Someone would think that a bulb is a bulb is a bulb; well that isn’t really the case. Anyone who has bought a light bulb will know that there is a large variety to choose from. These bulbs don’t vary only in terms of their illuminating power, size and application, but in type as well. It can be quite a challenge to choose the right light bulb for your home.

However, it’s important to understand that something which is in vogue need not always be the best solution for your home, your energy bills or even the environment. You should be aware of the different types of bulbs available in the market and what their properties are.

This will help you make a more well-informed choice and will help you save on energy costs too. When you are choosing bulbs for your home the factors you should keep in view are the upfront cost, light output, the settings and fixtures the bulbs can be used in, energy efficiency and how environment-friendly they are.

When it comes to home lighting in Australia, there are 4 different types of bulbs you can choose from. Let’s take a look at their features and how they stand up against each other in terms of efficiency, cost & environment-friendliness. Just as home design trends come and go, so also is there a change in home lighting trends.

The upfront costs for these bulbs are very low (it’s also why they are so popular), but they are expensive to run. These bulbs produce a warm light and are a good option for lesser used areas like a laundry or bathroom. The Government doesn’t really recommend using these for general home lighting as they are inefficient and because their running costs are higher. In fact, the Government is also making every effort to phase out these bulbs. They are doing this by introducing MEPS (minimum energy performance standards) for all lighting products.

These bulbs use tungsten elements and have higher efficiency levels compared to incandescent ones; they are longer lasting too. Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to halogen lights. Typically, these lights are best used to light smaller areas that require focused lighting. However, most people tend to use them to light larger spaces and they end up consuming much more electricity than they should. The Government is phasing out certain types of halogen lights too.

These are a very popular choice and many homeowners use them. They are energy-efficient, have a lifespan that’s 4-10 times longer than that of any incandescent bulb and are available in cool/neutral/warm tones. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but are far cheaper to run in the long term.

Today, these are proving to be a highly efficient alternative to CFLs or incandescent bulbs. Their initial cost is significantly higher, but they offer 80% energy efficiency and last for a number of years. Since they last for so long, they are easy to maintain and are a good home lighting choice.

For any additional information about the different types of bulbs and advice on which type will be best suited for your usage and home, call Allround Electrical at 1300 169 263 and speak with our experts. We can provide you the best electrical solutions at the most reasonable pricing. You can also drop us a line via email or use this contact form and we will revert without delay.

Thanks for reading,1300 169 263

Are you constantly dealing with tripped circuits? What about blown fuses? If you’re experiencing any of these problems as you go about your daily routine, it may be time to consider installing dedicated circuitry in your home. Certain appliances in your home draw more power than others. Without a dedicated circuit, you might experience constant electrical problems. A dedicated circuit ensures enough power is provided to the major electrical appliances, reducing tripped circuits in your Tampa area home!

More than 480,000 house fires were reported in the United States in 2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association, resulting in over 2,800 deaths and more than 14,000 injuries, not to mention more than $9.5 million in property damage. A house fire is reported on the average once every 85 seconds.

A fire can escalate from a spark to a raging blaze in just a matter of minutes. Since it can start behind the walls without being detected until it gets out of control, an electrical fire is especially dangerous.

Unlike storms or other emergencies, fires often leave families with little time to prepare and evacuate the building—so it’s important to stay protected against some of the most common causes. Some of the biggest reasons for household fires are related to electricity, including:

Fortunately, there are many measures you can take to protect yourself and your household or business from a catastrophic electrical fire. One of the most important tips we can give you is to be very careful about who you have work on your electrical circuits and wiring. To avoid an electrical fire, only allow a certified electrician to install new wiring and/or work on your outlets, circuits, or electrical appliances. During your day-to-day routine, stay weary of any open flames, whether on your gas stove, a candle, or a cigarette.

Of course, even the most careful household or building can face an electrical fire. It’s important to have a working smoke detector in place in the event of an emergency (we can help!). You should also devise an evacuation plan and make sure that each family member or employee knows what to do if you have a fire.

Another way to prevent an electrical fire is to stay current with electrical maintenance. At Kolb Electric, we employ only skilled, licensed electricians to work on your wiring. We want you, your home, and your office to stay safe, so we’re careful to send out the best electrician for your particular job.

For more tips on electrical fire prevention or to get top-notch electrical services for your home or building, call us at 877 287-1179. We’ve been providing top-notch installations and maintenance work to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC home and building owners since 1925.

By Clarissa Allison | December 11th, 2015

If you are lucky enough to have a large family room or “great room”, you may encounter some exciting challenges when choosing home decor and lighting that complements and balances your space. A great room is a large room typically found in modern homes that combines the features of a living room with those of a dining room or family room.

Large, open spaces are very common to find in floorplans these days. The dining room incorporates the kitchen, which is part of the living room and leads into the den, etc.  This trend sees walls to separate activity spaces removed. You’ll find that the kitchen is no longer segregated from the rest of the home but may easily become a main focal point. As you’ll see, the key to lighting these types of spaces is variety. You’ll want to utilize ambient, task, wall, and spot lighting to eliminate a “cave-like” atmosphere and maintain a feeling of spaciousness and height.

Read on for tips on how to set up the perfect lighting scheme for functionality, elegance and entertaining.

Update Your Kitchen Island As An Activity Space