Automatic floodlights are one of the best investments for home security as they’re active 24/7 and cost very little to install and maintain.
Home Depot offers a few options in the PAR38 standard floodlight size from Halogens, CFL’s and the latest in LED lights.
Price points and lighting color options are still the tipping points when it comes to light bulb purchases and these seem to change every month as the cost of CFL’s and LED’s continue to fall and they also broaden their color ranges.
Home Depot has a handy display that compares a small range of lighting options which can help give you a rough estimate of what to expect regarding color but keep in mind you are viewing these lighting options under florescent lights in a warehouse which can vary from the look you’d see in your home.
If you are shopping for the typical indoor/outdoor floodlight you are most likely looking for PAR38 size and we’ve broken down some basic prices and bulb stats on different types.
LED PAR38 Comparisons
Philips 90-Watt PAR38 Halogen Flood Light output: 1,350 Lumens Energy used: 90 watts Life Hours: 2,000 Hours Cost: $7.87
EcoSmart 23-Watt (90W) Soft White Par38 CFL Light Bulbs (2-Pack) Light output: 1,200 lumens Energy used: 23 watts Life hours: 8,000 hours Last up to 3 times longer than 90-watt incandescent floodlights Use 75% less energy than 90-watt incandescent floodlights Cost: $12.97
EcoSmart PAR38 18-Watt (75W) LED Flood Light Bulb Light output: 850 lumens Energy used: 18 watts Life hours: 50,000 hours Lasts up to 46 years Energy efficient LED bulb has an estimated energy savings of $360 per bulb over the life of the bulb Cost: $44.97
Philips 16 Watt Ambient LED PAR38 Indoor Flood (shown above) Light Output: 514 Lumens Energy used: 16 Watts Life Hours: 25,000 Hours Contains no mercury and provides a soft, white light Cost: $69.97
Decisions
Obviously you can save a lot initially by going with the standard halogen but keep in mind if this light is going to be used in a high-traffic location and will be constantly turned on and off the life of the halogen is going to be fairly low and require changes as often as any other halogen which is to say probably a few times per year.
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