Which light bulbs should I buy (incandescent, halogen, compact florescent or LED)?

The best light bulbs for your home depend on your priorities, such as energy efficiency, quality of light, and eye comfort. 

Here's a breakdown of the options:

1. Incandescent Bulbs

• Pros: Warm, natural light with excellent color rendering (CRI 100). Inexpensive upfront.
• Cons: Very inefficient, with most energy lost as heat. Short lifespan (1,000 hours).
• Being phased out in many areas due to energy inefficiency.
• Eye Comfort: Good for relaxing spaces but not ideal for task lighting.

2. Halogen Bulbs

• Pros: A type of incandescent with better energy efficiency. Warm, bright light with excellent color rendering. Dimmable and affordable.
• Cons: Still inefficient compared to LEDs. Shorter lifespan (2,000–4,000 hours). Runs very hot, which can pose a safety risk.
• Eye Comfort: Produces consistent, high-quality light suitable for task lighting.

3. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)

• Pros: More energy-efficient than incandescents (75% less energy use). Long lifespan (10,000 hours). Affordable.
• Cons: May flicker or buzz, which can strain eyes. Delayed warm-up time. Contains mercury, requiring proper disposal.
• Eye Comfort: Often harsh or cold light, which can cause eye strain. From light quality standpoint – this is the worst light for your eyes.

4. LED Bulbs (Light Emitting Diodes)

• Pros: Extremely energy-efficient (up to 90% savings). Longest lifespan (15,000–50,000 hours). Cool to the touch and environmentally friendly (no mercury). Available in various colors and brightness levels.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, but savings over time. Poor-quality LEDs may flicker or have uneven light distribution.

Which is Better for Your Eyes?

Best Option: LEDs with a high CRI (90+) and warm white color temperature (2700K–3000K) provide the most eye-friendly light. They mimic natural light and reduce strain.

Avoid: Flickering or overly bright (cool white, 5000K+) bulbs, as they can cause headaches or fatigue.