Lighting can make up roughly 10% of a power bill, but this percentage can be significantly reduced if you use energy efficient bulbs. Here’s what you need to know about energy efficient lighting.
Types of energy efficient lighting
Many manufacturers have stopped making traditional incandescent bulbs because they are very inefficient. There are currently three common types of energy efficient bulbs: CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps), Halogen Incandescent Lights, and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. All of these lighting options are efficient, but LED is the most efficient of the three, and it has the greatest potential for further improvement.
Benefits of using energy efficient lighting
Compared to old incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs can save up to 80% more energy. This means that they can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.
Energy efficient bulbs are designed to last 2 or 3 times longer than other types of bulbs which makes them cost-effective in the long run. Although they may be slightly more expensive than other types of bulbs at the time of purchase, you will end up saving a lot in terms of operating costs and replacement costs. Most of the energy used goes into light production, while less efficient bulbs waste energy by producing a lot of heat.
LED lights are designed to fit a wide range of color and lighting preferences. They are available in cool and warm colors as well as all the colors of the rainbow. Energy efficient LED bulbs are also very dynamic, and they can be used anywhere, including on chandeliers, on floodlights, and even on small lighting fixtures. Energy efficient bulbs are also designed to come on instantly once they are switched on, unlike some old bulbs that take a while to warm up before producing light. Newer versions of LED bulbs are very bright. Early versions of LED bulbs were generally dull, but the technology has come a long way since then.
Next steps to change to energy efficient lighting
Switching to energy efficient lighting is pretty straightforward because you can easily find LED bulbs that are compatible with your old light fittings. If you have 240-volt fittings in your home, you can just simply buy new LED bulbs and put them up. However, if you have 12-volt fittings, consult a licensed electrician before buying bulbs because you may have to replace the drivers for safety purposes. When buying LED bulbs, you should focus more on the quality of the brand rather than the price, because these bulbs are long-term investments.