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Light Bulb Buying Guide

Explore our selection of light bulbs, from LED light bulbs and pot lights to fluorescent lighting - we have everything you need to illuminate your home. Discover our selection of smart light bulbs, as well as a wide variety of bulb colours, shapes, and more in our light bulb buying guide.

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Brighten Your Home

Explore our selection of light bulbs, from LED to fluorescent — we offer many different types, shapes, and colours. Whether you're lighting your home or workplace, you'll find a solution to meet all of your lighting needs online or in store. Shop today!
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Lighting Basics

  • Watts are standard units of measure in electricity. They tell us how much energy a light bulb uses. The lower the watts, the lower the electric bill. LEDs and compact fluorescent lights (CFL) uses less wattage than incandescent bulbs, but produces the same amount of light.

Note: Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your lamp or light fixture. Exceeding the maximum wattage overheats the light bulb and can cause the socket to melt.

Lumens are the standard measure of light emitted by a bulb. More lumens equals brighter light, fewer lumens equals dimmer light. Standard 100-watt bulbs produce about 1600 lumens.

A bulb's lifespan is usually listed in the estimated number of hours a light bulb will last. By comparing the lumens and life of different bulbs of the same wattage, you can select the light bulb that provides you with the best combination of light output and length of life.

Tip: When replacing your bulb, take the old bulb with you to match the base size and bulb style. When replacing an appliance bulb, make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendation.  
 

Wattage Breakdown

As standard incandescent light bulbs are being phased out for the more energy efficient LEDs and CFL light bulbs, knowing the correct wattage to buy can be confusing.

Use this chart to locate an energy saving equivalent:


Incandescent  Halogen  CFL  LED
 100-watt  72-watt  23-watt  14-16-watt
 75-watt  53-watt  20-watt  12-13-watt
 60-watt  43-watt  15-watt  8-9-watt


LED vs. CFL

LED and CFL light bulbs are energy efficient light bulbs that fit standard light bulb sockets. They both have lower wattage than incandescent bulbs, but produce the same amount of light.

 

LED  CFL
 Save up to 86 percent in annual energy costs (compared to a standard light bulb).  Save up to 76 percent in annual energy costs (compared to a standard bulb). 
 Lasts up to 20+ years.  Lasts up to nine years. 
 Does not contain mercury.  Contains a small amount of mercury. 

Types of Light Bulbs

  • LED globe shaped light bulb

    LED Light Bulbs

    LED light bulbs are energy efficient because they emit light in a specific direction. An electrical current passes through a microchip, which then lights up the LEDs. LED light bulbs are a non-toxic, affordable, and energy efficient option for homeowners. They come in different colour temperatures, shapes and sizes to suit most light fixtures.
    SHOP ALL LED LIGHT BULBS
  • Retrofit LED pot light

    LED Pot Lights

    LED pot lights work the same way as LED light bulbs. One of the most common bulbs for pot lights, they offer an energy efficient way to style your home. LED pot light remodel kits make the transition from incandescent pot lights easy, with a quick installation process.
    SHOP ALL LED POT LIGHTS
  • Fluorescent light bulb

    Fluorescent Light Bulbs

    Fluorescent bulbs or tubes are filled with mercury vapour that emits ultraviolet light when electricity is applied. The bulbs/tubes have a coating inside that turns the ultraviolet rays into visible light. Fluorescent light bulbs have been traditionally a linear shape, but also come in u-shaped and circular shapes. There are a wide variety of options to enhance your indoor environment
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  • Compact fluorescent light bulb

    Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

    Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) are an energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs and work the same way as fluorescent light bulbs. While CFLs use a lot of energy to turn on, they self-regulate once the current is flowing through them, making them more energy efficient than fluorescent light bulbs.. CFLs are the most energy-efficient of all light bulbs. They are also available for outdoor use; make sure the packaging indicates that the bulb is rated for outdoor use.
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  • Incandescent light bulb

    Incandescent Light Bulbs

    Incandescent light bulbs have a filament that is heated to a temperature that makes it glow, which produces the bulb's light. Incandescent light bulbs are the most common type of lighting. They are inexpensive and available in variety of colours and styles. These light bulbs are popular for their warm and pleasing colour.
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  • Halogen light bulb

