There are so many different types of light bulbs on the market today. We all know some types are much more efficient than others, like CFLs and LEDs. But it can be hard to stare in the light bulb aisle at your local hardware or home improvement store and know exactly what type of bulb is right for you.
Even if you know the size and type of your old bulb that needs to be replaced, you’re always faced with the question of whether or not you can and should upgrade to a more efficient model. To help with some of this struggle, we’ve outlined some helpful tips to address some common problems consumers have during light bulb purchasing and replacement.
1. The current bulb isn’t bright enough – Search for a bulb with more lumens. The higher the number, the brighter the bulb. A 60-watt bulb, for example, may require 800 lumens to give off that bright light you need.
2. The bulb burns out too quickly – While this was a very common problem with incandescent bulbs, CFL or LED bulbs are designed to last much longer. If you find a relatively new CFL or LED bulb has burned out quickly, contact the retailer or manufacturer for a refund. This should be an easy process, since CFLs have a warranty of at least two years, while LEDs can have warranties for 3+ years.
3. The current light is the wrong color – Light color is measured in kelvin (K). A high Kelvin number will emit a cooler, or bluer, color. A low Kelvin number will give off a dull yellow color. For a bright white bulb, aim for something around 3000K. Light bulbs also have a Color Rendering Index, which measure how true colors appear to the eye under the light. If you want your carefully selected fabrics to fit right into your interior room or space, shoot for a higher (at least 80) CRI.
4. The bulb is an odd shape – It’s always a good idea to bring an old, burned out bulb along with you to a retailer when searching for a replacement. This will allow you to compare the old incandescent bulb to the new CFL or LED.
If you have other questions or if you’d like to dig a little deeper, you can contact our team at BelRed. During a home energy audit, our team can make great recommendations, like the ones above, for improving you home’s efficiency through better light.
