Fit low energy lighting
Switching to low energy light bulbs can save you lots of money. To calculate how much, download our calculator tool below.Why switch to low energy bulbs?
Using low energy light bulbs is one of the quickest and easiest ways of reducing carbon footprints and of cashing in on the energy savings that follow. A low energy bulb uses 70-80% less electricity and so reduces the electricity bills and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with lighting by the same amount. Each bulb can save up to 170kg of CO2 and up to £60 over its lifetime. The average household could be saving £600 over the lifetime of the bulbs by switching all their bulbs over to low energy equivalents. The range of bulb styles now available makes it possible for every lighting situation to be achievable with this greatly reduced energy output.
Today, compact fluorescent light bulbs, or ‘CFL’s, come in a wide range of sizes and styes, from candle bulbs to spirals (see image to the right and overleaf), from dimmer bulbs to spot lights (see overleaf). These types of bulb typically use about a fifth of the electricity of normal bulbs.
However the light bulb story doesn’t end there. LED lights are poised to be the next big thing, with halogen spot equivalents already on the market (see image overleaf) and many other styles waiting in the pipe line. These types of bulb offer staggering energy savings. Some are using a 40th of the electricity of an old style incandescent bulb.
A range of styles, sizes and light qualities are now available, including the candle bulb (left) and spiral (centre); soft light (left) or daylight bulbs (right) are also available.
Dispelling the myths
Currently, the key low energy lighting technology is the compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL. However, there are a number of common complaints about CFL bulbs that many people don’t realise are no longer a problem.
- The bulbs are too large to fit in many lamp shades.Bulb shapes and sizes are now equivalent to old style incandescents. Some of these bulbs are only available on the internet, but availability on the high street is steadily improving (see the ‘further information’ box overleaf to find out where).
- The bulbs take too long to light up. Again, this is an issue that is being addressed. Some bulbs now light up instantly, while others still take a short while, but are much quicker than previously. Work is ongoing by bulb manufacturers to constantly improve on light up times.
- The light quality isn’t as good as older incandescent bulbs. Light quality is now greatly improved, both with regards to colour and to brightness. Soft warm light colours or even daylight coloured CFL bulbs are available. Household bulbs up to the equivalent brightness of 100W incandescent bulbs are available. Even brighter CFL bulbs are also on the market, but due to their extreme light output, are better suited to outdoor use.
Phasing out old bulbsFollowing the lead of government action in Australia, Venezuela and Brazil, major retailers in the UK stopped stocking some types of high energy bulbs in 2008, with plans for all incandescent bulbs to be out of the shops by 2011. Asda, B&Q, Homebase, IKEA, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose are all taking part. It is expected that this phase out will save up to 5 million tonnes of CO2 a year - the equivalent of shutting down a 1 Giga Watt coal fired power station.
150W bulbs were replaced in these shops during 2008; 100W bulbs were phased out in 2009 and 40W bulbs will be phased out during 2010. By 2011, all incandescent bulbs will be replaced by low energy equivalents.
Further Information:
Eco Street tool for selecting low energy bulbs:
The Energy Saving Trust
Where to buy them:
BLT Direct
Efficient light (quote MEA for a 5% discount)
Lyco Direct
Currys (now stock only low energy bulbs)
B&Q
Ikea
Many supermarkets now stock a good range of bulbs.
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| WORKSHEET lighting savings.pdf | 196.8 KB |