Low energy light bulbs, also known as energy-efficient bulbs, are a simple yet effective way to reduce both your energy consumption and your overall household expenses, including your mortgage. These bulbs use less than 20% of the energy required by conventional light bulbs, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, they can last up to 15 times longer than traditional bulbs, which means fewer replacements and less waste.
Incorporating low energy light bulbs into your home is a straightforward process that can have a significant impact on your monthly expenses. By consuming less electricity, these bulbs can help lower your energy bills, which is particularly beneficial for homeowners with a mortgage. The savings on your electricity bill can contribute to your monthly mortgage payments, allowing you to allocate funds more efficiently.
Moreover, the long lifespan of low energy light bulbs means you spend less money on replacements over time. This longevity not only reduces the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of light bulbs but also offers a practical, cost-effective lighting solution for your home.
So what type of low energy bulb should you buy?
Both CFL light bulbs (low energy light bulbs) and LED light bulbs offer substantial energy savings. LED bulbs offer the greater saving overall using less energy and lasting longer at 60,000 hours. CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch will save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. If every family made the switch, we’d reduce carbon dioxide by billions!
Will just swapping light bulbs make a difference?
By swapping a normal bulb to an energy saving bulb you could cut energy wastage by three quarters and save money on your electricity bill. It might seem like a small change, but if every home changed just 3 light bulbs, enough energy would be saved to light the countries street lamps.
But don’t energy saving light bulbs use more energy when first turned on, therefore wasting more energy if switching lights on and off?
Carbon Footprint carried out an in-house investigation and found that if anything low energy bulbs used slightly less energy when first switched on, gradually building up to a continual wattage (which only took a couple of seconds).
CFL Low energy light bulbs contain mercury, is that safe?
Low energy bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury which is not at all dangerous when contained within the bulb. The bulbs should be disposed of responsibly and can either be collected in your normal household waste bin or can be recycled at your local council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre or at collection points provided by some light bulb retailers.