Types of Lightbulbs
Since the advent of the light bulb, people have continued to improve the original model. Whether it is designed to save energy (and money on electric bills) or simply created for decorative purposes, there are a wide variety of light bulbs and lighting fixtures available. There are four common light bulbs. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The invention of light bulbs is usually credited to Thomas Edison, but in actuality, more than 22 scientists and inventors built on each other's work to create the electric light. However, in 1879, Edison did invent the long-lasting carbon filament, which led to the first practical, commercial light bulb.
Significance
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Energy efficiency is of the utmost importance today, and even something like light bulb choice makes a huge difference. Not only does choosing the right light bulb save energy and lower electricity bills, creative lighting can add to the character and appearance of a space.
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Types
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While there are a wide variety of light bulbs available, the primary four are incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and high-intensity discharge.
Identification
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While light bulbs of all shapes and sizes are available at nearly every store, the most commonly used is the incandescent bulb. These produce light from a tungsten filament. Inexpensive and easy to install, incandescent bulbs perform well in all temperatures, but lose most of their energy to heat. Fluorescent light bulbs come in two forms: linear (tube) and compact. Fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient and are available at a low cost. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs in that they also produce light from a tungsten filament. However, halogen bulbs burn longer and have demonstrated energy efficiency. High-density discharge bulbs are extremely bright and typically found in outdoor lighting fixtures.
Function
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Incandescent bulbs are used in virtually every lighting fixture in the home, particularly lamps. Fluorescent (tube and compact) lighting is ideal for the kitchen, bedrooms, offices and bathrooms. Halogen lighting is typically used in theaters for spotlighting, but is increasingly more common in bedrooms, offices and bathrooms. Most commonly seen as street lights or security lights, high-intensity discharge bulbs can also be used indoors for decorative purposes.
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