What to Consider When Choosing a Light Bulb
A light bulb is a simple device, but choosing one can be complicated and even confusing. There are many options to choose from and specs to consider, including everything from color temperature to lumens, watts, and the color rendering index.
The main terms you need to understand are watts and lumens. Watts represent the energy the light bulb consumes, while lumens are a measure of brightness. An energy-efficient lamp produces more lumens for the same wattage used by conventional bulbs. For example, LEDs typically produce 60 lumens per watt.
Color temperature describes the appearance of the light bulb when you look at it directly. With a color temperature of 2700K, the light can invoke a warm, cozy ambiance. At higher color temperatures, there is less yellow and more blue light.
The color temperature you choose will depend on the intended space and the mood you are trying to invoke. For office spaces, experts recommend a color temperature of 3000K to 4000K. Lower values are suitable for dining and entertainment areas. Higher values beyond 5000K create alertness and are ideal for hospitals and healthcare settings.
Another important consideration is the shape and base of the bulb. These factors determine if the bulb will fit into your lighting fixtures. You can choose between a screw or a pin base. They can also be in spiral, reflector, or globe shapes. If your lighting fixtures are faulty, you can consult Peterman Brothers in Indianapolis.
4 Common Types of Light Bulbs
When shopping for bulbs, there are four options to choose from: incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and LED. Incandescent lamps are the oldest technology used for lighting and the most effective option. However, they are also the least energy-efficient of the four.
Incandescent bulbs have a filament encased in a glass globe. The filament glows whenever the current passes through it. Manufacturers sometimes fill the glass sphere with nitrogen to make the light glow brighter.
Nonetheless, an incandescent bulb typically produces 10 to 14 watts per lumen, four times lower than an LED. Filament lamps have a color temperature of about 2,700K, and they generate a lot of heat in the process. The filament in a typical incandescent bulb can generate up to 4000 degrees Fahrenheit, with 90% of the energy lost as heat.
Halogen lamps work in the same way as incandescent lamps. The difference is that there is an extra layer of encasement for the filament. The outer glass holds the inert gasses, which does not make it as hot to the touch as incandescent lamps. The internal temperature can get to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The advantage of halogen bulbs is that they do not release as much heat as incandescent bulbs. High temperatures can interfere with interior air conditioning. In terms of energy efficiency, however, halogen bulbs are only marginally better than filament lamps. They can yield between 15 and 25 lumens per watt.
If you want a bulb that does not interfere with interior temperatures, you can choose fluorescent or LED lights. They also come in several shapes and bases. The most common type of fluorescent light is the elongated tube that comes with a starter switch.
The problem with the long, slender tubes is that you have to reconfigure your current lighting fixture. Fortunately, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are designed with the same base as a halogen or incandescent light.
CFLs are more energy efficient than filament or halogen bulbs. They produce between 30 and 60 lumens for every watt. CFLs can last for up to 10,000 hours compared to conventional light bulbs.
In recent years, LED has become a popular choice for people looking for energy-efficient light bulbs. The technology employs a diode that emits light when the current passes through it. Because only a small current is required, it consumes very little electrical power.
Should You Opt for LED Light Bulbs?
LED lights have many advantages that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. They are energy efficient, have a long lifespan, and are among the most versatile forms of lighting. Even though they produce more lumens per watt than other options, they do not generate considerable heat.
LEDs are more robust than CFLs or incandescent bulbs. LEDs are less susceptible to damage and can last up to 50,000 hours. Most lamps consist of minute LEDs that can take many shapes and designs. You can find a 60-watt incandescent replacement that fits your lighting fixtures.
Color Rendering Index and LEDs
The color rendering index (CRI) of a lamp describes its ability to bring out the different colors of an object. The index has values of up to 100, which compares its illumination to natural light. Bulbs with an index of 90 have a quality that is closer to that of daylight.
The CRI of a bulb is critical for applications that require an accurate display of colors. If you are a painter or artist, you may want to replace your incandescent bulb with a higher CRI lamp. These are also sought after by spray booths and product displays.
A lamp with a CRI of between 80 and 89 is considered ideal for virtually all tasks. LED bulbs have a CRI of 80 and above, but some can be up to 98 CRI. If you need assistance choosing a suitable replacement lamp, you can consult Peterman Brothers in Indianapolis.
Applications of LED Light Bulbs
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs last up to 25 times longer and consume at least 75% less energy than conventional bulbs. For those reasons, they are great for providing efficient indoor and outdoor lighting solutions.
Greenhouse owners looking for the most energy-efficient light bulbs should consider LEDs. Plants require high-intensity lights with over 4000K for healthy growth. Given that the bulb will be on for at least 12 hours a day, the energy costs can add up quickly.
There is also a lower risk that the lights would scorch your plants with heat. Although you may need to install a fan to keep the lamp cool, the energy savings can cover the extra expenses. LEDs are the best choice as they can last up to 50,000 hours of constant use.
The versatility of LED has made them suitable for strip lights, dimmer lights, and a wide range of decorative lighting. Manufacturers have created many designs to complement modern interiors.
For example, the Edison Bulb is designed like the vintage incandescent lights popular in the early 20th century. With LEDs, you have many options for replacing your incandescent bulb. You can choose pendant lights, tri-color, bi-color, and ceiling lights, among other options.
