In this article we are going to explain the different types of bulbs that are commonly used in homes or offices, detailing both their advantages and disadvantages.
The lighting in our spaces has a significant impact on energy consumption, with 18% of lighting expenditure in homes and up to 30% in offices reflected in our electricity bill. Choosing the type of lighting adequate lighting It can generate energy savings of between 20% and 80%, depending on our choices.
In the following sections, we'll break down the main types of light bulbs, how to choose them, and key things to consider.
Aspects to consider before knowing the types of bulbs:
- 1. Efficiency, which measures the energy consumption of light bulbs in watts (W).
- 2. The useful life, which refers to how many hours of use we can expect from each type of bulb.
- 3. The color, determined by the color temperature of the bulb technology (LED, halogen, compact fluorescent, etc.), which can emit white or yellowish light.
- 4. On and off cycles. Each bulb has a preset number of cycles it can withstand without decreasing its lifespan.
For Energy saving lightbulbs, a crucial factor is the luminosity, measure in lumens, which indicates the amount of light emitted. Traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent ones, used to be measured in watts, but today lumens help us better understand their lighting capacity.
What are lumens?, and how to calculate them
Lumens are the standard unit of measurement in the International System for evaluating luminous flux, that is, the luminous power emitted by a light source, in this case, the light bulb. For example, a 15W LED bulb can emit about 1050 lumens, equivalent to a 65W incandescent bulb.
To calculate the equivalence between watts and lumens, you can use the formula: Actual Lumens = Number of Watts x 70.
Recommended lighting for rooms in the house
To know how many Energy saving lightbulbs you need for each space in your home, it is advisable to calculate the lighting level in lumens per square meter, using the parameter of luxury (lx), which is equivalent to 1 lumen per square meter.
For example, if a light bulb generates 400 lumens and the room measures 20 square meters, the lighting level will be 20 lx (lux).
These are the recommendations for different spaces in the home:
- Kitchen: For general lighting, 200 to 300 lx is recommended, but in work areas such as the countertop, it is advisable to increase the intensity to around 500 lx.
- Adult bedroom: General lighting should range from 50 to 150 lx. In spaces such as bed heads, a focused light of up to 500 lx is recommended for reading.
- Living room: General lighting can vary between 100 and 300 lx, but for reading or watching television, it is recommended to reduce to 50 lx.
- Bathroom: Around 100 lx is needed in general, but in the mirror area it is ideal to have up to 500 lx for activities such as applying makeup or shaving.
Types of bulbs and tips for choosing them
The market offers a wide variety of light bulbs, each with different characteristics. Below we detail the most common ones:
The best Led bulbs
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are one of the newest and most environmentally friendly technologies. They do not contain mercury or harmful gases, and their energy consumption is much lower than other types of bulbs.
With a useful life of approximately 50,000 hours, LED bulbs can generate savings of up to 80% compared to incandescent bulbs. They also offer quality light, both in warm and cool tones, and have the added advantage of not getting as hot as other bulbs, making them ideal for any type of use, whether in homes or offices.
The best Eco halogen bulbs
The light emitted by halogen bulbs is natural and they turn on instantly. Although their useful life is approximately 2000 hoursThey consume a third less than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they have the disadvantage of emitting heat during operation, which may not be ideal in certain applications.
incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs, which generate light by heating a filament, consume the most energy compared to other types. This type of bulb has been phased out of the market since 2009 due to its low energy efficiency and short life cycle. Although they can still be found in some stores, they are no longer recommended due to advances in more efficient technologies.
The best compact fluorescent light bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as low-consumption bulbs, are an energy-efficient option, offering a lifespan of between 7000 and 10000 hoursAlthough their technology is more advanced than incandescent bulbs, they have the disadvantage of taking a few seconds to reach their maximum light intensity, which makes them not recommended for frequently used areas.
What are the characteristics to consider?
When choosing a light bulb, consider the following aspects:
- ignition time: Some bulbs take longer to reach full output, which can be inconvenient in certain rooms.
- Opening angle: The smaller the opening angle, the more light is concentrated on a specific point. This is ideal for focused lighting.
- Useful life: The hours of duration vary significantly between bulb types.
- Shapes: Bulbs come in many shapes (globes, rounds, spirals), and the choice depends on the aesthetic you want to achieve.
- On/Off Cycle: It is important to consider how many times a light bulb can be turned on and off without loss of quality.
- Lumens: The amount of light emitted depends on the number of lumens, the more lumens, the greater the illumination.
With advances in technology, there are more and more options to illuminate our homes in a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly way. Knowing the characteristics of each type of light bulb will allow you to make the best decision for your home or office, optimizing energy consumption and guaranteeing proper lighting in each space.