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It ’s not your imaging : The light bulb surgical incision at the hardware entrepot has expanded . With so many type , gloss , and form lining the shelf in a wide — and sometimes confusing — array of option , it can be tough to pick the right bulb for your needs . However , arm with medulla fundamental principle , choosing the right replacement electric-light bulb the next time you ’re faced with a burned - out bulb can be a snap .
Light Bulb Sizes and Shapes
While there are many promiscuous incandescent lamp size and conformation available , there ’s a shorter list of bod that are regularly used in homes . Here are some of the most common residential clean medulla oblongata sizes and shapes .
Watts vs. Lumens
Before you head out in search of new bulbs , get a grasp on the nomenclature that manufacturers use to measure the input signal and output of certain types of light bulb . Two authoritative term to know are watts and lumens .
To calculate the optimum number of lumens , multiply the elbow room ’s square footage by these dominion - of - ovolo figures :
Lumens of Common Light Bulbs
Light Bulb Warmth
Beyond the bod , size , lumens , and watts , another important distinguishing equipment characteristic is the color temperature of the light medulla oblongata . Traditionally , incandescent lighting was a diffuse and tender colour temperature , much like the light created during the setting or rising sun .
Today ’s incandescent lamp range from a strong 2200 kelvins ( K ) to a crisp , mid - daylight - mime 6500K. A humbled colour temperature create a icteric - orange light , and a gamey color temperature suggest a whiter light .
Common Types of Light Bulbs
There are many dissimilar types of unclouded incandescent lamp , but there are just a handful of types that you ’re likely to meet in a residential scene .
1. Incandescent
stock incandescent light bulb are jazz for being free energy hog . Common household ignitor bulbs , which typically used between 40 and 100 watts before 2011 , now utilize at least 27 percent less vim than they did back in the day , while still producing like lumens . Bulbs sold in California in 2011 and nationwide in 2012 needed to create more lumens per watt as part of theEnergy Independence and Security Act of 2007 .
Because manufacture of 100 - watt incandescent bulbs halted in 2012 , the bulbs are less probable to appear in fund today . Shoppers are potential to be greet with options of 30 , 40 , and 50 watts . Incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury , and they last an average of 1 class before they need to be replaced . Incandescent light bulbs are easily recognized by the filaments inside them ; indeed , the retro - face , clear Edison bulbs that are so en style these days , are incandescent .
Best For : Use with dimmable easy mend , vanity lighting(because incandescent brightness flatters skin ) , and low - voltage lighting such as Nox lights . Our passport : Sunlite 7 - Watt C7 Replacement Light Bulb — Get a 12 - inner circle at The Home Depot for $ 11.59
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The soft white light emitted by these bulb spend a penny them perfect for use in Nox lights .
2. Fluorescent
Fluorescent tube bulbs have been around for age . You ’ve plausibly see the farsighted , cylindric glass tubes in overhead lights in section stores , but you could also find circular and uracil - shapedfluorescenttubes to fit out strong suit fix . This particular type of lite bulb uses less vim than incandescent bulbs , but it contains mercury evaporation and a phosphor coating that converts UV light to seeable light when turned on . Because these bulbs contain mercury , many community have regulations regarding their disposal .
Best For : Producing the bright lighting needed in an office or workshop . Our passport : Philips 40 - Watt T12 ALTO Fluorescent Tube — Get a 2 - pack at The Home Depot for $ 13.98
practice in kitchens or basements , or anywhere that calls for task light .
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3. Compact Fluorescent
Some compact fluorescent ( CFL ) bulbs are easy discover by their hallmark voluted pattern . They use a fraction of the wattage that incandescent bulbs use . While good for reading and tasks , the Christ Within they emit can be relatively harsh and unsuitable in vanity lighting . Like fluorescent tubes , CFLs hold atomic number 80 , so rugged bulbs should be chuck out of according to theEPA ’s proffer for cleanup .
Note : Most CFLs do n’t act with dimmer switches and are n’t peculiarly well suited for light fixtures switched on and off frequently , as this wont can shorten their utile life .
Best For : Overhead light source , lamp , and task lights . Our passport : Philips Energy Saver Compact Fluorescent T2 Twister — Get a 4 - pack at Amazon for $ 13.99
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tantamount to a 100 - W incandescent bulb , this CFL emits 1600 lumens of sparkle .
4. LED
Light emitting rectifying tube ( lead ) bulbs are themost Department of Energy efficient character of light medulla . Though they were high-priced when they first attain the market , price have dropped importantly since then . With lifespans that exceed those of most other bulb and options that embrace a diverseness of colour as well as white , these bulb offer the unspoiled rush for your buck . EarlyLED bulbsoffered only directional lighting , but with recent advances , manufacturers are now offering LED bulbs that breathe whole - elbow room diffused lighting . Most conduce light bulbs are opaque ashen on the bottom half , and frosted at the electric light side .
Best For : Just about anywhere you used to apply incandescent bulbs . Our good word : Philips A19 Daylight direct bulbs — Get a 16 - ring at Amazon for $ 32.95
Use these energy - saving LEDs to replace the bulb in your overhead lights , wall sconces , or board lamp .
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5. Halogen and Xenon
Halogen bulbs use 25 to 80 per centum less Department of Energy than incandescent bulb , but they still use more than CFLs and LEDs . The white light they pass off brings out vibrant tones in furnishings and decor . Halogen bulbs come the closest to natural day , but as they get extremely red-hot , be sure not to employ them in anylampor secureness that young kid can strain .
A variation on halogen , xenon bulbs cast the same well-defined white visible light yet remain cool to the skin senses than stock halogen bulbs , making xenon safe for use in mesa lamps .
Best For : Exterior floodlights , hanging pendant lights , and accent lighting . Our testimonial : Feit Electric 50 - James Watt Bi - Pin Dimmable 12 - Volt Halogen Light Bulb — Get it at Amazon for $ 4.79
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This dimmable , 500 - lumen bulb is perfect for track and recess lighting .
6. Wi-Fi Capable
Strictly in the realm of “ specialisation bulbs , ” Wi - Fi - able LED bulbs fit ordinary lamp and fixtures but offer the ability to either programme the light bulb to turn over on at predetermined time or control them remotely from a smartphone or tablet . register the fine print before you mistakenly buy one that does n’t puzzle out with your mobile gimmick ; some bulbs are stringently Apple- or Android - compatible products .
Best For : removed performance of overhead Light Within or lamp that you typically set to abide on before you leave for vacation . Our passport : Flux WiFi Smart LED Light Bulb — Get it on Amazon for $ 32.99
For use with both Apple and Android twist , this light bulb offer precise controller of cleverness and coloring .
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Final Thoughts
While it might require a few more hour in the light bulb aisle , taking the clock time to cautiously consider the many options mean you will get exactly the right electric-light bulb for your need . You might opt for old standby incandescent bulbs ( if you may still find them ) , or take your kindling to a new level with smart light-emitting diode .
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