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.

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).

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

Pins on the base lock these bulbs into sockets to withstand vibration. Often used in recessed can fixtures and track lighting, they produce a focused beam of light. Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. The bulb with a warm light appearance has yellow tones. A bulb’s estimated yearly energy cost is based on 3 hours of usage per day at $0.11 per kWh.

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

Incandescent bulbs are traditional light bulbs.