Types of Light Bulbs

While many people focus on the light fixture, another crucial component to your lighting and the mood it can create is the light bulb. The principle of the incandescent light bulb was discovered in 1802 by English scientist Humphry Davy, who found that when he passed an electric current through a thin strip of platinum, it glowed brightly. However, it was not until 1879 that Thomas Edison developed a commercially viable incandescent light bulb.

There are many different types of light bulbs you can choose from in order to invoke the perfect mood or give you the best lighting possible for your space.

Carol's Lighting with two locations in Humble and Conroe, Texas, offer exceptional lighting fixtures, including indoor, outdoor, and landscape lighting, as well as light bulbs. To learn more about the different types of light bulbs available, keep reading below, and stop by today.

Incandescent Light Bulb

The most common type of light bulb and the original light bulb is the incandescent bulb. Also known as a filament light bulb, an incandescent light bulb is an electric light that contains a wire filament. The filament is then heated to such a high temperature that it glows with visible light. The filament, heated by an electric current, is sheltered from oxidation with a bulb that is filled with inert gas or a vacuum. In a halogen lamp, a tungsten filament is enclosed in a clear quartz envelope, which contains halogen gas. The gas replenishes the tungsten as it evaporates, extending the life of the bulb. Incandescent bulbs are very cheap to produce and are readily available. However, they are not very energy efficient and have a relatively short lifespan. More and more people are switching to other types of light bulbs due to the inherent inefficiencies with the incandescent light bulb.

LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy efficiency and long lifespan (they can last for decades with proper care). LED light bulbs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they will save you money in the long run. Plus, they don't produce heat like incandescent light bulbs do, making them a safer option for your Texas home or office space. They can be used in any type of light fixture, and some are even designed to look like traditional incandescent bulbs.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) Light Bulbs

CFL light bulbs are also becoming more popular due to their energy efficiency. They fit into the same socket as an incandescent light bulb, making them a great alternative. These light bulbs are characterized by their spiral design, making them more compact. One caveat with CFL bulbs: they contain mercury, so they must be disposed of properly. When a CFL light bulb is turned on, the mercury vapor inside the bulb is excited, producing ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light then strikes a phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb, causing the phosphor to glow and produce visible light.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, but they use a halogen gas to help prolong the life of the bulb and are more energy efficient. halogen gas helps to keep the filament from burning out as quickly as it would in a regular incandescent light bulb. Halogen light bulbs last about twice as long as regular incandescent light bulbs, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. One downside of halogen light bulbs is that they can get very hot, making them a potential fire hazard. It’s important to make sure that you don’t touch the bulb with your bare hands after it’s been turned on for a while. Another downside is that halogen light bulbs can be more expensive than regular incandescent light bulbs.

SHOP AT CAROL'S LIGHTING TODAY

The staff at Carol's Lighting is passionate about ensuring you find the perfect lighting options for you, including the perfect type of light bulbs. Light bulbs today also come in different designs, such as clear and frosted, which allows you to further customize the look of your space. Light bulbs come in different temperatures, so you can choose the ones that would make the most sense for your space. And, they come in different colors, helping to make many seasons bright.

If you are looking for the best light bulbs for your Texas spaces, stop by our Humble or Conroe location today!

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