There is a whole science behind light bulbs.
When choosing light bulbs, keep
in mind these
features:
- type of bulb and color of light
- brightness
- size, shape, and voltage
- special features (heat, odor killing, etc.)
Bulbs employ different methods to create
light. You can choose from fluorescent, compact
fluorescent, halogen, sodium, metal halide,
and the plain old incandescent. Each type
of bulb has it's unique light color characteristics
-- incandescent is yellowish, fluorescent
is bluish, halogen is closer to white, etc. The color of a
bulb's light is measured in degrees Kelvin
with daylight ranging from about 2500 (sunrise
and sunset) to 6000 (high noon). Sometimes,
more important than the brightness of light
is the color since our own perception of
color is influenced by the color emitted
by the light that illuminates it.
Many people assume a bulb's wattage means
it's brightness, but although there is a
correlation within a family of bulbs (a 100
watt bulb is brighter than a 60 watt bulb),
the wattage actually measures the electricity
use. Consequently, a high efficiency bulb
will be brighter at the same or lower wattage.
The real measure of brightness is "lumens,"
and so you should use this measure when comparing
bulbs.
There's nearly no end to the shape and size
of bulbs. When replacing bulbs, make sure
you get the right size, shape, and voltage
(most common are 120v and 12v).
There are also bug lights designed to illuminate
without attracting bugs, black lights for
special effects, heat lamps to warm a cold
room, plant grow lights to help plants grow
indoors, odor-killing bulbs such as the "fresh2,"
and xenon bulbs for bright light similar
to daylight.
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