
These bulbs have filaments that glow, producing both heat and light when energy flows through them. When we talk about a “regular lightbulb,” we mean an incandescent bulb, the type that’s been around since Thomas Edison patented his invention in 1879. LEDs don’t even have wire filaments like a lightbulb does. According to, a diode is “a semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.” The current comes into an anode (+) and flows out of a cathode (-). Technically, LED bulbs aren’t bulbs – LED stands for “light-emitting diode.” They’re tiny semiconductors (diodes) wrapped in plastic to protect the elements and focus the light. But it’s LED bulbs that we really think you should be paying attention to. Incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs all require different amounts of energy.

What are my options when it comes to lightbulbs? The simple fact is that LEDs bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. We tackle these and other frequently asked questions about lightbulbs below.

From lightbulbs designed to react to sound waves ( yep) to those intended to fight off deadly bacteria (seriously, this is a real thing), what used to be a simple source of light continues to evolve.īut when you simply need a new bulb for your bedside lamp, how do you know that you are making the right decision? Which lightbulbs are designed to be better for the environment and to help us cut back on our electric bills? Recent innovations have brought us all kinds of new light technology. If you’ve found yourself in the market for new lightbulbs recently, you’ve likely faced what seem like infinite options.
