When it comes to choosing the right light bulb, most people immediately begin to look at the wattage. While this is important for energy efficiency, there are also other things to consider when choosing the perfect bulb. Color and brightness can really make or break a room and you’d be surprised how uncomfortable you might feel because of lighting alone!
Energy Star bulbs come in a variety of colors and while they recommend blue for reading areas, they suggest cool, bright white or neutral bulbs for kitchens and work spaces. The color and brightness can really affect your mood and they use this information to make recommendations on the best bulb for your area.
Poorly lit rooms can make you feel drowsy and even depressed, so dimmer, warmer bulbs are best for bedroom lamps and dimmers for when you’re ready to relax for the night. Cool, blue bulbs have been shown to increase concentration and energy and therefore are best used in offices, kitchens and any other frequently used rooms.
If you’re looking for a bulb based on brightness, you’ll want to compare how many lumens one has to another. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. When you’re ready to purchase, make sure to buy an Energy Star bulb. Energy Star bulbs have more lumens for less wattage and are therefore more energy efficient.
Whatever your needs may be, replacing your bulbs is not only more energy efficient, but is better for your mood and productivity as well. A small change can go a long way, and if you’re looking for more guidance be sure to check out Southern California Edison’s guide!