Light bulbs have evolved in the last decade or two, and that’s a good thing—but it can be a bit confusing, too. If you haven’t been to the hardware store in a long while, you might be surprised by the lack of familiar bulbs. Whether you’re shopping for a home or business environment, we’ll help you determine which light bulb types are right for you.
CFL and LED Light Bulbs
Changing laws in the U.S. and the movement toward high-efficiency light bulbs have made traditional incandescent bulbs scarce or even nonexistent. For the most part, they’ve been replaced by energy-saving, longer-lasting compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
CFL bulbs are typically the “spiral” type and work under the same principle as other forms of fluorescent lighting (such as the linear or “tube” type often found in offices). LED bulbs are engineered with newer technology that’s even more energy-efficient.
While CFL and LED bulbs can have higher upfront costs, these newer bulbs last significantly longer and require much less power—reducing your energy bills and adverse impact on the environment.
Get to Know the New Lighting Terms
Once you’ve decided which type of bulb you’re in the market for, you’ll still want to make sure you’re buying a bulb that fits your preferences for attributes like brightness and color temperature.
In the days of incandescent bulbs, the most important consideration was the energy consumed by the bulb—measured in watts—which also told you how bright the bulb was. But for newer technologies like CFL and LED, the wattage of a bulb isn’t necessarily related to its brightness or color, so you’ll need to learn a couple of new terms for smart shopping. These measurements include lumens, lux, and color temperature.
Although these terms can be a bit overwhelming, they also give you a lot of control over the type of bulb you’re buying. Understanding these lighting concepts will allow you to choose your desired light output and keep your energy costs in check.
Other Types of Lighting
Halogen and incandescent bulbs are still available, though these are being phased out in some areas. Fluorescent lamps or bulbs are still widely used and are found in many commercial and office settings.
Lumens
A lumen is a unit of measurement that measures a bulb’s light output, which is a much more reliable way of measuring a modern light bulb’s brightness than its wattage. If you’re used to thinking in watts, this chart can help you determine the brightness level you’re looking for in a modern CFL or LED bulb.
| How much light do I need? | |
|---|---|
| Old Incandescent Bulbs (Watts) | Energy Star Bulb Brightness (Minimum Lumens) |
| 40 | 450 |
| 60 | 800 |
| 75 | 1,100 |
| 100 | 1,600 |
| 150 | 2,600 |
Watts
Watts are the measurement of the amount of energy the light bulb uses. In theory, the lower the wattage number of a bulb, the lower your energy bill will be. LED and CFL bulbs use less energy, yet emit the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs. If you’re using incandescent bulbs, remember to never exceed the recommended wattage number of your lamp or light fixture.
Lux
Lux is the ratio of lumens measured over a certain distance. For example, 1 lux is 1 lumen per square meter. Lux provides a measurement of the light’s intensity to the human eye.
Color Temperature
Color temperature provides a way of measuring the softness or warmth of a light bulb. Measured in Degrees Kelvin (K), light bulbs with a low color temperature give off a reddish, candle-like glow. On the opposite end of the spectrum, bulbs with a higher color temperature are cooler and emit bright white or even bluish-tinted light, similar to daylight. Incandescent lights naturally have a lower color temperature than fluorescent bulbs, but today’s LED bulbs are available in a wide range of color temperatures to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
In the past, buying a light bulb was a relatively simple process. Although that may not be the case today, the variety of light bulbs now available gives you a greater degree of choice, all while providing higher efficiency lighting equipment that lasts longer and uses less energy over time.
No matter what your needs are, Zoro’s wide selection of light bulbs can help you achieve your lighting goals. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to check out our full selection of lighting equipment, flashlights, and batteries.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.