LIGHT BULBS
One of the easiest and low cost changes that can be made to a property to help improve its Energy Rating, is to ensure all light bulbs are LEDs. There are 5 different types of light bulbs in use across the UK – Incandescent Bulbs, Fluorescent Lamps, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), Halogen Bulbs and LEDs – and they are not all energy efficient. LEDs are the most energy efficient type of bulb available so making sure all of your lights are LEDs can improve your energy rating. This will not be as big an improvement as say adding loft insulation or installing double glazing, but it all helps.
LEDs
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are more expensive than other types of bulbs but will save money in the long run as the technology in the bulb is far more energy efficient and they last a lot longer.
LEDs and CFLs are both considered to be energy efficient with LEDs being the most energy efficient.
LEDs use approx 8 times less electricity than an equivalent Incandescent light and 5 times less electricity than an equivalent Halogen Bulb.
LEDs and CFLs are both considered to be energy efficient with LEDs being the most energy efficient.
LEDs use approx 8 times less electricity than an equivalent Incandescent light and 5 times less electricity than an equivalent Halogen Bulb.
Fluorescent Lamps
Fluorescent Lamps are the long tube lights that are often found in kitchens and commercial properties. They are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs using less electricity and lasting longer and they are considered Low Energy. They usually contain mercury powder which is poisonous and this means they should be disposed of safely. They can be recycled at local recycling centres.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) were designed to replace incandescent bulbs. They are basically mini Fluorescent Lamps instantly recognisable from their multiple tubular loop design. They are also considered Low Energy but they also contain Mercury powder which means they should be disposed of safely. They can be recycled at local recycling centres.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen Bulbs are an improved version of incandescent bulbs in which the tungsten filament is wrapped in a glass bubble or envelope which is filled with a Halogen gas and an inert gas such as Xenon. The inert gas increases the brightness and lifespan of the bulb. They are often very small in size when compared to other types of bulb.
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent Bulbs are the old style light bulb and have been in use for over a century. They contain a tungsten filament which heats up and glows when electricity is passed through it but this can cause the filament to burn out so the bulbs are filled with Argon gas to slow down the burn out process. They use significantly more electricity that other types of bulbs and they don’t last as long. They have not been manufactured or sold in the UK since 2011.