When you need assistance with electrical upgrades or indoor and outdoor lighting, you can depend on Peterman Brothers in Indianapolis. We provide rewiring, panel replacements, ceiling fan installation, backup generators, and other services. Our licensed and highly qualified electricians can provide custom solutions to fit the needs of your home. You can contact Peterman Brothers today for a 100% satisfaction guarantee and special discounts for our clients.
1. Choose a Good Location for a Ceiling Fan
One of the most common myths about ceiling fans is that they help to cool your home faster or better. This is not the case. However, what a ceiling fan can provide is a different type of cooling within a specific area.
Ceiling fans work by creating a breeze that evaporates moisture on your skin. This is why you feel cooler under a ceiling fan compared to a room that does not have one. With that in mind, choose where you want to put the ceiling in your home.
Some of the more common indoor areas are bedrooms and living rooms. You can also install ceiling fans on your covered porch to keep you cooler than the shade alone. You also need to make sure that the mounting location has a strong stud in the ceiling that can hold the weight of the ceiling fan.
2. Select a Ceiling Fan for Function and Looks
No matter the size of a room, a ceiling fan will attract some attention. You want to choose a fan that looks great and works well for your needs. As the popularity of ceiling fans as decorative elements has increased in recent years, you can find just about any style you want — contemporary, country chic, rustic, exotic, or simple and clean. You should also consider if you want to integrate lighting into your new ceiling fan.
3. Choose the Right Size for Your Room
For smaller rooms (less than 75 square feet), the fan should have a blade span of 29 to 30 inches. Slightly larger rooms (up to 150 square feet) require a 42-inch blade span. The next level is a 52-inch blade span for rooms between 150 to 250 square feet. The largest ceiling fans have blade spans of 54 to 60 inches and work for rooms between 250 to 400 square feet. If you are installing a ceiling fan on your covered porch, calculate square footage based on the area that is covered.
4. Prepare the Work Area
While you may be able to install a ceiling fan on your own, parts of the process can be awkward if you don’t have a helping hand. When you are ready to install your new ceiling fan, prepare the area where you will be working. We recommend that you remove any fragile objects and cover the furniture with a tarp or drop cloth. This prevents any mishaps due to debris falling from the ceiling or the accidental drop of the fan components.
You also need to do a bit of investigation to ensure that the electrical components in the ceiling are capable of managing a new ceiling fan. If you are replacing a ceiling fan, it is likely wired properly. If you are adding a ceiling fan, this is an important step.
5. Turn Off the Electricity
Before you do any type of work with electrical components in your home, always turn off the electricity at the breaker box. If you are not familiar with the wiring configuration in your home, we recommend that you turn off breakers for the room where you are installing the ceiling fan, as well as any breakers that provide power to surrounding areas. When it comes to electricity, extra caution is always advisable.
6. Install the Junction Box
If you have an existing light or ceiling fan where you are installing the new one, the first step is to remove the fixture and mount the junction box. A junction box is an aluminum shell that contains all of the electrical wiring for your ceiling fan. The boxes are used throughout your house to supply electricity to individual lights, outlets, and switches.
Your new ceiling fan comes with a metal brace to help hold the weight of the fan. Insert the brace through the opening in the ceiling and center it. You attach the brace by twisting it to connect the teeth with the joist in the ceiling. Next, secure the brace in place with the bracket that is in the ceiling fan packaging. Lastly, feed the electrical wire for your ceiling fan through the bracket.
7. Follow the Manufacturer’s Directions
It is best to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the remainder of the process. Read through the instructions and check to make sure that you have all the tools and parts. As you follow the steps, double-check the work that you have done thus far by checking the tightness of bolts, electrical connections, and the security of the fan components.
8. Double Check the Wiring
Before you cover the opening in your ceiling, take another look at the electrical wiring and connections. You want to make sure that the connections are secure. Also, look for signs of damage to the wiring that may have happened during the installation.
9. Test the Fan
Once you complete the installation of your new ceiling fan, test it for proper operation. We recommend that you let it run for a few minutes. Turn off the fan, and check around it for any hot spots and signs of electrical burning. What you want to look for is either blackened areas in the ceiling or on the fan, as well as a pungent odor that indicates the wiring is damaged. If you notice either of these signs, turn off the electricity at the breaker box, and remove the entire ceiling fan.
Once you have done this, contact Peterman Brothers to have a technician come by and check the wiring. We can make any necessary repairs and even complete the installation of your ceiling fan.
10. Set the Fan Direction
You turn your ceiling fan on and off with the cord that is mounted in the central base of the fan. If the fan is connected to a wall switch, you can turn it on with the cord and then use the wall switch to operate it. The fan also has a small toggle switch on the side of the central base to set the direction of rotation. The direction of the ceiling fan is based on some simple characteristics that contribute to the process of heat exchange inside your home.
When your AC is running in the summer, you want to push that cooler air downward, so the fan needs to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. If the toggle switch is not labeled, you can stand under the fan while it is running to see the direction of rotation. During the winter, your heating system is running to keep your home cool.
Colder air tends to stay near the ground, so you want to pull it upward to mix with the heated air. This can be done by running the ceiling fan in a clockwise direction. Also, keep it at the lowest speed during the winter.
Get Help With All of Your Electrical Needs
Peterman Brothers offer expert plumbing, heating, electrical, and cooling services for homes in the Indianapolis area. Call us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.