Energy Saving Lightbulbs Explained

Energy saving lightbulbs have always been a bright idea - for your pocket and for the environment. They use up to 80% less electricity than a standard bulb, while producing the same amount of light. So you save carbon, save money and use less energy.

Technology has moved on a lot since energy saving lightbulbs were first invented, and so has 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. And now, you can even buy dimmable energy saving light bulbs so you can change the intensity of light emitted.

Depending on how long your lights are in use every day, just one energy saving lightbulb could save you on average £2.50 per year, and around £6 per year for brighter bulbs or those used for more hours a day. And, because they will last around 10 times longer than a standard bulb, you could save around £40 before the bulb needs replacing.

Fit all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs and you could save around £37 a year and £590 over the lifetime of all of the bulbs (source: Energy Saving Trust).

Energy saving light bulbs use between a fifth and a quarter of the electricity of ordinary bulbs to generate the same amount of light. All of the energy generates light rather than heat with a conventional light bulb. So where you'd normally use a 60W bulb, you'll only need an 11-14W energy saving light bulb.

The following are energy saving light bulbs to consider:

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Lights

With less energy usage and a longer lifespan at 60,000 hours, LED bulbs can help you make substantial savings. There is a greater initial outlay and alternative fittings may be required and currently they can only provide directional lighting. However, the design effects that LED lights can provide are amazing.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lamps are the most common energy saving light bulbs. They typically come in candle and stick shapes with bayonet and medium or small-sized screw fittings. These provide as much light as regular bulbs while just using a quarter of the energy. CFLs last for about 10,000 hours, 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs allowing you to make substantial savings.

Energy Saving Halogen Light Bulbs

These save up to 70% electricity over conventional bulbs. They contain a small halogen-filled capsule which gives off a strong white light. These bulbs cost more than conventional incandescent bulbs with the same energy capacity but they produce more light, very little heat and use less energy. They last between 2,000 and 3,000 hours - generally between two and three years.

Recycling your Energy Saving Lightbulbs

Energy saving lightbulbs contain a minute amount of mercury (just enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen). This mercury allows them to deliver their substantial energy saving benefits. These lightbulbs should not be put in the normal household waste. A more environmentally friendly and responsible way of disposal is to ensure that the light bulbs are recycled at the end of their life, either at your local authority Household Waste Recycling Centre or Sainsburys store. Use this link to find your nearest recycling point.

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