| There are two main types of electric lighting for
domestic applications. These include:
 lncandescent
lamps (or bulbs) - the most commonly used type of lighting. They work by
heating an electric element to white hot. They are inexpensive to buy and are
available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but their running costs are
high. Halogen lamps are another form of incandescent lamp.
Fluorescent lamps - these are the most energy efficient form of
lighting for households. They work by causing a phosphor coating in the inside
of a glass tube to glow. Compact Fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are becoming
increasingly popular amongst households. Although more expensive to buy they
are much cheaper to run and can last up to ten thousand hours.
Fluorescent lamps use only about one quarter of the energy used
by incandescent bulbs to provide the same light level.
With careful design CFLs can replace incandescent and halogen lights in
most situations. Fluorescent lamps are ideal for areas where lighting is
required for long periods of time, such as the living room and kitchen, and
for security lighting. They also produce less heat, helping keep your home
cooler in summer. Fluorescent lamps use only about one quarter of the energy
used by incandescent bulbs to provide the same light level. CFLs can replace
incandescent light bulbs in many light fittings. Not all light fittings are
suitable for conversion to CFLs but most can be successfully converted with
the right choice of lamp.
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