Which light bulb is right for you?
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Posted On :
Jun-20-2009
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Article Word Count :
533
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Until the introduction of the compact fluorescent bulb in the 1990s, if you wanted a light bulb, then you had no choice in the matter but to buy an incandescent. This, of course, was less of an issue in those days of comparatively cheap, secure energy supplies and a lower general awareness of environmental issues such as global warming.
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Until the introduction of the compact fluorescent bulb in the 1990s, if you wanted a light bulb, then you had no choice in the matter but to buy an incandescent. This, of course, was less of an issue in those days of comparatively cheap, secure energy supplies and a lower general awareness of environmental issues such as global warming.
Nowadays, of course, there are all sorts of different bulbs on the market, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. There are three main types of bulb technology currently in use domestically - CFLs, LEDs, and incandescents. Here we discuss the pros and cons of each type so that you can make an informed decision.
The basic design of the incandescent bulb has changed very little since its invention by Thomas Edison in the 19th century. It works by passing electrons through a thin piece of wire until it heats to the point where it glows white hot. This would catch fire if it was exposed to the oxygen in the air, so that is the main reason why it is sealed inside a glass bulb.
Although incandescent bulbs are still the cheapest type to buy, their high running costs and comparatively short life make them something of a false economy when compared to compact fluorescents or even expensive LEDs.
Once a boutique product for keen environmentalists, but now a mass market product, the compact fluorescent bulb, often called energy savers, are now almost as cheap to buy as incandescent bulbs, but last a lot longer and use far less energy, due to the fact that they generate a lot less heat than their incandescent equivalents.
These are by far the best value bulbs currently on the market, although their environmental credentials pretty much begin and end with their low energy rating and comparative longevity, as the chemicals used inside the bulbs themselves are toxic and damaging to the environment, both during manufacture and especially after disposal.
By far the most environmentally friendly type of light bulb currently available is the Light Emitting Diode, or LED. Although LEDs have been used as indicators in small electric circuits since the 1960s, it is only recently that this technology has advanced to the stage they have been made powerful enough to light a room with.
LEDs are without a doubt the future of the light bulb, as they are a lot more energy efficient and long lasting than the much lauded energy saving CFLs, with none of the toxic by products associated with that technology. They are currently too expensive to be a mass market product, although this is expected to change over the next few years.
If you only plan to use a lightbulb very occasionally, for instance in a little used cupboard, or require it as a heat source as well, for example in a lightbulb heated fish tank, then an incandescent bulb might still be a viable option. However, unless you can afford to buy the latest LED lights, then CFLs would seem to be the most sensible option for everyday use, at least until the price of LEDs comes tumbling down.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Which light bulb is right for you? _1252.aspx
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Author Resource :
British Gas is the nation's favourite cheap gas and electricity supplier, boiler service provider, and energy efficiency advisor. Reduce your electricitybills by switching to British Gas' cheap energy online!
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Keywords :
electricity, electricity supplier, gas electric,
Category :
Home and Family
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Home and Family
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