Get switched on! Are you in the dark about low-energy light bulbs?
Traditional light bulbs have now been phased out across Europe, and we are gradually getting used to the low-energy alternatives. But with a whole new set of names, numbers and jargon to get used to, it can be difficult to know if you’re buying the right thing.
There are three main types of low-energy bulbs available – compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), halogens and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
CFLs use only a fifth of the electricity that an old incandescent bulb would, because they don’t generate as much heat. This also means that they are kinder to your light fittings. Replacing one bulb in your house can save you £7 a year, so the savings can really add up! They also last a lot longer.
One disadvantage of CFLs is that they can take a little while to reach their full brightness, unlike halogens and LEDs which come on straight away. Some CFLs don’t work well at low temperatures, so are not suitable for unheated rooms or garages.
LED bulbs are even more efficient than CFLs and can save you nearly £7.50 per bulb per year. They usually cost more to buy, but can last up to 30 years!
Halogen bulbs use a similar amount of energy as incandescent bulbs, and so are more expensive to run than CFLs and LEDs. They also have a much shorter lifespan.
LEDs and halogen bulbs can be disposed of with your normal waste, but you will need to take CFLs to a recycling point or tip as they contain a small amount of mercury.
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A wide range of bulb fittings is now available – particularly in CFLs – and you should be able to find one to fit all your existing lighting, including ceiling spotlights and chandelier fittings. Most can also be used with dimmer switches. Remember to check that the shape and size of the new bulb is suitable.
To choose the correct wattage, you simply need to divide by five – so if a lamp used to take an old 60W bulb, you will now need a bulb of around 12W.
You will also need to consider the lumen (lm) value to find out how bright the bulb is. The brightness of an old 60W bulb is roughly equivalent to 700–900lm and a 100W bulb equates to 1300lm.
Finally, look at the colour temperature of the bulb to decide on the type of light you require. This is measured in Kelvin (K). A low value (2700K) means the light is warmer (often labelled as ‘warm white’), whereas a higher value (3500K+) will give you a colder white effect.
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