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The letters stand for a specific characterisitic of the bulb
PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Units and the number
is a measure of the units. PAR lamps are Halogen lamps and also contain an
internal reflectorized coating as well as a prismatic lens to maximize light
output. PAR lamps deliver a stronger punch of light than R lamps with better
beam control.
AR means Aluminum Reflector, used for accent and display lighting (spots in
essence)
R means reflector, again a more focused light or a spot.
T refers to Tri-phosphor flourescent lamps, which have an improved red light
emission compared to Halo phosphor (H) lamps.
FS refers to full spectrum, ie. the emitted light ranges across the whole
visible spectrum
A-lamps require reflectors to effectively control and distribute light. These
are the old-fashioned standard lightbulb.
R and BR lamps contain an internal reflectorized coating that creates
distribution patterns ranging from spot to flood. These lamps are well suited
for accenting and wall washing where directional control is required.
Every time you change the type of light bulb you will change the effect of the
lighting. You won't get exactly the same effect with CFLs as you do with
incandescent or halogen bulbs, but it may be equally satisfactory.
According to Cooper lighting, modern CFLs will work in many modern recessed
fixtures as long as there is enough airflow so it is really a question of how
much airflow occurs in your recessed fixture - do they vent to the attic or are
they fully enclosed in a ceiling?.
There are even dimmable CFLs now.
EnergyStar recommends installing qualified CFLs in fixtures that are used at
least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day. The best fixtures to use
qualified CFLs in are usually found in the following areas of your home:
family and living rooms
kitchen
dining room
bedrooms
outdoors
Matching the right CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will
perform properly and last a long time.
For example:
CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow, such as table and floor
lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures.
For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a reflector CFL than a spiral CFL
since the design of the reflector evenly distributes the light down to your task
area.
If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way switch, you'll need to
use a special qualified CFL designed to work in these applications. Make sure to
look for CFLs that specify use with dimmers or three-way fixtures.
Choose a qualified CFL that offers a shade of white light that works best for
you. For example, while most CFLs provide warm or soft white light for your
home, you could choose a cooler color for task lighting.
To choose the qualified CFL with the right amount of light, find a qualified CFL
that is labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you are replacing. Light
bulb manufacturers include this information right on the product packaging to
make it easy for consumers to choose the equivalent bulb. Common terms include
"Soft White 60" or "60 Watt Replacement."
You should also check the lumen rating to find the right CFL. The higher the
lumen rating, the greater the light output.
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