How to Choose Lightbulbs for Each Area of Your Home
Is your home feeling a little dark or dreary? Choosing the proper light bulbs for your home can not only enhance the atmosphere, but it can also save on energy costs, and increase productivity! It can be challenging to choose light bulbs that work best in your space, so the electrical contractors at Axiom Power create a guide to choosing light bulbs for each area of your home. Keep scrolling to learn more about what lighting is available…
Light Bulb Performance
Did you know? The brightness and color of the lighting that you choose can alter the appearance of the rooms in your house, and even impact your mood while you’re in each space.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing light bulbs for your home:
Brightness
The brightness of lights is measured in lumens, and the amount of energy that it takes to produce a lumen is measured in watts. Standard incandescent bulbs generally range from 40-watt bulbs that produce 450 lumens, to 100-watt bulbs that produce 1,600 lumens.
In rooms such as kitchens or offices that need a higher level of light, choose bulbs with higher lumens. Spaces with low light such as hallways or closets may only need bulbs with 450-800 lumens.
Temperature
Light bulb labels refer to the “color temperature” of the bulb which is measured in Kelvins. The lower the temperature, the warmer the tone.
An incandescent bulb color measurement of 2700k-3000k will have warm yellow or white tones, while a 4000k bulb will emit pure white light. If natural light is what you are after, choose 5000k bulbs, which emit a cool tone that simulates daylight.
Color Rendering Index
Color rendering index (CRI) is a measurement often used with compact fluorescent light bulbs, (CFL bulbs) and refers to how an object’s color appears under the bulb’s light as compared to natural lighting.
A higher CRI value will indicate a truer representation of an object’s color. Incandescent bulbs generally have a CRI value of 100, the highest possible value. Fluorescent lighting usually has a CRI of between 50-98 and LEDs fall between 80-98. A CRI value above 80 is ideal, especially where true coloring matters like over a bathroom vanity area or in a home art studio.
Types of Light Bulbs
You will find three main types of light bulbs on the market today and while light quality is fairly standard across these types, cost and energy efficiency/savings vary greatly.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
CFLs emit light like the long fluorescent tube lights you see in a classroom, but they are coiled to work in traditional light fixtures. CFLs produce heat and have traditionally had a reputation for giving off harsh light, though there are newer versions with cool or warm tones. You may notice flickering or a small lag time each time they are turned on. Plus, proper disposal or recycling of CFL bulbs is KEY as they contain small amounts of mercury.
Pro Tip: All CFLs may not be compatible with traditional dimmer switches, so be sure to check the packaging before purchasing!
Incandescent Bulbs
These bulbs have been around for more than a century and have been the top choice for lighting in homes for most of the 20th century.
Halogen incandescent bulbs come in numerous shapes and colors and emit warm light that flatters any skin tone. Although not energy-efficient, they are the least expensive option. Most of the energy that they take in is converted to heat, so be careful, they can be hot to the touch!
LED Bulbs
Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are the most energy-efficient lighting option. An LED bulb will emit little to no heat when in use and uses just 6-8 watts of energy to produce the same brightness as a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. Plus, they can last about six times longer than CFLs and 30 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Contact Axiom Power to upgrade to or retrofit your current lighting to LED lighting! Call the pros to install LEDs and watch your savings grow!
Light Bulb Recommendations
Use these tips as a guide to choose the proper lighting for your home:
Kitchen: In task-oriented areas, you’ll want brighter lighting. Overhead or recessed fixtures with LEDs can be a great choice, and under-cabinet lights can add light to food prep areas.
Bathrooms: Here, you’ll want bright lighting overall, with task lighting near the bathroom vanity. Choose a bulb with a high CRI and avoid using CFLs in the bathroom as they might burn out more quickly than normal from being turned on and off frequently.
Living/Dining Room: For these spaces, choose low to moderate lighting levels. Choose bulbs with color temperatures of 2,000k to 3,000k for soft, warm light. Add desk lamps for additional atmosphere, or install a chandelier over a dining room table for an elegant look.
Bedroom: Low or moderate lighting will work well in bedrooms too. Avoid bulbs with cool tones, as exposure to their bluish light can make it harder to fall asleep.
Home Office: Install bright lighting overhead with targeted task lighting for desks and workspaces. Choose cool tones with color temperatures of 4000k or higher to keep you alert and focused while at work.
Help with Your Home Lighting Needs
Even if you are a pro at choosing light bulbs, upgrading your lighting may not be something you want to do on your own. There are so many decisions beyond bulbs – from choosing distinctive lighting fixtures to deciding where to install dimmer switches, chandeliers, or landscape lights.
Don’t let your motivation dim! Our residential electricians specialize in lighting design, LED retrofits, and installations! Let the experts at Axiom Power help you with all of your home electrical needs. Call us at (813) 308-9328 for a licensed, local electrical contractor to schedule an appointment at your Tampa, St. Pete, Largo, or Orlando area home today!