Shining the Light on Energy Saving Light Bulbs: Top 10 Questions
After Energy Saving Week, which ran from October 19-25, we thought it was about time someone tackled those lighting myths, so here are our top 10 questions about energy saving light bulbs and dirty incandescents.
1. Aren’t energy saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) much dimmer than traditional ones?
While CFLs once had a reputation for being dim, they are now obsolete. Most modern varieties, produced by domestic brands, are just as bright as traditional bulbs and give just as “warm” light.
2. Aren’t energy saving light bulbs full of mercury and other toxins? A standard energy saving light bulb contains 3 to 4 milligrams of mercury, while a standard thermometer contains at least 100 times more mercury! In fact, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs claims that the amount of mercury in the lamps is less than the mercury that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere by coal-fired power generation to produce the energy used by an incandescent lamp.
3. Why has my local supermarket stopped selling traditional light bulbs? As of 1 September 2009, UK retailers were no longer allowed to purchase traditional 100 MW tungsten bulbs from their suppliers; however, they can still sell them while supplies last. Other bulb watts will similarly be phased out by 2012. While many retailers have chosen to stock their traditional bulbs, some of the smaller retailers near you may run out of stock faster as they will have more limited. storage in your store.
4. How much would you save by using energy saving light bulbs? Aren’t they more expensive to start with? Again, they used to be, but today you’ll find them competitively priced with traditional light bulbs. In fact, the EST estimates that not only will they last longer, but you’ll save around £2.50 a year per bulb on energy bills, so you’ll save around £65 in energy and replacement costs over the life of each bulb. lightbulb. .
5. Is this banning the sale of traditional light bulbs (another one) something that the EU is imposing on us? While there is an EU-wide directive that covers the sale of traditional light bulbs, the UK also has its own voluntary agreement with major retailers that actually goes further: it stops the sale of traditional light bulbs a year before the rest of the world. The EU. The UK has also pledged, uniquely in Europe, to reduce carbon emissions outside of any international treaty. Restricting sales of traditional light bulbs is seen as the “low fruit” of the fight against climate change, as it is an easy and cheap way to reduce carbon emissions quickly.
6. Don’t energy saving light bulbs need time to warm up? Again, this is something energy saving light bulbs get a bad rap for, but now they don’t deserve it. A modern energy-saving light bulb will only take a second or two to reach full brightness, which is hardly noticeable in your day-to-day life.
7. Can energy saving light bulbs be recycled? If you can! Under Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, any place that sells energy saving light bulbs must provide information on where they can be recycled. Many of the larger retailers will even take them off.
8. Are energy saving light bulbs not a health hazard? I heard they can cause migraines? Some people are concerned that energy saving light bulbs pose a risk to human health. Some of the most common concerns are: Migraines – Many migraine support groups have raised this issue as a concern, the Department of Health is funding research on it. Epilepsy: Many people fear that low-energy light bulbs can cause epilepsy. However, Epilepsy Action says: “Epilepsy Action is not aware of any evidence that energy saving light bulbs can directly trigger epileptic seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.” where people are within 30 cm to 1 foot of the bare bulb for more than 1 hour a day. At these distances, CFLs can emit ultraviolet (UV) light at a level less than the equivalent of being outside on a sunny summer day. As of September 2009, as a result of EU legislation, all energy saving light bulbs emit a safe amount of UV light and therefore do not pose a cancer risk.
9. I have many dimmer switches in my house. Can I use energy saving light bulbs? What about bayonet and cap fittings? I’m not sure I like those weird looking ones. Traditionally, energy saving light bulbs have not been available for dimmer lights and were exclusively available in the “odd” design. However, as a result of recent innovations, lights with energy efficient dimmer switches are becoming more widely available. Why not look them up online? Similarly, energy saving light bulbs are now available with both cap and bayonet in a range of designs, including ‘look-alikes’, which are exactly like traditional designs. The Energy Saving Trust has a comprehensive guide to different energy saving light bulbs on their website.
10. Is it more energy efficient to keep the energy efficient lights on all the time, or do I have to turn them on and off as needed?
Turning a light on takes about the same amount of energy as keeping it on for two minutes, so it’s more efficient to turn it off when you leave the room if you know you won’t be back for a while. That’s all! Phasing out incandescent light bulbs is a really positive step for you and the environment. With the economy going through such a tough time, who wants to spend their hard-earned money on something as boring as keeping the lights on? Now that you know all the facts, buy some energy efficient light bulbs for your home and enjoy the money you’ve saved.