Does the thought of purchasing light bulbs terrify you? Do you not know an LED from a CFL? Confused about which bulb would be best in that bedroom or bathroom? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Below is the first of a two part light bulb guide provided by Capitol Lighting.  Part one defines the different types of bulbs and outlines how to get the most out of them. Here we go:

•             Fluorescent bulbs last up to 20 times longer than standard incandescent and use much less electricity.  Fluorescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs work nicely in rooms that require energy-efficient general illumination.

•             Light Emitting Diode (LED) use 80% less energy than incandescent and last up to 50 times longer.  For task lighting, LED (light-emitting diode) for desk lamps, reading lamps and mini-pendants work well.  LED lamps are becoming the standard for outdoor lighting, too, due to their low-maintenance and high energy-efficiency.

•             Halogen lamps are best for accent lighting and to provide a more luxurious illumination to areas of the home that are enjoyed more for relaxation, such as bedrooms, dining rooms and master bathrooms.

 •            Incandescent lamps are still popular for children’s rooms and in table lamps and ceiling fixtures to provide pleasant general illumination.

•             Do not skimp and buy bulbs of lesser quality, because you will end up spending more in the long run.  It is important to buy high quality bulbs, or the quality of light will be poor, and they will burn out prematurely.  Be sure to purchase your lighting from a reputable dealer who will stand behind the quality of their merchandise.

So, next time you go in to your local Capitol Lighting showroom, march right up to your salesperson and say “I need a halogen bulb for accent lighting in my bedroom!” Don’t forget to check back soon for Light Bulbs 101 (Part 2) in which we discuss some light bulb lingo.

See you soon!