Light Bulbs Tips

Read these 7 Light Bulbs Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Lighting tips and hundreds of other topics.

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How do full-spectrum fluorescence bulbs save energy?

A New Twist in Fluorescence Bulbs

Light Bulb Tips: Fluorescence bulbs have gone green, that is, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. While the twisted slender tubes may be as fragile as a tide pool raided by beach walkers, they provide natural-looking light that eliminates glare. Even the sun can't claim to be glare-free!

Full-spectrum fluorescence bulbs save energy the way halogen light bulbs do, and are ideal for incandescent light fixtures in the bedroom, office or living room. You can buy full-spectrum fluorescence bulbs online or in stores, since these light bulb options have become as popular as promising to save the earth at election time.

   
I have a few 3-light fixtures, is there any problem with mixing wattage? So in one fixture to have a 60 watt bulb, and a 40 watt, and a 50 watt? Does mixing wattage make any diff if you use recessed or floodlight bulbs?

Mixed Wattage in 3-Light Fixtures

You're concerned that mixing wattage in light fixtures is like mixing electricity and water, but some lighting experts say you can do it safely.

Most lighting fixtures use a single wattage, and the manufacturer usually has a maximum wattage recommendation. However, if you do mix 40, 50 and 60 watt bulbs, don't exceed the maximum wattage of the fixture or the capacity of your transformer. Sometimes you can mix bulbs to create a light output that suits the room or the outdoor area.

You can generally use any type of bulb in any type of socket, whether you're using a floodlight or a halogen bulb for recessed lighting.

With different types of bulbs, you get different types of light--warmer or cooler, depending on the bulb, so you want to be sure that you will get the desired effect for your three-light fixtures when choosing bulbs.

   
When will I need to use a black or colored light bulb?

Changing Light Bulbs

Your halogen lamp gives off amazing light...when the bulb's not burnt out! When that light fizzles out, don't curse it, replace it. Before you reach in there and yank it out, however, take these light bulb tips into consideration:

  • That bulb is hot! Make sure it is cool before touching it.
  • Oils from your hand can damage the bulb, always handle it with a clean cloth. Whether you're dealing with any bulb from a fluorescent bulb to a flood light bulb, be smart. Keep yourself safe and make your bulbs live longer lives.

   
When will I need to use a black or colored light bulb?

Replacing Bulbs

You have a wide choice of colored lampshades, but suppose you like your neutral glass and want colored light that you specify? Colored light bulbs can provide vibrant red energy to a room or mellow yellow sunshine. Best of all, they work like standard light bulbs. They're typically the size and shape of your normal household A-bulb. You can buy colored "party" bulbs for outdoor lanterns and indoor wall sconces. You'll feel as though you're drowning in color. That Color Changing Twist LED Bulb was lighting up your life and those standard 75 watt bulbs have been providing visibility in every room in your house.

The truth is, however, that nothing lasts forever. No matter how good of a bulb you purchase there will come a day when it needs to be replaced. This is generally a task that you can do fairly easily by yourself. It's bound to happen a time or two--you're trying to get that light bulb out and it breaks. What now? There's sharp pieces of glass, the screw is lodged in the socket, and there's no way you're touching those wiggling things that are now exposed. Don't throw in the towel, follow this advice instead (it's probably one of the best light bulb tips ever):

  1. Grab a potato.
  2. Turn off the power to the light..
  3. Extract the fuse or turn off the breaker (if you don't know how to do this, find someone who does).
  4. Push the narrow end of the spud into the screw remains of the bulb.
  5. Turn the potato and the broken bulb remains should come out, lodged in the potato.

*It's a good idea to protect your hands and eyes with gloves and goggles.

   
What bulbs do I need for my mini-pendant chandelier?

Mini-Pendant Bulbs

Light Bulb Tips: You've fallen in love with a mini-pendant multicolored chandelier that looks like a modern art masterpiece. Unfortunately, the genius designer seems to have neglected the practical detail of installing light bulbs. Don't try to question great minds. The specifics just fall into place. The lighting place, that is. Your little mini-pendant work of art takes 20-watt standard candelabra light bulbs.

Other art glass mini-pendant chandeliers use light bulbs up to 70 watts, such as the James R. Moder Cross Mini-Pendant Chandelier (60 watts). Single-downlight amber mini-pendant chandeliers take 18-watt halogen light bulbs, while a blue glass mini-pendant takes 50-watt T-4 halogen bulbs. Why? Artistic geniuses know. The rest of us are just thankful the bulbs are usually included with the chandeliers.

   
Does low voltage mean low power?

Low Voltage, No Problem

Light Bulb Tips: What low-voltage DC lighting lacks in voltage or wattage, it makes up in power and energy efficiency, not to mention versatility. With low voltage and low wattage, you can use all bulb types:

  • Compact fluorescence bulb
  • Fluorescent tube
  • Halogen light bulbs
  • Incandescent light bulbs

While halogen light bulbs tend to be more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, they also don't require 12-volt DC specific fixtures. You can only install a low wattage low voltage fluorescence bulb in a 2-volt DC light fixture. However, a regular fluorescence bulb shines just as brightly in the 12-volt DC socket. Does all-DC light bulb-powered illumination work in your average home?

You might want to try it out in a vacation cabin or cottage, but for your home. Use a mix of AC/DC lighting, which is also energy efficient. Check with an experienced electrician or DC lighting dealer.

   
What are halogen bi-pin bulbs used for?

Bi-pin Bulbs

Bi-pins. Sound like something you might find in a WWII plane? Check your local aviation museum and you'll see that you've gone off course. Halogen bi-pin bulbs are designed for ambience lighting. They come in slender tubes or in the wide-lens light bulb you often see in outside lights. You can use them in picture lights and in under-cabinet fixtures such as Kichler.

You can also buy a bi-pin fluorescence bulb. These slender bulbs work in aquariums, chandeliers and even dollhouse chandeliers--anywhere that you need to light a small space. Bi-pin and four-pin mini-fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs can be especially delicate, so handle with care. They are extremely energy efficient, so you shouldn't need to replace them often. That means you can spend more time learning about aviation history from WWII vets (priceless!)

   
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Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin