How to Choose the Best Light Bulbs for Your Home

With so many light bulb varieties on the market, choosing the right ones for your home can be tricky. Here’s an overview of the most common light bulb types our residential electricians use and how to select the best option for each application:

LED Light Bulbs

LED bulbs are the most energy efficient and long lasting choice. They come in soft white, bright white, and daylight color temperatures. Use these for kitchens, bathrooms, accent lighting, and anywhere you currently use CFLs or incandescents.

CFL Light Bulbs

CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs are affordable and use about 75% less energy than incandescent. However, they contain mercury and most now have LED equivalents. Best for laundry rooms, basements, storage spaces.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are being phased out due to poor efficiency. Consider them only for fixtures like ovens where CFLs/LEDs may not work. Choose lower wattage bulbs whenever possible.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Similar to incandescents, halogens are less efficient but provide a bright, white light. Commonly used where focused task lighting is needed, like track lighting. Use in combination with CFLs/LEDs.

Smart Light Bulbs

Smart bulbs like Philips Hue can be controlled remotely through apps and voice control. Use these if you want to automate and customize lighting in rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, media rooms.

Fluorescent Tubes

Linear fluorescent tubes are used primarily in garage and basement shop lighting. LED tube options are available for greater efficiency and no mercury disposal.

When choosing light bulbs, always check the fixture or existing bulb to determine the correct style, shape, wattage and brightness needed. Select the most energy efficient bulb that provides sufficient lighting for the room. This combination of efficiency and brightness makes LEDs the best choice for nearly all home lighting needs today. If you need an upgrade to your fixtures or panel to use new light bulbs, call out JGB Electric in Monmouth County at 908) 461-8718.