Energy Efficient Light Bulbs (how to choose them)
We all use light bulbs. But the old-style (incandescent) versions are not just bad for the planet, they can’t be recycled and convert just 5% of electricity to light, so are not economically good either.
New LED (light emitting diodes) light bulbs do cost more (around £20). But one bulb can last up to 20 years, and save around £40 a year on energy costs for standard households.
They also eliminate problems like flickering (if you have a bulb that takes a while to come on, this will also be solved if you switch).
Go for a good reputable brand like Phillips Hue for safety and effectiveness.
Flickering bulbs can also be due to loose wires, overloaded circuits, faulty electrics or incompatible dimmers. Consult a qualified electrician.
Turn lights off when not in use, use task lights and blinds, and avoid facing indoor foliage to outside gardens, all these tips help to stop birds flying into windows.
Which Energy Efficient Light Bulbs to Choose?
LED light bulbs have typical lifespans of 25,000 to 50,000 hours, so choose carefully before purchase. Experts say that warm white bulbs are best for eye comfort (so good for bedrooms and lounges). Cooler white bulbs are better for offices, kitchens and bathrooms.
LED bulbs are not measured in watts, so you have to get to know your lumens instead! A quick guide:
- 400 lumens: Soft, gentle light for bedrooms
- 800 lumens: Standard brightness for lounges
- 1,100+ lumens: Bright light for kitchens or workspaces
If you use dimmer switches, LED light bulbs need specific models, to avoid flickering or buzzing. So always check that the bulbs you choose are ‘compatible with dimmers’.
Tips for Natural Light in Rooms
You don’t always need lots of light bulbs, you can often get ‘natural light’ into an area, with a few simple tips and switches:
- Remove unwanted furniture, to flood natural light into rooms.
- Dust lampshades and other fittings, to help increase the light.
- Paint your walls in a light neutral colour.
- Position lamps at eye level, to spread soft light.
- Use wall lights or uplighters to bounce light off ceilings and walls.
How to Recycle (old and new) Light Bulbs
Older light bulbs contain mercury and lead, which could pollute soil or water if broken or dumped on landfills. Alas they can’t be recycled, so wrap securely in thick paper, and bin.
LED light bulbs however can be recycled, enter your postcode at Recycle Now to find out where. Many hardware stores and supermarkets now have bulb recycling bins.
Encouraging People to Switch to LED bulbs
In Hawaii, a recent ban has come into place, where old-style light bulbs are no longer for sale. Customers get rebates, to buy LED bulbs.
Recently, a green energy company sent out a press release, saying that one item at ‘just 87p’ could slash your energy bills. This was syndicated to all the major newspapers online, which if you visit them, won’t let you know until you sign up for the paywall. Sign of the times.
When you find the original article, the ’87p item’ is the price of one LED light bulb, in a pack. Why don’t they just say that?
In the USA, things are pretty terrifying. One of President Trump’s actual policies on the official website is signing an order to ‘safeguard the American people’s freedom to choose light bulbs’. This is because he is using outdated advice, believing that LED bulbs work out more expensive (they don’t) and even blames them for making him look orange!
He is pretty well mistaken about what lightbulbs are, and how they work. A lot of his talking points may have been accurate 10 or 15 years ago, but a lot has changed in the world of lighting. Eric Hittinger (associate professor at Rochester Institute of Technology)
