energy saving light bulbs

paul_h

These low energy bulbs, like all flourescents, don't work with dimmers. They also don't respond well to being switched on and off a lot, the quoted lifespan is probably acheivable if they are left on 24hrs/day...

moonrakerz

I haven't noticed any difference in life relating to the the number of on/offs of low energy bulbs - the same would apply to tungsten filament lamps due to the sudden changes in temperature as the filament heats up and cools down.
I have used low energy lamps for many years and I always put the date on the base in permanent marker. When you come to replace one, which isn't very often, you are amazed at how long the lamp has been in use.

hardpressed

Before you buy them check to see if your electricy company or local council are giving them away, I got 3 from Powergen a while ago.

paul_h

moonrakerz wrote:

I haven't noticed any difference in life relating to the the number of on/offs of low energy bulbs - the same would apply to tungsten filament lamps due to the sudden changes in temperature as the filament heats up and cools down.

Fluorescents are damaged by excessive cycling, but for a different reason than for incandescent bulbs. It's the repeated high voltage strike when starting that damages the electrodes, this is required to ionise the argon gas and mercury vapour to make it conductive.

The issue with filament bulbs is different - the filament has much less resistance when cold, causing a current surge and greater thermal shock at switch on - this eventually causes the filament to fail. Flourescent electrodes run at a much lower temperature, they are basically the electrical connection to the ionised gas. They do not have to run hot enough to emit light themselves, unlike the filament in an incandescent bulb.

There you go, another bit of useless information

I knew all the years at college were for something!

clark1982

Weymouth_Man wrote:

Have you had a look at Robert Dyas

http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&productId=65385&langId=-1

maybe a bargin at £2.99 for three bulbs, but qoute from their site...... Our standard delivery charge is £4.95. Deliveries are normally made within 7 working days.

Curry_Queen

scotty8 wrote:

hello all, not sure if this is the right place to post this topic but i couldnt find a better option!
anyway, to the point, is it worth buying energy saving light bulbs for an entire house? (roughly 22 bulbs)
how much is this likely to save per annum?
and finally what is the best wattage bulb to buy?

thank you for any help you can give me!

scotty

A few weeks ago I replaced 6 of the most frequently used bulbs in my house, including the ones that are most likely to be left on even if no one's using the room! ... i.e. bathroom, kitchen, hall/landing ... don't think my kids realise there's an OFF switch :rolleyes:

Since doing that I have noticed a drop in electricity consumption of around 15 units per week (I take weekly readings) so yes, I would say it is very worthwhile doing.

As to how long they last, well in my experience this can vary enormously. I bought some bulbs via a special promotion my son's school was offering some years ago ... bearing in mind this was at primary school and he is now 18! ... and two of the bulbs were still going strong when I moved out of my last property a few months ago (silly me forgot to take all the energy bulbs with me :doh: ) but I've also had some given to me via the warmfront scheme and they lasted just 6mths

I don't know whether the quality has diminished with the mass production we have today, but I've never since had a bulb last as long as my original ones!

fiish

My local Robert Dyas (Kensington High St) is still offering (rather absurdly but delightful) 3 Philips energy saver bulbs for 99p, where a single bulb is sold for £1.29. Have seen this offer in the Richmond store as well so it might be a nationwide thing.

The bulbs are sold in both bayonet (BC) and screw (E23) fittings and are available in a range of wattages, and you can mix and match. So far the best deal I've seen for energy saver bulbs so far.

1carminestocky

Anyone any experience of the LED versions of the GU10s? I've heard conflicting reports. Can't see them being bright enough for a a kitchen/bedroom, personally, but I'm prepared to be convinced...