Lighting is an important aspect of any living space because it determines the atmosphere and ambiance of your room. There are many different lighting technologies available on the market, some more traditional than others, but they all have their purpose. Some of the commonly used technologies include LEDs, halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and mercury vapor lighting.
They can be used in small indoor spaces as well as large outdoor spaces depending on the type you choose. Since every type has its advantages and disadvantages, it is best to choose one that suits your needs. Let’s explore the different types of lighting technologies in 2021 that you can use indoors or outdoors to create a sense of comfort, style, and warmth.
Halogen Lighting
One of the most popular types of lighting technologies is halogen. Halogen lights give off a bright and white light that can illuminate an entire room. The bulbs also last for years, providing consistent illumination without replacing them very often. While these are great in some ways, they do have their downsides.
Halogen lights give off a lot of heat, so they can be dangerous near certain objects that catch fire easily. In addition, they also produce UV rays, which could damage your eyes if you are exposed to them for long periods.
Fluorescent Lighting
Another conventional type of lighting is fluorescent lighting. Fluorescents provide ambient light throughout the room, but they are not as bright as halogens. These bulbs can last for a long time, up to 20 years or more, depending on their quality and the usage of the space they are in. In addition, they produce minimal heat, so you do not have to worry about them burning anything down if they were turned on accidentally.
Additionally, fluorescent lighting comes in two types, linear and compact. Linear fluorescent is the type of lighting used in most office spaces. They are thin and can be arranged anywhere in the room with ease. On the other hand, compact fluorescents are more like traditional bulbs that come in a tube shape. So, you cannot use them in standard lamps or fixtures unless you use an adapter.
Light-emitting Diode [LED] Lighting
LEDs use less electricity than fluorescents, allowing them to save you money on your energy bills over time. They last for a long time, and they provide a lot of light without overheating the room. Therefore, there is no risk of having to replace them on a regular basis.
LEDs are also easy to install, making them great for anyone who is not technically inclined or wants to hire an electrician. LED lights are mostly used for industrial purposes like street lights, and lighting outdoor areas.
Metal Halide Lighting
Metal halide lights differ from other types because they use xenon gas instead of an electric current to light up the bulbs. Halides give off a warm white light that can make any room feel more welcoming and cozy, unlike cooler-toned fluorescents or LEDs, which provide a sterile atmosphere. They are versatile, allowing them to be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces without being damaged by the elements or having to worry about anything that could damage their exterior.
Incandescent Lighting
Traditional incandescent lights are the most common types of lighting technologies. They provide a bright white light that illuminates everything in its path so they can be used to create an ambient setting or highlight certain objects within your room.
However, these bulbs do not last for long. This means that they need to be changed often. In addition, they burn out quickly and give off a lot of heat. So, you have to be careful with them around various objects where a fire could start if the glass was damaged in some way.
High-pressure Sodium Lighting
Another type of lighting technology is high-pressure sodium lights. These lights can last for up to 20 years or more, making them extremely efficient and long-lasting when compared to other types of light bulbs. They also provide a bright white light that illuminates any room, but it does not give off much heat, making them safe around any objects that a lot of heat could damage.
High-Intensity lighting Discharge (HID)
High-intensity discharge is called HID lighting because of the high voltage used to arc across the gas inside. This lighting technology is often used in commercial spaces because it can emit a lot of light at once. Additionally, these technologies are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the lights last for about 15 years with average use.
HID systems tend to be more expensive than other options. Therefore, they are mostly used for industrial purposes because people will not spend that kind of money on their backyard. They are usually found in streetlights and industrial buildings but can be seen in large sports stadiums, especially for night games.
HIDs are characterized by a bright, white light and a good CRI. They are efficient, but the high voltage means that maintenance costs can be higher than other lighting technologies.
Mercury Vapor Lighting
Mercury vapor lights produce bright light that is similar to incandescent bulbs. However, they do not burn out as quickly as incandescent bulbs. They require little effort on your part in order for them to be installed properly.
Also, mercury vapor lighting provides ambient illumination without being harsh or glaring. Therefore, these are perfect for any room that you want to feel more welcoming.
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Final Thought
There are many different types of lighting technologies, and it is important to consider which type will work best for your needs. Depending on your lighting needs, you can choose from the options available on the market, including LEDs, HIDs, fluorescents, metal halides, mercury vapor, high sodium, incandescent, and halogen lighting.
The type of lighting you choose should be suitable for the space you are going to allocate it. Ensure you look for the best technology that will suit your needs and serve you for a long time before needing a replacement.
