Do Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Save Cash?

BazzaD_3

Well thats the question...If I was to buy a jobs lot of these bulbs for my home would I make a cost effective saving? I was given one today for free and the bloke who was promoting them said they can save you loads of cash...is he just trying to cash in? :-/
I would be interested to know what others think and experiences of these bulbs. How long they last etc...

System

Hi,

The answer to your question is yes they do save money. The average energy efficient light bulb will last between 6-12 years bases on 3 hours use a day. They use 1/5th of the electricity of a normal bulb and should over there lifetime save between £80 - £120 each minus the cost of the bulb.

It is not advised using them in place where you only turn the light on of a minute (eg toilet) as they take a while to warm to full brightness.

Martin Fiztpatrick
Energy Efficiency Advisor

System

Tip

If you are on benefits you may be able to aquire some more free bulbs by contacting your gas or electricity company and also by contacting your local energy efficiency advice centre on 0800 512012.

Pensioners can also get them from Age Concern.

Also the free fairs that pop up in the summer normally have a stand giving them away.

I know this as I give them away in an official capacity.

Martin

nh

Is there anywhere you can buy a job lot of energy efficient bulbs ie. to make even more of a saving?

NoJoMa

Is there anywhere you can buy a job lot of energy efficient bulbs ie. to make even more of a saving?

I suggest going to the Energy Efficiency website
http://www.saveenergy.co.uk/
You can search for companies selling low energy light bulbs and i'm sure one of them will do a deal if your bulk buying
Also see earlier lightbulbs post:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Utility;action=display;num=1075437565

Andrea

In case you haven't seen it there's a link for some free energy saving light bulbs here. Best to take a liberal pinch of salt if you read the whole thread though

System

The idea that these bulbs last for 6 to 12 years is questionable. In my experience you're lucky if they last any longer than ordinary bulbs. The cost saving is dependant on a long life and like all sales material this is very exagerated. I have started to write the date of installation on the bulb to check out this long life hype.

They are quite cheap at Wilco's

System

Worry less abut light bulbs, but look at the big users of electric.

A 100w light bulb will cost u around 6-7p every 10 HOURS.

A kettle costs roughly 20 times that of a 100w light bulb.

Don't over fill the kettle is the simplist way to save money with out spending money.


Pak

[move]::)[/move]

System

They do last a long time! I have had some for about 12 years now and they're still going strong. You have to buy the better quality ones though. You can also now get ones that go to full light in under a minute so you can use them in every room. They make a good housewarming present too, I've found as it's the equivalent of giving the new dwellers £50 a year.
Pretty good.

Murtle

as a student we had the energy board round and they gave me (well I was the one who had to complete the questionnaire etc - so only fair) one of the special bulbs. As our leccie was paid for I took it home for my Mum and it's still going strong 6 years on.... so I'd say pretty good life expectancy on them from my experience - we have since bought our own for other fittings!!

System

They do last a long time! I have had some for about 12 years now and they're still going strong. You have to buy the better quality ones though. You can also now get ones that go to full light in under a minute so you can use them in every room. They make a good housewarming present too, I've found as it's the equivalent of giving the new dwellers £50 a year.
Pretty good.

Agree that you have to pay extra to get the good quality ones, which will last for many years. AVOID Wilkos, Poundland, Poundstretcher and the like if you want to get a substantial amount of life (and subsequent cost saving) from them.