Lighting an average household in Australia takes up about 10% of the electricity bill. This is because more people are using more energy efficient light bulbs in recent years. And they don’t just save you money, they also reduce the number of light bulbs that end up in a landfill. All in all, choosing efficient lighting is good for everyone.
So which light bulbs save you money and energy and which ones are costing you the most?
Incandescent Light Bulbs
These are the most common type of light bulb, used for over 100 years. The traditional ones use lots of electricity but don’t last long, making them very inefficient.
While they’re cheaper than light emitting diodes (LEDs), they will likely cost you more in the long run by having to replace them more often and consuming more energy. Most of these traditional incandescent light bulbs have been phased out in Australia.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen light bulbs produce the same light output as standard incandescent lamps but by using less electricity. This makes them more energy efficient but not as much as compact fluorescent lights or LEDs.
They are generally the cheapest light bulbs in the store, retailing at as low as $3 compared to a $6 CFL or $10 LED. However, they tend to have the highest maintenance cost and also require frequent replacements. They may be a tempting option if you don’t look at the bigger picture.
Overall, they are still inefficient, expensive, and short-lived relative to their counterparts. Which is why Australia phased them out as well as of last September 2020.
Fluorescent Lights
Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are quite popular in households due to them being more energy efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs. They also conveniently have the same fittings as halogen and incandescent bulbs.
The reason CFLs are more efficient is because, unlike the two previous bulbs, they emit more light while generating less heat. Bulbs that generate more heat than light are a huge waste of electricity, and your money.
Fluorescent lights are almost as cost-efficient to run as LEDs. However they last only half as long. They also contain small amounts of mercury, which is toxic and therefore, they need to be disposed of properly.
While they are energy efficient, compact fluorescent lights are not your best option in the long run.
LED Bulbs
Picture this: a lighting technology that uses about 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs, lasts five to ten times longer, fits the majority of existing light fillings, doesn’t contain any hazardous materials, and is totally affordable.
That’s what you get with Light Emitting Diodes, or LEDs. They produce the most light while using the least electricity by passing it through a tiny, silicone diode. This causes electrons to settle into the empty spaces and emit photons.
Just how energy efficient are they? Well, replacing all the halogen bulbs in your household with LEDs can save you $253 per year in electricity while also lasting longer, reducing bulbs in landfills. You’re saving money and the environment.
While they are more expensive than the rest up front, choosing to buy an LED over all other lighting options gives you back your money in less than a year.
Astley Electrical does light installations for all the rooms in your home. We work efficiently and with safety protocols observed. Contact us today to set an appointment.
footer logos and their links
social links and their images
social links and their images
social links and their images