Understanding all about our lighting needs and light sources are primordially essential to every homeowner. From our basic lamps to the more elegant Murano chandelier that we are eyeing, the main core of it all is the bulb within. This article talks about what characterizes the light from, respectively, incandescent and halogen lighting. Then you know what to look for when you want to switch energy-guzzling light types with more power-efficient alternatives.

First quarter of September 2009 saw dull bulbs and the strongest clear bulbs with a power of 75 watts banned in the EU. What are the alternative to incandescent and halogen bulbs?

Phasing has – along with rising energy prices and ditto desire of many consumers to reduce power consumption – increased demand for other, less energy-guzzling light bulbs. Excluding the almost equally voracious halogen bulbs are an ever growing range of more energy-efficient lamps in two main groups. The bulbs, also called A-bulbs (which strictly speaking are small fluorescent light) and the so-called LED lamps (also called LED lamps). Read more about what characterizes the current product range in the two energy-efficient lighting types in Bolius Facts : The facts about energy saving lamps and LED lighting.

Over the next few years will be phased out all bulbs in the EU, according to this plan. Each “step” comes into force. First September of that year. Illustration: elsparefonden.dk.

How do you measure quality of light?

Light quality and strength is calculated based on three essential parameters:

Light color temperature (light color). Measured in Kelvin (K) on a scale from 0 to 10,000. The lower the color temperature, the more inclined the light in the direction of the yellow-red part of the spectrum, and thus the “warmer” and more pleasant perceived the light. A high K value indicates that the light is leaning toward the blue and white tones and perceived as “colder”. Generally speaking, light sources with higher K value than 3,500 as unsuitable for indoor lighting.

Light color reproduction. Shown on a scale from 0 to 100 (Ra value). Daylight has a CRI value of 100 and reproduces all colors properly. The lower the Ra value, the less reproduced colors.

Luminous Flux. Measured in lumens. Specifies how much light a source emits. A 60-watt incandescent bulb emits approx. 710 lumens.