Lighting – Find the Right Bulb for You!


Between comparing specifications regarding beam angles, lumens and colour temperatures, shopping for light bulbs can quickly turn into a confusing errand! However, the choice between buying either a compact flurouscent light (CFL) or light emitting diode (LED) bulb can be made easier when you know more about what those specifications mean and which type of bulb offers what.

Measuring Brightness with Lumens

The luminous flux, specified in lumens (symbolized as “lm”) is used to quantify the amount of light emitted in all directions. When the lumen count is high, the light source will be brighter.

Depending on where you will be replacing the light bulb will determine how high of a lumen count you should have. In rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and closets where a brighter light would be beneficial, choose a bulb with a high lumen count. Although available in various intensities, the light’s colour temperature also plays a role in the intensity level.

Choosing a Colour Temperature

Specified in degree Kelvin (K), the light’s colour temperature means the colour appearance of the light. There are various types of colour temperature available when choosing a lightbulb, ranging from yellowish-warm light to blueish-cool light. Keep in mind that the lower the Kelvin value, the more yellowish the light will be. Warm, relaxing white is designated by colour temperatures that range to 3300 Kelvin and cool white is a colour temperature that ranges from 3300 to 5300 Kelvin. Higher than 5300 Kelvin is a daylight white colour temperature.

Choosing the correct colour temperature can be made simpler when you first consider the lighting function you want the bulb to fulfill. For rooms that require high levels of concentration like an office work area, a daylight white colour temperature is suggested. A warm white light is usually preferred in bedrooms and living rooms, whereas cool white light ensures maximum brightness in kitchen or utility rooms.

Spreading the Light with Beam Angles

The angle of the light emitted from the source is described by the bulb’s beam angle. A larger beam angle means that there is a wider spread of light across an area, although it will have a lower light intensity. On the other hand, a smaller beam angle determines that there is a narrow spread of light across an area, but that light will have a higher light intensity.

If you’re shopping for a bulb to replace in a floodlight, a large beam angle (more than 60 degrees) should be purchased. Narrow beam angles are better for downlights and small areas.

We Can Help You Save Energy Costs!

Choosing the right lightbulb not only creates the perfect atmosphere in the room, but it can also save on energy costs. Contact Switchme today to learn about more options regarding lowering your energy bills!


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