Lightbulb Moment

The choice of light bulbs can significantly impact the atmosphere and energy consumption. LED bulbs are energy-efficient. They produce light by passing an electric current through a semiconductor, emitting photons. They use significantly less energy compared to incandescent bulbs, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. Incandescent bulbs are less efficient. They produce light by heating a filament until it becomes white-hot and emits visible light. However, much energy is lost as heat rather than light.

LED bulbs also have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, often exceeding 25,000 hours or more, whereas incandescent typically range up to 1,000 hours. So, while LED bulbs generally have a higher upfront cost, they are more energy efficient and longer lasting, making them a preferred choice for most applications.

Fluorescent bulbs operate using a different technology. They contain a small amount of mercury vapour, and when an electric current passes through the mercury vapour, it produces ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light then interacts with a phosphor coating inside the bulb, creating visible light. Fluorescent bulbs come in different shapes, including tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The tube shape is typical in some ceiling fixtures and commercial settings. In contrast, CFLs, easily recognisable by their commonly used spiral shape, are designed for use in standard screw-in sockets.

Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs; the electrical current enters the socket and travels up to the tungsten filament, heating up the filament to incandescence. The enhancement with halogen lamps is that the filament is enclosed in a quartz capsule filled with halogen gas.