Choose suitable bulbs
Incandescent bulbs
The classic model
It consists of a tungsten filament that lights up when the current passes. On the market there are various shapes: pear, round, twisted, tube, etc.The transparent ones offer a warm and clear light while the opaque ones give off a softer light, suitable if the bulb is in view, but there are also colored ones. They have a power between 25 and 100 watts.
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The European Union has voted to gradually ban these bulbs starting from September 2009 and until 2012, the date on which they will permanently disappear from the market.
The pros: it costs little (starting from € 1.50), it gives off a bright light and exists in many models, to adapt to any support.
The cons: less than 10% of the energy used is transformed into light, the rest is lost in heat. Its lifespan is limited (1000 hours).
In which rooms? Due to the high energy consumption, it is best to use it in transit areas (entrance, corridor ...) where the light remains on for a short time.
The halogen bulb
It is a variant of the classic light bulb, in which the tungsten filament is immersed in a halogen gas. It gives off a bright white light that approaches the daylight and makes the colors brighter. Very powerful, it can reach 500 watts and lasts twice as long as traditional bulbs. We must distinguish the tube halogen (230 volts) and the low voltage ones (12 volts), which have the same shape as the classic light bulbs.
The pros: it is 20% brighter than the classic incandescent bulb and has a double or triple life span. It is the ideal bulb for dimmers, although periodically it is recommended to use it at maximum power, otherwise it will wear out more quickly.
The cons: it must not be placed near flammable products or within reach of children as it emits ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to the skin. It is a very fragile light bulb that must be handled with care.
In which rooms? Pleasant in living rooms, halogen bulbs are especially suitable for reading or working because they emit intense light. To be used for direct lighting, or directed towards the wall or ceiling.
Low consumption light bulbs
The phosphorescent or "neon" tube
It is a glass tube that offers diffused but opaque lighting. The walls of the tube are covered with a phosphorescent powder that lights up under the action of the internal ray.
The pros: cheaper in energy than incandescent bulbs, it has a longer lifespan.
The cons: slow to ignite, it takes time to reach its maximum power. The emitted light has a rather unpleasant livid color.
In which rooms? In those where the quality of light matters little, such as the cellar or the garage.
Energy saving light bulbs
As the name indicates, they consume 80% less energy than classic light bulbs and last 15 times longer. They consist of a phosphorescent mini bulb whose tube is folded back on itself to take up less space. Attention! The watt scale is not the same as that used for classic light bulbs: energy saving light bulbs range from 3 to 23 watts (the watts of a classic light bulb are divided by 5).
The information label of energy saving light bulbs always states:
- the energy consumption class, from letter A (the most ecological) to letter G (the most voracious in energy).
- the luminous flux, indicated in lumens (lm)
- the power consumed, indicated in watts (W)
- the average service life, indicated in hours (h)
The pros: as the name implies, the energy saving light bulb consumes 5 times less electricity than a classic light bulb and its lifespan is 6 to 8 times longer. It is the ideal light bulb to protect the environment! What's more, it overheats less and therefore the risk of burns is lower.
The cons: they are 10 times more expensive than classic bulbs, and they are not always very aesthetic. Furthermore, some research has revealed that this type of lighting produces electromagnetic pollution.
In which rooms? In rooms where the light stays on for a long time. It is not suitable for places of passage because it takes a few minutes to turn on completely.
The special bulbs
The light therapy bulbs they imitate natural light and are suitable for workplaces, but are still very expensive (around € 30 each).
The night lights, at very low power (less than 1 watt), they diffuse a discreet light, perfect for the children's room.
The ion bulbs they emit negative ions that purify the air.
The bulbs of the future: electroluminescence or LED
Unlike other light bulbs, electroluminescent diodes have no filament, but are made up of electrical components that emit light when current flows through them. Used mainly for cars and airplanes, LED bulbs they consume very little energy, they withstand extreme temperatures, emit no heat and have a service life of 100,000 hours! Today they take their first steps into our homes and begin to have a domestic use, but at the moment only as decorative lights. In 2 or 3 years they should be an integral part of our lighting system.
The cunning: always respect the watts indicated on your electrical systems and clean the bulbs regularly, they will make more light!
