You may be tempted to grab whichever light bulbs look good enough at the store, but there are various types, wattages, and color temperatures available that change your home’s atmosphere and overall energy efficiency. To help you find the right ones for your home, we’ve broken down the terminology you’ll encounter, the various light bulb types available, and considerations when buying.
Light Bulb Basics: Wattage and Lumens
You’ll notice two key terms when shopping for light bulbs: wattage and lumens.
Understanding Light Bulb Wattage
Wattage measures the amount of energy a light bulb uses. In the past, higher wattage meant brighter light. However, with modern energy-efficient bulbs, wattage primarily indicates energy consumption rather than brightness. When replacing old incandescent bulbs, look for the wattage equivalent of the new bulb to find a comparable brightness level.
Measuring Bulb Brightness in Lumens
Lumens measure a light bulb’s actual brightness. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the light. For reference, a standard 100-watt incandescent bulb produces about 1,600 lumens of light, according to the Department of Energy. When comparing different bulb types, focus on lumens to get the desired brightness level for your space.
Light Bulb Types
There are four main types of light bulbs commonly used in homes.
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs, or Edison bulbs, are the classic filament-style lights many of us grew up with. While they provide a warm, familiar glow, the Department of Energy warns that they’re highly inefficient. They only convert 10% of energy into light and the rest into heat. These bulbs are harder to find now, as they’ve been phased out in favor of more eco-friendly options.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)
You can recognize CFLs by their spiral tube design. Energy Star claims they use 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last seven to nine years with regular use. However, CFLs do have a warm-up period before reaching full brightness and contain small amounts of mercury, which requires careful disposal.
Light-Emitting Diode Bulbs (LEDs)
LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient and versatile option available. They can last several years, depending on usage, and come in various styles, such as traditional shapes and vintage-inspired designs. While LEDs can be more expensive upfront, their long lifespan and low energy consumption make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs are another type of filament-style bulb, similar to incandescent bulbs. They’re a bit more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs but nowhere near CFLs or LEDs. Halogen bulbs usually last only a couple years, depending on usage.
Light Bulb Temperature
Light temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), impacts color and ambience. Most indoor lighting falls between 2,700K and 6,500K on the Kelvin scale.
Soft White/Warm White
Soft white or warm white bulbs (2,700K–3,000K) give off a yellowish, cozy light that mimics the warm glow of traditional incandescent bulbs. Soft or warm white bulbs are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where you want a relaxing environment.
Cool White/Bright White
Cool white or bright white bulbs (3,100K–4,500K) produce a neutral, energizing light that’s neither yellow nor blue. This temperature range works well in kitchens, home offices, and garages, where you need clear, vibrant lighting without harshness.
Daylight
Daylight bulbs (4,500K and above) emit a bright, bluish light that mimics natural daylight. These bulbs are excellent for task lighting, reading areas, and spaces where color accuracy is important, such as art studios or workshops. Some people find daylight bulbs energizing and use them to boost productivity in work areas.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Considerations for Light Bulbs
When selecting light bulbs, consider both the initial cost and long-term savings potential. While LED bulbs may have a higher upfront cost, they provide higher savings over time due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. For example, according to the Department of Energy, switching to LED lights in your home can save around $225 per year in energy costs. Over the bulb’s lifespan, these savings add up.
Understanding Energy Star Ratings
Look for bulbs with the Energy Star label. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Energy Star-certified bulbs use up to 90% less energy than standard bulbs and last at least 15 times longer. Each Energy Star bulb will save you about $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime. Plus, a certified bulb produces 70%–90% less heat, so it’s safer to operate and won’t heat up your home as intensely.
Special Light Bulb Features and Smart Lighting Options
Beyond basic light bulbs, you can also find options with special enhancements and technology for added convenience or ambiance.
Dimmable Bulbs
Dimmable bulbs allow you to adjust the light level for different activities or times of day. Not all LED or CFL bulbs are dimmable, so check the packaging and make sure your dimmer switch and bulbs are compatible.
Color-Changing Bulbs
Some LED bulbs can change colors, allowing you to adjust the mood of a room with the touch of a button or smartphone app. These bulbs are great for bedrooms and entertainment spaces.
Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps or voice assistants. They come with features such as scheduling, geofencing (automatically turning on/off based on your location), and integrating with other smart home devices. While more expensive, smart bulbs are convenient and customizable.
How To Read Light Bulb Labels and Packaging
Light bulb labels have important information that can help you make more informed purchases. The Federal Trade Commission requires all light bulbs to carry a standardized Lighting Facts label. This label provides essential information, such as the following:
- Brightness in lumens
- Estimated yearly energy cost
- Lifespan
- Light appearance (color temperature)
- Energy used (watts)
Understanding Base Types and Sizes
Light bulbs come with various base types and sizes. The most common is the medium or E26 base, but you may find others, such as candelabra (E12) or intermediate (E17) bases. Check your fixture’s requirements before buying new bulbs.
Specialty Bulbs
Certain lighting situations require specialized bulbs. For example, some bulbs are designed specifically for appliances such as refrigerators and ovens. These are built to withstand high temperatures and humidity. Similarly, some bulbs are for outdoor use, particularly in landscaping and security lighting. These bulbs are made to resist extreme weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.
UV and Full-Spectrum Bulbs
UV and full-spectrum bulbs cater to niche needs beyond conventional lighting. UV bulbs are often used to disinfect indoor spaces or nurture plants in indoor gardens. Full-spectrum bulbs are also popular in indoor gardening, as they mimic natural sunlight. Additionally, full-spectrum lights can have therapeutic benefits for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), easing symptoms and enhancing well-being.
Light Bulb Lifespan and Maintenance
Knowing the expected lifespan of different bulbs can help you budget better. We looked at the average lifespan across a few brands of popular bulb types for these estimates.
| Bulb Type | Average Expected Lifespan (in hours) |
| Halogen | 2,000–4,000 |
| Incandescent | 750–2,000 |
| CFL | 10,000–20,000 |
| LED | 40,000–50,000 |
Our Conclusion
Choosing the best light bulbs for your home requires balancing energy efficiency, color temperature, and features. Consider each room’s specific needs, and experiment with different bulb types and color temperatures. With the wide variety of options available, you can create a lighting scheme that’s both functional and comfortable for your home.