low-heat bulbs? / electricity question

[Greco101]

I never really noticed it in the winter, but in the summer, my ceiling light (computer and stereo don't help either) acts as a heater...

It calls for 3 60watt bulbs and it covered by a thick glass cover. I'm not sure how it all works so would putting only 1 or 2 bulbs work (as in safely)? or would the energy that goes to the empty socket divide and go into the other bulbs? Would it be ok to put 1 75 watt? Are there bulbs that produce less heat? :?

thanks guys

[AJ@PR]

HahaAAHaH... this is cool.

Ok, you have 3 60 watters in there. 180 watts of inefficient incandescent bulbs in there.

Get some CFLs. They're Compact Fluorescent Lights. MUCH less heat output.

Yes, 1 or 2 bulbs will work.
No, the energy from the empty socket will not get divided into the other bulbs.

As to putting a 75watter, you should check the actual lamp/ceiling light... most of them have a MAX XX WATT rating. Don't go over that, or you're running the chance of electrical cables' meltdown and/or fire.

Um, yeah... CFLs produce less heat.

Don't feel bad about the question... when the electric service started, many people (if not most), thought that open electrical sockets and wall plugs "leaked" electricity. They just made an analogy with the water system.

[Redundant]

I agree with using CF bulbs also. Just make sure they'll fit because they're a bit taller than incandescents.