guide and infographic to help you select the best energy efficient light bulb for your home that includes the pros and cons of each type.
Types of Light Bulbs
There are four different types of light bulbs that you will recognize: LED, incandescent, halogen, and CFL. Each of these light bulbs has its own pros and cons; however, it’s worth noting that and CFL bulbs are much more energy-efficient than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
The Pros and Cons of LED and CFL Light Bulbs
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Light Bulbs
LED bulbs were originally created as a form of colored lighting for labs, and became widely available for residential use in the 1990s. While they started off as expensive, LED bulbs are now found in almost any store that sells light bulbs. They’re both affordable and energy-efficient. Furthermore, many of them include integrated smart home capability for smartphone and voice assistant control.
LED Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Almost no heat is produced
- Lifespan up to 50,000 hours
- Typically include some recycled materials
LED Cons:
- Can overheat when used in some enclosed fixtures
- Can contribute to greater light pollution
- Lifespan on some bulbs does not live up to published specs
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Light Bulbs
CFL light bulbs, like LED bulbs, are energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. However, they generally do not last as long as LED light bulbs and are less energy-efficient.
CFL Pros:
- Cheaper than LED bulbs
- Longer lifespan than halogen and incandescent bulbs
- Can be recycled
- Different sizes and temperatures for every setting
CFL Cons:
- Can take time to brighten
- Not as energy-efficient as LED bulbs
- Shorter lifespan than LED bulbs
- Can contain small amounts of mercury vapor
Depending on your specific needs in your home, your choice of light bulb may change. However, energy efficiency should be at the top of anyone’s priorities if you’re looking for lower energy bills and a way to conserve resources. That’s what makes LED and CFL light bulbs attractive options when compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs.
This greater energy efficiency that LED and CFL bulbs bring does not come without consequence, however. Light bulbs are being installed in more places and stay on longer than ever before. To reduce the light pollution that your installations are emitting, remember to turn off your lights when they aren’t in use and consider using low-intensity or red lights instead.
The Infographic
For more home lighting and light pollution-reduction tips, check out the below infographic from HomeAdvisor.
