The Guide On When And How To Use Incandescent Light Bulbs

Humans have evolved to follow the rhythms of the natural light cycle. With the introduction of artificial lights, that balance has been disrupted. But, it has also provided a sense of security to many. Consequently, we can conclude that artificial lights are a boon and curse in one. One such artificial light is an incandescent light bulb - the purest form of artificial light. 

What are incandescent light bulbs?

One of the first artificial lighting techniques, incandescent light bulbs, are instruments that use electricity to heat a wired filament till it glows. To protect the filament from oxidation, it is enclosed in a glass bulb with either vacuum or inert gases. 

The use of incandescent lights has decreased considerably with the introduction of LED lights. But not stopped altogether. So read along to find out more about these incandescent lights.

Who invented incandescent light?

Have you ever heard about Thomas Edison? His name is attached to many groundbreaking discoveries. But, the truth is far more different than what meets the eye. Initially, incandescent light bulbs were invented by Sir Joseph Wilson Swan. He was a physicist, chemist and independent inventor. His idea of incandescent light bulbs was successfully implemented in households and public buildings. This concept was later taken on by Thomas Edison in 1879 and improvised for a better outcome. 

Thomas Edison, later on, went to get a patent for incandescent light bulbs. 

Where can incandescent lights be used?

Incandescent light bulbs though not used much nowadays, have great uses:

Housing - Incandescent lights emit an excellent quality of light thanks to the absence of mercury or other chemical combustions. Choosing the right coloured incandescent light bulbs for your home can change the entire look. 

Decorative Lightings - Incandescent lights are used in decorations more than one can imagine. Take a look at this sophisticated Black Crystal Chandelier by Ankur Lighting to get an idea about the vast use of decorative incandescent lightings.

Heat Lamps - Incandescent light bulbs produce heat via electrical current passing through them. This makes them perfect for heat lamps. Many places use heat lamps to fight the bitter cold.

Hotels And Restaurants - Hotels and restaurants also use incandescent lightings to produce a likeable ambience. For a classy look, one can check out this Light Hydron Chandelier and, for a more elegant look, this Umbrella Baccarat Style Crystal Chandelier will not disappoint.

Table Lamps - Incandescent light bulbs emit heated beams of light. This can prove effective when one needs light to fall on a book. Therefore, table lamps with incandescent light bulbs are ideal for students.

Floor Lamps - Floor lamps are the current trend. People are going crazy over the way they light up the space. With incandescent light bulbs, one can rest assured of the durability and strength of the bulb. Take a peek at this Tripod Wooden And Shade Floor Lamp for a warm living room look.

When is the right time to use incandescent bulbs?

Incandescent light bulbs have numerous uses, as discussed above. But, when can an incandescent bulb be used instead of the LED light? LED lights have taken the world by storm with their effective and inexpensive way of working. This has however pushed away incandescent lights. So here are a few examples where incandescent light bulbs have a chance of resurgence:

1. In heating equipment - Incandescent lights produce quite a bit of heat. Making it an ideal choice for heating equipment cases. Why not LED? LED lights need to dissipate excess heat and, they do this through heat sinks. If this does not occur, the diodes of the LEDs fail.
2. Temporary party lightings - Parties cost an arm and a leg. To lessen the monetary burden, buying incandescent lights is the way to go. Incandescent lights come at a low cost and thus are perfect for parties and other functions.
3. Unfrequented areas of the house - In places where lights are not needed much often ( for example - attics or utility rooms ), using incandescent light bulbs help cut the cost. The lack of frequent on/off functions aid in preventing the wear and tear of the filament.

Benefits of incandescent bulbs

Artificial lighting has made life much easier for people. With growing times comes growth in technology. Incandescent light bulbs were one of the earlier designs that is still prevalent today and, here is why:

1. Good quality of the emitted light - The quality of light provided by an incandescent light bulb is unmatched. They are known as the purest artificial lightings for a reason.
2. Affordability - Incandescent light bulbs are inexpensive due to their lower initial cost.
3. Decorative - The elegance imparted by an incandescent bulb is unequalled. These lights bring an aesthetic that is much sought after in today's trends.
4. Ability to Dim faster - These incandescent light bulbs dim easily with rheostats. These light bulbs do not let dim switches affects their emission.
5. Child's play - These lights, unlike LED bulbs, are easy to install and do not require much knowledge or practice.
6. Variety - Incandescent lights are available in many shades and styles. That makes them a must-have in all houses.
7. Instant result - These lights shine immediately when the switch is turned on, thus preventing the loss of time in waiting for the lights to flicker themselves on.

Drawbacks Of Incandescent Light Bulbs

Everything has its drawbacks. So here are the disadvantages of incandescent light bulbs:

1. Short lifespan - Incandescent light bulbs have a lifespan of about 1000 hours. 
2. High energy consumption - 90% of the energy is converted to heat. That makes for heated surroundings and spiking up your AC bills.
3. Limitations - Despite coming in colours, these incandescent lights do not offer a wider colour spectrum. So one can only choose from a limited range. 
4. Fragility - Although these bulbs don't burst open frequently, they are made of glass and that makes them fragile. Most incandescent light bulbs are vacuum packed and can break with a great force. This can end up hurting anyone nearby and, also produce a loud sound due to vacuum.