Instant-On Energy Saving Bulbs

stalks

It has been over 5 years since I last bought energy saving bulbs. However a couple have broke, and need replacing.

I am looking for a mix of 60W and 100W+ equivalent energy savers that don't cost a fortune.

I see some are advertised as "Instant On" or "Fast/Quicl Start". This sounds like a rgeat idea as it can take 5 minutes+ for my current bulbs to get to full brightness. Kind of defeats the point of using them in the bathroom. Are all new energy savers much quicker now? I am interested in what you guys would recommend.

On the sites I've been looking at the bulbs seem so expensive, £5+ for a single bulb? I was looking for perhaps half of that, or is that wishful thinking?

missesther

Have you thought about LED lights? We're slowly replacing our normal lights with them. They are bright straight away and even though are initially expensive, the running costs is practically nil and they last ages.

savemoney

Leds are expensive and whilst they may be cheaper to run and instant light they still only a few watt less than a energy saving bulbs ie led 3-5w energy saving bulb 7-18w. I also noticed that many of the led bulbs I seen give off less lumens so they are not as bright.

Biggles

savemoney wrote: »

I also noticed that many of the led bulbs I seen give off less lumens so they are not as bright.

That can be the case if you buy your bulbs by looking at the manufacturer's comparison with incandescent bulbs, eg "20W = 100W". These comparisons are often wildly optimistic.

To get a proper comparison, you should only buy by reading the output in lumens printed on the pack. From DirectGov:-


How to choose the right strength and colour light bulb

Choosing the right kind of light bulb will depend on what strength and type of light you want.
Light bulb strength

The strength of incandescent light bulbs used to be measured in wattage, but wattage is not as relevant as light bulbs become more energy efficient. Wattage is still included on packaging for easy comparison, but it is being phased out and replaced with the number of lumens. A lumen is a measure of light; a higher number means a brighter light.


The lumen equivalents of incandescent bulbs are:

• 100W incandescent bulb = 1,300-1,400 lumens
• 75W incandescent bulb = 920-970 lumens
• 60W incandescent bulb = 700-750 lumens
• 40W incandescent bulb = 410-430 lumens
• 25W incandescent bulb = 220-230 lumens

Light bulb colour

Different light colours can be used for different things. For example, you might prefer a ‘warm white’ light for relaxing and a more powerful ‘cold white’ light for work spaces. These light qualities are measured in Kelvins and can be found on light bulb packaging.
For softer, warmer lighting, look for a 2,700K light bulb. For work spaces, a colder, brighter 4,000k would be better.

missesther

savemoney wrote: »

Leds are expensive and whilst they may be cheaper to run and instant light they still only a few watt less than a energy saving bulbs ie led 3-5w energy saving bulb 7-18w. I also noticed that many of the led bulbs I seen give off less lumens so they are not as bright.

I was very careful what LED bulbs I bought and the difference is amazing. A lot brighter than the original non-energy saving bulbs. It does cost but it's worth it, they don't get hot either.

geordie458

missesther wrote: »

I was very careful what LED bulbs I bought and the difference is amazing. A lot brighter than the original non-energy saving bulbs. It does cost but it's worth it, they don't get hot either.

Could you recommend where to buy please?

Ta

vaio

have a look at CPC

SplanK

I have found that Ikea energy saving bulbs to be quite good. Instant on (unlike the Philips expensive one we have!) and so far none have gone on us. Tesco ones also seem to be quite good for instant on as well.

That reminds me, must take a trip back there soon to buy a handfull of them to replace the more expensive ones!

missesther

geordie458 wrote: »

Could you recommend where to buy please?

Ta

Sorry, haven't been on in months. I buy the Philips dimmable, 7W ones. I've bought them all on Ebay. You can get some great deals if you keep an eye out and are patient.

phill99

missesther wrote: »

Sorry, haven't been on in months. I buy the Philips dimmable, 7W ones. I've bought them all on Ebay. You can get some great deals if you keep an eye out and are patient.

Can't help thinking that as the thread is over a year old, bulbs have already been purchased.

ColinFishwick

Plus OP has never been online since they posted

stalks
19-02-2012, 5:28 PM


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Last Activity: 19-02-2012 6:02 PM