Energy Saving Light Bulbs – A Bright Idea?
Sorry about the title of this post, but it has to be a compulsory title for this topic.
Media campaigns have educated us that our existing use of incandescent light bulbs (those with a filament inside) is wasteful of energy and a greater pollutant that modern alternatives. The incandescent light bulb is a design little changed since the late 1800s, which if created today would never reach market. Although we know low-energy light bulbs save on energy and should be our only choice when it’s time to replace expired bulbs, the higher cost is prohibitive to an easy transition of consumer habits. So lets put the low-energy light bulbs on the spot by performing a comparison.
Comparison:
Philips 100W ES Pearl Light Bulb – 4 Pack, bought at HomeBase for £1.99 and a single 20W SPARSAM Energy-saving bulb E27 from Ikea for £2.99.
The four Phillips light bulbs when used concurrently will last for 4,000 hours and the Ikea light bulb for 10,000 hours. It follows that two packs of four high-energy bulbs at a cost of £3.98 will last 8,000 hours – still less than the Ikea light bulb. So before the energy consumption of the bulbs is taken into account the low-energy light bulb has already saved 97p and has 2,000 hours more life left in it. Now, assuming that the cost of a kWh is 13p and VAT is 5% the four light bulbs will cost £109.20 to run for their lifetime, and the Ikea light bulb £27.30 for its full life.
Result
If a light is switched on for five hours a day the 10,000 hour lifespan of the Ikea bulb converts to over five years. The £81.90 saving then equates to £15 saving per year per light bulb. Significant in itself, but staggering when expanded to include other light bulbs in the home.
It is now possible to purchase low-energy bulbs to replace halogen lights and bulbs for security lighting. The only thing to watch out for is if you use a dimmer switch, standard low-energy bulbs do not work properly, but dimmable bulbs are available.
The table below explains the relationship between the high and low energy light bulbs:
| Ordinary bulbs | Energy saving equivalent |
| 25W | 6W |
| 40W | 8-11W |
| 60W | 13-18W |
| 100W | 20-25W |
It’s shouldn’t be a shock from the calculations above that £175 million a year is wasted in the UK by leaving lights on unnecessarily. So get those low-energy bulbs installed and switch them off when nobody is in the room.
i am glad to find this comparison. i had no idea the light bulbs were so different and at such a loss compared to others. thanks for posting.
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Don’t dumb it down. The audience is smart and gets what you are doing.
Incandescent light bulbs should be phased out because they waste a lot of electrical energy.
We use security lights at home and they are great for adding another layer of security.
security lights are great because they can deter burglars*-*