Home lighting may seem like a simple choice, but the variety of options available can be perplexing. With the help of the right lighting contractor, your bulb choices could completely transform the interior and exterior areas of your home. Before you contact your local electrician for an upgrade, consider a few of the most common bulb varieties and the benefits they provide. 

Top 5 Types of Light Bulbs

1. Incandescent 

Incandescent bulbs are your classic, everyday household light. They have a life span that runs anywhere between 700 and 1,000 hours, and they can be paired with dimmers for customized light levels. They may not be the most energy-efficient option, but they're among the most affordable to replace. 

2. Fluorescent 

More commonly associated with commercial environments, fluorescent lighting has a few distinct advantages in the home. These typically tube-shaped bulbs are great for long-lasting ceiling lighting in less frequented areas, such as attics and basements. They use less energy than incandescent bulbs, too, as long as you don't mind the colder tone they emit. 

3. Compact Fluorescent Light

CFL bulbs offer the perfect mix of incandescent and fluorescent. Some of them will fit right into the fixtures of the former, and they provide all the energy-saving bonuses of the latter. They also emit a warmer tone than their larger fluorescent siblings, so it's worth discussing CFL options with your lighting contractor. 

4. Halogen

For a bright-burning bulb that lasts about twice as long as your average incandescent bulb while burning less energy, go with halogen. They're ideal for recessed overhead lighting, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces more regularly prone to moisture and temperature changes. 

5. LED

Light-emitting diodes have some very enticing advantages, especially when it comes to their high level of energy efficiency. However, they are suitable for fewer applications than other bulbs. Since they don't provide diffused light, they're not an effective choice for lighting an entire room. They're also much more expensive than most alternatives, so keep that in mind when shopping for directional lighting.

Choosing the right light for each situation is key, but feel free to experiment as long as your lighting contractor approves the final decision. Getting creative with lighting won't just contribute to a more stylish home; it could also save you money on monthly expenses throughout the rest of the year.  

For the best lighting contractor in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Cabot, and Jacksonville, AR, residents and businesses turn to Reed Electric. This locally owned and operated company can handle electrical jobs of all sizes, from lighting installation to breaker box upgrades. Visit their website for details on their electrical services, and call them at (501) 982-0800 for a free estimate today.