There was a time when replacing a light bulb was as simple as heading out to your local hardware or discount store and purchasing the right size and wattage bulb for your particular need. Since the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs over the last decade, there are more choices than ever for lighting the interior and exterior of your home. Let’s review the choices in energy efficient bulbs and learn a bit about the language of lighting. Knowing key terms and features will ensure that you select the hue of light you prefer, and the type of bulb that it will work best for your lighting need.
Definitions to Know
Lumens and Kelvin may be new terms to many of us and understanding these values will determine your satisfaction with lighting at home.Lumens is simply a more accurate measurement of a light bulb’s brightness. Most light bulb packaging will provide equivalent wattage as a guide to help you choose the brightness you need. The most often selected bulbs have a lumens rating between 450 (40w) and 1600 (100w).
If the color of light is important to you – particularly your home’s interior rooms – be familiar with the Kelvin reading, shown above. Some folks prefer the warm lighting of incandescent bulbs, while others opt for cooler lighting that is brighter and simulates daylight. The takeaway here is that the higher the Kelvin reading, the bluer (brighter) the light cast from the bulb will be. Yellow light, consistent with incandescent bulbs, has a reading of 2700K, while bulbs simulating daylight will be in the range of 6500K. Yellow light provides a soft and cozy feel, while bluer light is great for reading, projects, and anywhere you might do intricate work.
Today’s Light Bulbs – CFL, Halogen, LED
Three options for lighting your home now include CFL (compact fluorescent), halogen, and LED (light emitting diode) technologies. Both CFL and halogen bulbs are budget-friendly and will last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs. The downside to CFLs is that they take time to become fully lit, require proper disposal, and like halogen bulbs, they emit heat. Halogens are a form of incandescent bulbs, and do not have the lifespan of CFLs. These characteristics are important considerations when choosing which bulb will work best for your need.
LED bulbs cost more initially, but the savings can’t be beat. Even with their higher price point, LEDs last longer and use less energy than CFLs and halogen bulbs, adding up to better energy savings over their lifetime. LED bulbs are great to use in ceiling fixtures and outdoor lighting, or other hard-to-reach areas of your home. As part of our StreetSmart Program, energy efficient lighting is featured throughout our new homes at Grove Manor – using 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs and reducing energy costs for our homeowners.
How Can Broadstreet Homes Help You?
Have more questions about our homes, communities or our energy saving features? Give us a call today at 704-430-2030 or use our contact form here to learn more, or set up an appointment to tour a home under construction! You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, – and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information.
Grove Manor, Broadstreet Homes’ newest active adult community, is conveniently located just two miles to charming downtown Waxhaw, in Union County, NC. Grove Manor offers low maintenance designs and homeowners will enjoy an amenity-rich community center, tree-lined streets with sidewalks, and yard maintenance provided by the homeowners’ association. Take advantage of everything this beautiful community has to offer during our grand opening – unparalleled homes & amenities from $279,990!
Today’s lifestyle – live it at Grove Manor.
