Often used in recessed can fixtures and track lighting, these bulbs produce a focused beam of light. Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. Bulbs with a warm light appearance have yellow tones. Bulbs with a neutral light appearance are commonly used in workspaces. Bulbs with a cool light appearance have white/blue tones and are good for inspecting. A bulb’s estimated yearly energy cost is based on 3 hours of usage per day at $0.11 per kWh.

BR and R bulbs have wide beam angles that create broad beams of light. Their length makes them good for use in large can fixtures.

PAR bulbs have narrow beam angles that provide more focused beams of light than other floodlights. A short length allows them to fit in small can fixtures without protruding.

LED bulbs last longer and are more efficient than other technologies. They generate little heat and withstand vibration. Plastic LED bulbs are shatterproof.

CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs are more energy efficient and last longer than halogen bulbs. It takes several seconds for them to reach full brightness. They contain small amounts of mercury (for disposal information, visit www.epa.gov/cfl).

Halogen bulbs are slightly more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they generate more heat.

Incandescent bulbs are traditional light bulbs. Many have been phased out due to governmental energy requirements, but some are still available for special applications.

Plastic-coated glass or silicone-coated glass bulbs are shatter-resistant; the coating retains glass shards if they do break.