Energy Saving Bulbs - The ones to buy and the ones to avoid

Freeway

I'm looking for some advise please. I want to replace the (20+) 40w E14 bulbs that are in the various light fittings around the house with decent energy saving equivalents.

The only problem is I would like good quality instant light when I turn them on. Does anyone have any recommendations on brands to buy or avoid?

I've seen these ones at Ikea, has anyone tried them?

Thanks.

debbie42

It's a good title for a thread!
I've just bought some this morning, and will update once I get them fitted.

basmic

I've always liked Phillips lightbulbs.

maninthestreet

I found the philips LE bulbs I bought are really dim to start with, and take a good 2 minutes to reach maximum brightness.

gardnt1

megaman are very good , but cost a little more

basill

I bought some Phillips Tornado Esaver bulbs from Homebase. They were £1.49 on a display sponsored by a power co, possible Eon. They are 5W and intended to replace 30W E14 bulbs. They only take a few seconds to reach full brightness but once they do they are brighter and whiter than the 40W golf ball bulbs that they have replaced. This is partly because the spiral tube sticks out beyond the lightshade.
They are the first energy saving bulb I that I have had that doesn`t make the room feel darker when its on!

B

SplanK

Tesco stick lightbulbs seem to be fine - however the more "normal bulb shape" light's from tesco seem to take ages to warm up - although once warm its fine - usualy takes about 1-2 minutes for full brightness

Freeway

basill wrote: »

I bought some Phillips Tornado Esaver bulbs from Homebase. They were £1.49 on a display sponsored by a power co, possible Eon. They are 5W and intended to replace 30W E14 bulbs. They only take a few seconds to reach full brightness but once they do they are brighter and whiter than the 40W golf ball bulbs that they have replaced.
B

Thanks for the info Basil. I will have a look Homebase and see if they are still offering these.

denzil42

Yesterday I bought some Phillips energy savers from Sainsbury. They are 11 watts which is equivalent to 60 watts. They reach full brightness quickly and the best thing is they are 99 pence each but I got 5 for 50 pence.

Freeway

basill wrote: »

I bought some Phillips Tornado Esaver bulbs from Homebase. They were £1.49 on a display sponsored by a power co, possible Eon. They are 5W and intended to replace 30W E14 bulbs. They only take a few seconds to reach full brightness but once they do they are brighter and whiter than the 40W golf ball bulbs that they have replaced. This is partly because the spiral tube sticks out beyond the lightshade.
They are the first energy saving bulb I that I have had that doesn`t make the room feel darker when its on!

B

Basil - Just wanted to say thanks again.

I managed to get the bulbs you recommended in Homebase. Instant light and fully warm in seconds. The light quality is at least as good as the non-energy efficient bulbs that they have replaced.

andrew-b

Not too impressed by Philips bulbs myself - just had a Softone energy saver one with "8 years" lifetime die - in just over a year. I've got the receipt still so think i'll complain to Philips.