About 6 percent of the average residential electric bill goes toward lighting. For commercial properties, the number can be as high as 35 percent! Millions of homes and businesses still use old-fashioned incandescent lights, but there are far more energy-efficient lighting options on the market now. Alternative light bulbs can also enhance the appearance and functionality of your home or business.
Keep reading to learn about a few other ways you could benefit from light bulb replacement.
Solve Lighting Problems With Replacement Light Bulbs
If you have been putting up with lighting problems for a long time, you may no longer even notice the issues—but others will. Observe your space objectively and take stock of your lighting situation.
Light bulb replacement can solve numerous lighting problems, such as:
- Lights that are dim or flicker
- Lights that don't turn on or off when they should
- Frequent light bulb burnout
- Cracked or burned out lights
- Light bulb explosions
- Odd lighting colors
- Lights that do not achieve the desired level of illumination
- A preference for softer, brighter, or cooler light
- Upgrading to longer-lasting bulbs for convenience and savings
- Concern about the excessive energy consumption of older-technology bulbs
Types of Light Bulb Replacement
To make an informed decision about your light bulb replacement you need to understand the different types of bulbs you can choose from.
Each type of bulb on the market to choose from is best suited for different applications, and each brings its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
These are the most common replacement light bulbs used in residential and commercial settings:
- Incandescent Bulb Replacement – Older technology makes incandescent bulbs your least efficient option. Beginning in 2012, the Department of Energy required these bulbs to produce the same amount of light using less wattage. Incandescents are best for task lighting requiring high levels of brightness. However, incandescent bulbs are also fully compatible with standard dimmer switches. There are many types of incandescent bulbs, including general service/standard, reflectorized, and xenon.
- Halogen Bulb Replacement – Halogen bulbs are twice as efficient as incandescents. They produce a very bright white light and are commonly used in outdoor applications, such as security and stadium lighting. Interior halogens are also highly compatible with dimmer switches.
- Fluorescent Bulb Replacement – The most commonly used bulb for commercial lighting, fluorescents and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), use 1/5 to 1/3 as much electricity as an incandescent. They also last 10 times longer and emit a comparable amount of light. A CFL can be used in place of an incandescent in standard light sockets for energy savings. To use a CFL bulb with a dimmer switch, the switch must be specifically rated for use with CFLs. All fluorescents contain mercury and should be disposed of properly and cleaned up thoroughly if they break since broken glass and mercury pose a double hazard.
- HID/Metal Halide Bulb Replacement – High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs have a long life, are extremely efficient, and produce large quantities of very bright light. However, except for metal halides, they do not produce pleasing light colors and are not dimmable. They are commonly used in warehouses and industrial applications.
- LED Bulb Replacement – Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are more efficient and longer lasting than any other type of light bulb, using 75 percent less energy than an incandescent and lasting 35 to 50 times longer. LEDs last 20-25 times longer than a typical halogen, and 8-10 times longer than a typical CFL. To use an LED with a dimmer switch, make sure the switch is LED-compatible.
- Track Lighting Bulb Replacement – Track lights usually use multifaceted reflector bulbs, which can be either halogen, LED, or fluorescent light bulbs. The brightness and efficiency of your track lighting depends on the type of bulbs you use in the fixture.
- Can Light Bulb Replacement – Recessed lighting fixtures offer flexibility in bulb type options. A regular screw-base “can light” can accommodate standard size incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED bulbs. Your choice should depend on your lighting needs in that area. Consider your brightness preference for the room, energy usage, and whether you need a dimmable bulb.
- Ceiling Fan Light Replacement – Some ceiling fan light bulbs are easier to replace than others. Most use a standard size screw base, which means you can install incandescent, CFL, or LED bulbs. Choose the one that best fits your needs for the room’s illumination.
- Electric Fire Bulb Replacement – An electric fireplace is an easy way to make a room feel warm and cozy. But just like every other light fixture, its light bulb will eventually have to be replaced. Most electric fireplaces use 40-watt chandelier or candelabra E12 LED bulbs.
- Porch Light Bulb Replacement – Your porch is the first part of your home anyone sees. Make it warm and welcoming in the evenings with attractive light fixtures and unique porch light bulbs. Vintage-looking incandescent Edison bulbs are not the most energy-efficient option, but they are unique and interesting. Soft-white outdoor LED bulbs are another great option for porch lights.
Replacement Light Bulbs Can Improve Energy Efficiency
Since performance depends on the type of light bulb used, choose the most efficient light bulb that meets your lighting needs. Upgrading your lighting with modern, efficient technology can slash your lighting energy use in half. Keep in mind fixture selection and proper installation are also important in gaining efficient and effective use of any light bulb, and the results can be seen in improved lighting. With good design and proper installation, lighting improvements typically pay for themselves in a few years.
Book Your Light Bulb Replacement Service with Mr. Electric
Mr. Electric offers light bulb replacement, installation, repairs, and upgrades to suit your residential and commercial lighting needs. Call to schedule an appointment with your local Mr. Electric.
