Don’t Stay in The Dark!
18/12/2009
Long life light bulbs are generally a staple in any household, and the higher quality and longer lasting they are, the more economical they will be. Changing light bulbs is a chore many dislike, so ensuring that your bulbs are reliable and durable will avoid irritating regular changes or blown fuses.
Long life light bulbs are available from many high street stores, and all large supermarkets also tend to have a good range. However, it may be a good idea to buy long life light bulbs in bulk, as having a good stash of replacements can avoid any dark areas in the house for too long. Particularly with the dark winter nights in effect for the next couple of months, dark rooms can be frustrating and sometimes risky. Trying to get dressed in the dark is not only difficult and irritating, but can cause more accidents than you may think! Particularly with the festive season now upon us, little used areas such as guest rooms will need to be well lit. These rooms can often get overlooked during the year, so before you show any house guests into their rooms make sure that they will be able to have a good light to rise by in the mornings.
Long life light bulbs are also a great idea to install in outside light fittings, which can be very difficult to change regularly. Outdoor lighting must be weather and water proof, so the fittings can often be tricky to open, and bulbs can be awkward to access and replace. Lighting is very important in areas such as doorways, where small locks and letterboxes can be difficult to see. Not only is this an inconvenience, but fumbling with keys on your doorstep for a long time can also be unsafe. Getting in easily and quickly is important, not to mention more comfortable on the cold dark nights! Outdoor lights are also convenient for garages and sheds, so ensure that getting those guest chairs out for Christmas dinner is as simple as possible! Storage areas such as these can also be crowded and difficult to navigate, so installing some long life light bulbs will make sure that any trips or falls are avoided. If you smoke or will be welcoming guests that do, an outside light on a patio will also provide a safer and more comfortable area for them to use should your house be a smoke-free zone.
Buying bulbs can be confusing, and the difference between ‘energy saving’ and ‘long life’ bulbs is a sticking point for many people. In general, compact fluorescent lamps have a much longer life span than normal incandescent bulbs. However, there are many other styles of long life light bulbs, which may not necessarily save energy. Normal incandescent bulbs have a life span of around 1000 hours, whereas compact fluorescent energy saving bulbs can have a life of between 3000 and 15000 hours. These are generally the best choice for a long life bulb, and should keep you out of the dark for a long time to come!