Lamp Types Explained
Four lamp technologies still share shelf space in Canadian hardware stores. They look similar behind the packaging, but they behave differently once they are switched on.
The four common types
Incandescent and halogen lamps make light by heating a filament until it glows. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) excite a gas to produce ultraviolet light, which a coating turns into visible light. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pass current through a semiconductor. The physics matters because it explains the trade-offs in the table below.
| Type | Relative efficiency | Typical lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | Lowest | Shortest | Warm light, instant on, no longer the default choice |
| Halogen | Low | Short to moderate | A brighter, slightly more efficient incandescent variant |
| CFL | Moderate to high | Moderate | Contains a small amount of mercury; needs careful disposal |
| LED | Highest | Longest | Dimmable models vary; check packaging compatibility |
The values are kept qualitative on purpose. Exact figures depend on the specific lamp, and manufacturer ratings are the reliable source for any one product.
Reading the packaging
Lamp boxes sold in Canada usually carry a lighting facts panel. Three numbers do most of the work:
- Lumens describe brightness. This is the figure to compare, not watts.
- Watts describe energy drawn. Lower watts for the same lumens means a more efficient lamp.
- Kelvin describes the colour of the light, covered in our colour temperature guide.
Dimming and colour rendering
Not every LED dims smoothly on an older dimmer designed for incandescent loads. If a fixture is on a dimmer, look for a lamp explicitly marked as dimmable and check the listed compatible controls. Colour rendering, sometimes printed as a CRI value, indicates how natural colours look under the lamp; higher is generally preferable in kitchens and bathrooms where judging colour matters.
Disposal in Canada
CFLs contain a small amount of mercury and should not go in regular household waste. Many Canadian municipalities and retailers accept them for recycling. Check your local program before disposing of any fluorescent lamp.
Choosing a lamp is less about brand and more about matching lumens, colour and dimming behaviour to the fixture and the room.