Buying guide for Best Outdoor Light Bulbs For Cold Weather

Outdoor lighting is important for security, decorative illumination in Patios or beautification of landscape using spot lights. Though all types of light source such as incandescent light bulbs, Halogen, CFL or recently developed LED lights are good for illumination, not all types are best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather.

Cold weather poses peculiar problems that are not experienced in the temperature range of say 25 deg. C (75 deg. F) to 55 deg. C (130 deg. F). In the case of the light bulb, electrical energy is being transformed into light and thermal (heat) energy. Different wattages and types of bulbs give off varying amounts of light and heat.

In cold weather, the light bulb either won’t turn ON, provide dim lighting or it burst with the heat generated from light. The bulb is unable to sustain the temperature changes and burst. Thus, improper illumination defeats the purpose of outdoor lighting.

It is important to select the best light for outdoor cold weather and especially frigid temperatures.

Incandescent light bulbs use a filament inside a glass bulb. It works on principle to heat the filament using Electrical energy until it glows. Either vacuum or inert gas used inside the bulb protects the filament from oxidation.

Halogen light bulb is a particular type of incandescent light bulb which uses halogen to increase light output, measured in Lumens along with improved life of light bulb. Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL) utilizes spiral design and is an efficient alternative to halogen or incandescent light bulbs. However, it uses mercury vapor inside the bulb. Also, it also requires time to heat up and to reach its rated glow.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) is the recent development in light bulbs. As the name suggests, it uses a diode that starts emitting light immediately, when you switch it “ON”. The illumination and energy saving of LED light bulbs is best among all types. It is mercury free, hence protects the environment.

Lumen is a measure of total amount of light emitted, whereas Watt measures the total amount of Power consumed. Thus, Lumen is a more accurate indicator of light.

Lumens per Watt for LED light bulbs, is almost 1.5 times higher than CFL and 4 -5 times higher than Halogen or Incandescent light bulbs. LED lights provide maximum life.

For Spot lights used in landscape gardens, approximately 120 Lumens are sufficient. Patios use String lights for decorative look and security.  Dimmable light with Romantic glow expected in patios decides the illumination (Lumen). Flood lights, Area lights or Pack lights illuminate comparatively large areas like yard, pathways and parking.

Features like color of the light, movement sensor to make efficient use of electrical energy and bug repellent are important for selecting the best outdoor light bulb. 360-degrees illumination is a relevant feature for flood light.


Crucial parameters considered for evaluation of Outdoor Light Bulb for Cold Weather are

a)      Time required to obtain light illumination, when switched ON

b)      Possibility not to burst the bulb due to temperature changes

c)       Lumens (Brightness of light)

d)      Wattage (measures electrical power consumption)

e)      Life

f)       Manufacturer’s Warranty

g)      Price (slightly higher in LED, but power saving & life makes it most economical)

h)      Special features like Movement sensor – to save electrical energy, Dimming – to adjust the illumination to get soft romantic feel in patio, Color of light, Bug repellant

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