    Halogen Light Bulbs

    Halogen light bulbs work like incandescent light bulbs, but with the addition of halogen gas. The gas reduces the blackening of the light, which tends to decrease light output. Halogen bulbs last up to three times longer and produce almost 50 percent more light for the same amount of energy. For tasks like reading or studying, halogen light bulbs offer the brightest, purest light.
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  • LED filament candle light bulb

    Filament LED Light Bulbs

    Filament LED light bulbs are LED lights that resemble incandescent light bulbs, offering the look of a traditional light bulb with the energy saving benefits of LED light bulbs.
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  • Vintage light bulb

    Vintage Light Bulbs

    Vintage light bulbs, commonly called Edison bulbs, are available in multiple types, including incandescent and LED. They are usually clear and show the double filament that gives off a reddish glow.
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Smart Lights

Graphic of mobile app showing access to light switches outside the home

Bring your lights into the 21st century with Bluetooth enabled light bulbs. There are several innovative features to choose from.  

Bluetooth Enabled: Through the power of Bluetooth, you can use your phone to change the lighting of the room. You can change the atmosphere of a room from relaxing soft light to multi-coloured.  

Built-in-Speakers: This feature allows you to light up a room and enjoy your favourite playlist at the same time. Built into the light bulb, the speakers are controlled via an app on your phone. Check with the manufacturer for Android and iOS compatibility.   

Scheduling and Timers: From the ease of your phone you can schedule your lights to go on or off at certain times. Take control of your lights and energy usage.  

Tip: Check with the manufacturer for Android and iOS compatibility.

SHOP ALL SMART LIGHTING 

Light Bulb Bases

Light bulb bases come in many sizes and it is important to make sure you get the proper base for your light fixture.  

Medium: A medium bulb base is the most common type of base and is found on most standard household bulb.  

Pin-Base: Pin-base light bulbs have two pins on the base that connects the bulb to the voltage. The electrical current flows through the pins to generate light.  

Candelabra: Candelabra light bulb base is usually found on candelabra-shaped lights. They are smaller than the average base. 

Specialty: Specialty light bulb bases include linear shaped light bulbs, pot lights, and appliances. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.  

Tip: It’s a good idea to bring the old bulb with you when you’re purchasing a new light bulb. This way you’ll get the exact light bulb for your fixtures.  

Light Bulb Shape

A-line light bulb

A-Line

A classic shape, the A-line light bulb is pear-like shaped and is the most common light bulb shape. A-line light bulbs come in LED, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and CFL.
Candelabra decorative light bulb

Candelabra

Candelabra light bulbs resemble the shape of a candle flame and are usually found on chandeliers or decorative light fixtures. They are available in LED, incandescent, and fluorescent.
Flood light bulb

Flood Lights

The shape of flood lights allows for a wide range of light that flows away from the bulb. They are commonly used for pot lights, offering accent lighting and overhead lighting throughout the home. Flood light bulbs come in LED, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and CFL.
Globe shaped vintage light bulb

Globe

Globe light bulbs are known for their round spherical shape. They are commonly used in bathrooms and makeup vanities. Globe light bulbs are available in LED, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and CFL.
Linear shaped fluorescent light bulb

Linear

Linear shaped light bulbs are cylindrical tubes and are commonly used in industrial and commercial environments. Linear light bulbs are available in LED, incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent..
Mini candelabra base halogen light bulb

Speciality

Specialty light bulbs include bulbs for appliances, retail stores, and decorative light fixtures. They are available in LED, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and CFL.

Light Colours

Light colour is expressed in Kelvins (K). The lower the Kelvin rating, such as the common incandescent/tungsten bulb, the warmer, softer, and more yellow the light. The higher the rating, the cooler, whiter, and bluer the light.  

Soft White or Warm White (2000K - 3000K): Soft white or warm white is popular for most areas as comfortable, ambient lighting. Best suited for bedrooms and living room. 

Cool White (3100K - 4500K): Cool white brightens high activities areas that may need more visibility. Best suited for kitchens, workshops, or garages.  

Daylight (4600K - 6500K): Daylight bulbs recreate the effects of daylight and offer less glare than other colours. Best suited for reading and home offices. 
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