bemoreeco

The team at BBCGreen have carried out some investigation on the myths surrounding Low Energy Lights. Over the last 12 months I have been replacing light bulbs around the house with energy efficient ones. Low energy bulbs save you cash, carbon and inconvenience – so why aren’t we all using them?

As part of a four part series we are providing you some of the most common myths about green lighting. These are myths 4,5,6. Click Here for 1,2 and 3.

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, such as the Philips Softone range, 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. Philips make a version of a standard ceiling-recessed halogen bulbs (MR16) that use 30 per cent less energy. Even greener are Megaman’s 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.