Energy saving light bulbs

A bright idea has got even better

Overview

Energy saving light bulbs have always been a good idea - for the environment and your pocket. 80% less electricity is used than a standard bulb, but produce the same amount of light.

In other words, they can help you to save money and energy. Technological advantages in energy saving light bulbs have changed the way they look. In fact, whatever types of bulbs you use to light your home, there are sure to be stylish energy saving equivalents.

So, why not switch to energy saving light bulbs today?

As you'll see, even the best excuses no longer apply?

See energy saving bulbs in a new light

One may think of an energy saving bulb as bulky and oddly shaped? Maybe giving off a cold, harsh light?

If so, be prepared to think again. There are now more good reasons than ever to buy energy saving light bulbs. Here are some of the best.

Advances in technology mean that energy saving light bulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes. Like standard bulbs, they come in all shapes and sizes. These range from stick shaped bulbs candle shaped varieties, with small or medium screw and bayonet fittings. Nowadays, there are even halogen and dimmable energy saving bulbs on the market.

A warm glow rather than a cold light can be enjoyed thanks to the invention of 'soft tone' bulbs. They're just as bright as normal bulbs, but better for the environment.

Simple fact: energy saving light bulbs uses less electricity than standard bulbs. In turn, using less energy like electricity means that our homes produce less carbon dioxide: one of the main causes of climate change.

You can now buy low energy light fittings which will only take low energy light bulbs. These use a ballast or transformer fitted into the base of the light fitting. It controls the supply of electricity to the bulb, allowing for a small surge of power for a millisecond to light the bulb and then reducing the electricity flow to a very low level.

Low energy fittings require a pin based energy saving bulb. This is a different fitting to a conventional bulb but will ensure that the bulbs you buy in future will always save energy, money and the environment.

Benefits

A saving of up to £7 and 26 kilograms of CO2 a year can be made with just one energy saving light bulb depending on how long your lights are in use every day and because it will last up to 10 times longer than a standard bulb, it could save you around £60 before it needs replacing.

A saving of £600 over the lifetime of the bulbs can be made if all the lights in your house where fitted with energy saving bulbs.

These savings take into account the higher cost of energy saving light bulbs. The average price is only £3 a bulb, so you'll usually recoup the extra outlay within a year

Energy saving light bulbs uses a fifth to a quarter of the electricity of ordinary bulbs to generate the same amount of light. So where you'd normally use a 60W bulb, you'll only need a 13-18W energy saving recommended equivalent.

What to look for when buying energy saving light bulbs.

Look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo when you're shopping for energy saving light bulbs, It's the quick and easy way to spot the most energy efficient products on the market.

If a light bulb carries the logo, it means it's met the strict energy efficiency criteria set by the Energy Saving Trust - and has been independently tested by an independent accredited test house.

As well as energy consumption, criteria for light bulbs cover how long they should last, quality of light, packaging information and safety. The criteria are reviewed on a regular basis and standards are constantly being raised to make sure that energy saving bulbs keep on improving in terms of efficiency and performance.

Click here to see the frequently asked questions about energy saving lighting.