When it comes to lamps and light fixtures, we don’t really pay attention to what’s on the inside: the light bulb. That should change, especially if you’re trying to save money on your electric bills. There’s so much to consider — from design to wattage —so finding the proper bulb for your house is more than picking up the cheapest box at the hardware store. Which bulb is right for your home? Let’s compare the most common types and their ideal usage.
Incandescent
What exactly does “incandescent” mean? A great example is the light-bulb emoji, which takes the form of an incandescent bulb. The bulbs contain a filament that’s heated when turned on. As it heats up, it glows and produces light. Incandescent bulbs come in various wattages, which refers to the amount of power required to reach a certain brightness, called lumens.
Incandescent bulbs are incredibly common and cheap, but they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. They require more power to reach the same brightness as fluorescent bulbs. They typically last about a year before dying, and dead bulbs aren’t recyclable. They’re cold-resistant and dimmable, but they also waste energy by releasing excess heat.
Even their availability will soon be a thing of the past. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy changed the energy standards for light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs fall short of the new regulations. In August 2023, the ban on manufacturing and selling incandescent bulbs will go into effect.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent bulbs are replacing incandescent bulbs as the most common variety. They’re more energy efficient than incandescents, because they’re capable of producing more lumens with less wattage. Fluorescent bulbs are ideal for areas that need to be brightly lit for extended periods of time, and they’re also recyclable after they burn out — but it’ll be a while before that happens. They last roughly 14 years!
Fluorescent bulbs aren’t necessarily the safest, however, since they’re filled with mercury vapor that emits UV light when exposed to electricity. UV light, of course, isn’t visible to the naked eye, so the bulbs have a coating to turn UV rays into visible light. It makes for a highly effective and efficient light source, but it can also be dangerous. A bulb breaking will allow the vapor to escape, and mercury is poisonous to humans even in small doses.
That’s not to say there aren’t risks with other light bulbs though. Any broken bulb will result in glass shards that could cause injury. As long as fluorescent bulbs are cautiously handled, they can work in almost any home. Just be aware that not all fluorescent bulbs are dimmable, and they aren’t always tolerant of colder conditions.
Halogen
Halogen bulbs are more of a specialty bulb. Like incandescents, they work by heating up a filament to the point of glowing, but they’re more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They produce much brighter light while using the same wattage.
You can use halogen bulbs in your everyday lamps, but they aren’t commonly used that way. Instead, halogen light bulbs are installed in places that need bright, high-density light to penetrate the darkness. Floodlights and searchlights typically use halogen bulbs. Your car’s headlights are halogens as well. The only spaces in your home you may want halogen bulbs are under-cabinet lighting or as a heat lamp for a pet.
Halogen bulbs function the same way as incandescent bulbs, but they’re not affected by the 2023 ban. Halogen light bulbs meet the standards set by the Department of Energy and will continue to be manufactured and sold.
LED
LED light bulbs are the newest and brightest bulb on the block. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are commonly used in everything from computer and TV screens to streetlights. When LEDs are turned on, a semiconductor emits visible light. It’s the opposite function of solar panels, which turn visible light into electricity.
LED bulbs are incredibly bright and can last for an exceptionally long time. Some brands report a lifespan of up to 34 years. The diodes also allow for a greater degree of control and customization. Some LED light bulbs offer remote-control support, allowing users to change their brightness and color using a remote. The lights are also controllable using a downloadable app on your smart device. Some LED lights even have built-in Bluetooth speakers.
Despite all these pros, LEDs also have their drawbacks. They last for a long time, but the up-front cost for some varieties doesn’t translate to savings overall. The color-changing and Bluetooth options can cost as much as a desk lamp. They also can’t be recycled when the bulb finally burns out.
Light Bulb Comparison
We’ve compiled the following chart featuring each kind's highlights and lowlights (no pun intended).
Type of Bulb | Incandescent | Fluorescent | Halogen | LED |
Lumens per watt | 15 | 60 | 25 | 72 |
Bulb life | 1,000 hours | 10,000 hours | 3,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
Recyclability | No | Yes | No | No |
Contains mercury | No | Yes | No | No |
Instant on | Yes | Varies | Yes | Yes |
Dimmable | Yes | Varies | Yes | Varies |
Which Bulb Is Best?
From a purely technical standpoint, LED light bulbs are the superior option. Their longevity and overall brightness make them optimal for everyday use. The color-changing variants and other features also offer their own appeal. Anybody looking to set up mood lighting or a timer should consider LED bulbs.
LEDs end up paying for themselves over time, but that doesn’t erase the up-front cost. And if you’re looking to grab a pack of bulbs at their local grocery store, you may struggle to find LED bulbs on the shelves. In this scenario, fluorescents are a more than adequate substitute. Yes, the potential exposure to mercury vapor is worrying, but they produce only slightly less light than LED bulbs for the same amount of wattage. But they last considerably longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs, and they’re recyclable when they burn out. Simply put, fluorescent will make do if you can’t use LED bulbs.