Choosing Between Incandescent Lights And Fluorescent Lights

Many have a preference for a particular type of lighting. Some prefer incandescent light while others like fluorescent. Gaining recent popularity are LEDs and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs get their name from the fact that they literally burn. Incandescence means to glow with heat. The tungsten filament is found inside a void within the bulb. When electricity is forced through the wire, it the moving electrons encounter resistance from the filament. This causes the the filament to heat up to the point where it glows.

The inside of the bulb has a coating on it that diffuses the intensity of the light coming from the metal. While some bulbs have a transparent covering, it only affects the look but the fundamental workings of a bulb is still the same.

The idea behind the light bulb is to simulate the wavelength of the rays given off by the sun. The main factor in determining this is the sun's surface temperature, which is about 6,000 Kelvin. In Celsius, that would about 5,700 degrees. The formula is K = C + 273. The more commonly known measurement would be 10,300F. In light bulbs it is called color temperature.

For the interior, the bulbs have a slightly bluer tint to its light. This means that the color temperature will be a bit less also. Color temperature is actually different from real temperature. When an incandescent bulb glows, it will be anywhere from 120F-200F or more. To get a feel for how hot that is, water boils at 220F or 100C.

Fluorescent bulbs do not generate as much heat because they operate in a totally different way.

Fluorescent bulbs consist of gases or vapor such as mercury and electrodes. One end of the electrode receives some voltage, which is then propelled toward the other end. Along the way, it makes contact with the mercury atoms. This gives energy to the mercury atoms, which is released as the light we see.

Very little energy is wasted during this process, and that is the reason that little heat is produced by these bulbs. And because of this, fluorescent lights are more economical. This means that they produce the same amount of energy as what is put into them.

The light that comes from incandescent bulbs is due to the filament actually burning white hot. The light given off is much less than the heat it produces. The issue at stake is that most of the energy consumed for the bulb does not translate into light.

Fluorescents have always been known to produce a different looking light than incandescents. This is because they operate at a different color temperature and spectrum. Before CFLs came along, fluorescent bulbs have been reserved for use in places such as garages and basements.

A fluorescent bulb tends to cost more than an incandescent bulb by at least 3 - 10 times. It's up to you to decide which is better for you, paying less for a bulb that doesn't last as long (750-1000 hours), or paying more for a bulb that will last longer (6,000-15,000). Your overall savings for fluorescent bulbs will be about 70%. this includes the electric bill and the initial purchase price.

Many people have debated the effects of various types of light bulbs on the environment. When compared to other factors, such as auto exhaust and industrial gases, it really has no impact at all. Actually, the amount is negligible and isn't a point to consider.

So after all of this, the type of bulb you choose will be determined by a number of factors, mostly personal preference. This and your budget will be the biggest factors, at least until you learn about LEDs.

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Moses Wright enjoys working on DIY Home improvement projects. He provides more tips and guide on DIY lighting home scheme and DIY bedroom lighting options on his site.

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