For those of us not blessed with a ‘left brain’, here’s a post to simplify the rather complicated subject of energy-efficient lightbulbs. You may be surprised to know that if you have old-style lightbulbs that take ages to come on (and flicker), an LED lightbulb solves it!
LED lightbulbs cost more, but last up to 20 years and save 90% on bills (around £40 for the average household). Philips offer quality LED bulbs.
LED stands for ‘light emitting diodes’. They are less likely to flicker, likely less annoying and upsetting for children and pets.
Turn off unused lights, close curtains and use task lights to help stop birds flying into windows and reduce light pollution.
Flickering lightbulbs can be due to old bulbs, poor weather and incompatible dimmers, but also loose wiring, overloaded circuits or faulty electrics. For concerns, consult a qualified electrician.
You can recycle LED bulbs at recycling centres, but older incandescent lightbulbs have to be binned (in padded paper, to avoid broken glass harming refuse workers). Some hardware & lighting shops recycle fluorescent bulbs (ask your council, policies differ).
Incandescent (old-fashioned) lightbulbs were invented over 100 years ago. By today’s standards they don’t work well, as just 5% of electricity produced converts to light. They easily ‘blow out’ as the filament light evaporates.
Halogen bulbs (for spotlights) are slightly better but not that efficient. These also are being replaced by LED bulbs that work better, but with less energy and cost.
Energy-efficient strip lights are better than fluorescent lights (again less likely to flicker, emitting better quality light).
LED bulbs are sold in lumens. So 40 watt is 470 lumens, 60 watts is 800 lumens and 100 watts is 1520 lumens. Choose warm white bulbs for homes, and cool homes for offices. And CRI (colour rendering index) of 80 or more, for household use.
Other Ways to Reduce Lighting Bills
- Turn off lights when you leave a room (good to help prevent bird strike). If you don’t need lamps, don’t use them. Arrange furniture so you get more natural daylight (but don’t face indoor plants to face gardens, as this can confuse birds, like lit buildings).
- Have switches that are easy to turn off near where you are. But always use a qualified electrician, when dealing with electrics.
- Use sensors on external lights (that turn off, when not in use).
- Dust lampshades and fittings, to help increase the light.
- Remove heavy dark furniture, and paint walls a light neutral colour.
