Mythbuster: low-energy lights
Low energy bulbs save you cash, carbon and inconvenience – so why aren’t we all using them?
What investment opportunity offers typical returns of up to 6000 per cent, an average minimum pay-in of just £3 and, as a bonus, has a positive impact on the planet? The answer: low-energy light bulbs.
A single low-energy bulb costing £1 can save you up to £60 in energy costs over its lifetime and avoid hundreds of kilograms of CO2 emissions.
So why isn’t everyone using them? One reason is that many people simply aren’t aware of the benefits.
Another is that low-energy light bulbs, also known as eco bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs, still have a reputation for poor quality.
Here are some of the most common myths about green lighting.
1. Low-energy bulbs produce unpleasant light
Five or so years ago, many low-energy bulbs did produce rather weak, cold and unnatural-looking light. But times have changed and modern eco bulbs produce bright, yellow light that is just as pleasant – if very slightly different in character – as regular lighting.
American magazine Popular Mechanics put such claims to the test, asking people to rate the light from eight different bulbs. The result? The seven eco bulbs all scored better than the one regular bulb.
2. Eco bulbs flicker and take ages to turn on
Again, this is mainly a thing of the past. Most modern low-energy bulbs turn on within a second, with no flickering. But it’s true that they can take a few seconds to reach their maximum light levels, especially in a cold room.
3. Low-energy light bulbs are expensive
Prices have plummeted in recent years and, thanks to subsidy schemes, high quality bulbs are available in the UK for as little as £1 each. The more obscure eco bulbs are pricier, but still excellent value if you factor in how long they last and the comparative cost of using regular bulbs.
4. Low-energy bulbs take lots of energy to make, offsetting their environmental benefits
Energy saving bulbs take around four times more energy to make than regular incandescent bulbs do. But they last five to ten times longer, so they can actually help reduce the total energy used in light bulb manufacture and distribution. Even if this were not true, the energy used in producing an eco bulb would be outweighed by the 80 per cent energy savings it can make.
5. Low-energy bulbs look ugly
Ok, spiral or U-shaped low energy bulbs aren’t particularly attractive for exposed light fittings. But there are plenty of regular-looking eco bulbs, available in globe, candle and other shapes.
6. Halogen bulbs are already super-efficient
Halogen bulbs are more efficient than regular bulbs but still only half as efficient as low energy compact fluorescents. And halogen bulbs are often used rather prolifically – many homes have six or more recessed halogen bulbs in one room.
There are three alternatives to halogen fittings. these include standard ceiling-recessed halogen bulbs that use 30 per cent less energy. Even greener are mini compact fluorescent bulbs, available for various halogen fittings. Or you could try LED spotlights, which use as little as 1W per bulb, but current models produce far less light than regular halogens.
7. Low-energy bulbs don’t work with dimmer switches
This was true until recently, but you can now buy fully dimmable low energy bulbs. They’re more expensive than regular eco bulbs but they can still save you plenty of money in the long run.
8. Low-energy bulbs are bad for us and the environment as they contain mercury
It’s true that low-energy bulbs contain tiny quantities of mercury (around 100–300 times less than you’d get in a thermometer). However, this can be safely disposed of by taking old bulbs to your local dump for recycling.
9. Regular bulbs don’t waste energy, they just produce heat that helps warm the home
It is true that the 'wasted' energy of a regular bulb is given off as heat. but this is only useful on cold days. Gas boilers produce heat far more efficiently than electric light bulbs. And as hot air rises, bulbs on the ceiling aren’t exactly the ideal place to produce heat for your home.
10. The government is banning regular bulbs
In September 2007 a number of leading retailers, in consultation with the government, agreed to begin phrasing out the least efficient bulbs this year. But this is a voluntary initiative rather than a ban.
11. It’s hard to find low-energy bulbs
If your local shops stock a minimal range of low-energy bulbs, or they’re charging too much for them, buy online at sites such as Lightbulbs Direct.