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Should I switch to energy saving light bulbs?

Our expert says...

Thanks for your question; it couldn’t have come at a better time. Under new government legislation, inefficient light bulbs are being phased out over the next few years and being replaced by energy saving ones.

Energy saving light bulbs are compact, bright and available in a wide range of shapes and fittings - so the only difference you'll notice is a drop in your electricity bills. Here’s my quick guide to energy saving bulbs, which should tell you everything you need to know:

The inefficient light bulb phase out

The government, retailers and energy companies are all working together to phase out inefficient light bulbs. It has also been announced that the rest of the EU will be phasing out inefficient light bulbs this spring.

Inefficient bulbs over 100W have already been discontinued, and this month has seen the start of the phasing out of 75-100W standard (A-shaped) bulbs.

The vast majority of the 600 million light bulbs in homes around Britain are inefficient tungsten filament bulbs. By switching to energy saving bulbs, you’ll not only save money on your fuel bills, but will help make a difference to the UK’s national energy consumption, reducing Britain’s carbon footprint.

For more information on the inefficient bulb phase out initiative visit the DEFRA website.

How much can I save?

One of the quickest and easiest ways you can immediately start saving money on your energy bills is by switching your light bulbs.

Priced from around £3, energy saving light bulbs typically last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and could potentially save you a staggering £7 per year per bulb.

With the average home containing 17 incandescent bulbs, you could save up to £120 a year by simply swapping them over.

Energy saving light bulbs will become cheaper as more are produced, because manufacturers will be able to make them more efficiently, so you should soon find them cheaper than normal filament bulbs.

Do energy saving light bulbs fit ordinary light fittings?

Advances in technology mean that energy saving bulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes. These range from traditionally shaped bulbs to round and candle-shaped varieties, with small or medium screw and bayonet fittings.

Nowadays, there are even halogen and dimmable energy saving bulbs on the market. And thanks to the invention of ‘soft tone’ bulbs, you can enjoy a warm glow rather than a cold light.

And if you have a dimmer switch you can buy special dimming energy saving bulbs, or candle-shaped bulbs to fit in chandelier light fittings.

Types of energy saving light bulb

There are three types of energy saving light bulb currently on the market:

• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) - These are the most common energy saving light bulbs and come in stick shape, candle shape, with either small or medium screw or bayonet fittings.
• Energy saving halogen light bulbs – These are a good option if you have halogen lights in your home. They consume around 30% less electricity than standard halogen bulbs.
• LED lights - These have progressed rapidly in recent years and can now be used to replace existing halogen spotlights.

Recommendations

Following recent energy price rises, many people are finding themselves faced with increased gas and electricity prices and are worried about energy bills.

However, there are simple actions you can take, such as buying energy efficient light bulbs, that will help cut your energy costs.

For ten top tips on reducing your energy bills, read this article.

For more information on energy saving light bulbs visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website.

This should help you to make the switch over to energy saving bulbs Christopher!

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