subject: Energy Saving Lightbulbs: What You Should Know [print this page] Energy Saving Lightbulbs: What You Should Know
Energy saving lighting is a hot topic right now, in part because we're all becoming more environmentally aware, but also because the UK government is currently phasing out traditional light bulbs. Soon all traditional light bulbs will be banned, so consumers need to be in the know about the energy saving light bulbs which will soon be the norm and not the alternative. Here, leading light bulb specialist Ryness (http://www.ryness.co.uk/) tells you what you should know about energy saving light bulbs.
Know the advantages
Soon you won't be able to get your hands on the banned lightbulbs so you may as well embrace the advantages of the energy saving styles of light bulbs. They will save you money in the long-run, even if the unit price per bulb is higher than for traditional bulbs, because they cost less to run and they last for far longer. This makes them particularly good options for areas where you need to keep the light on for long periods of time, such as hallways. And of course they save energy, helping you to save the planet!
Know the wattage
Because energy saving light bulbs have a lower wattage than traditional bulbs, it's easy to get confused. You can still get a good quality of light from the energy saving types, you just need to know the right wattage. As a rule of thumb, use the following comparison:
Energysaver = Standard
9w
40w
11 & 12w
60w
18 & 20w
100w
25w
125w
30w
150w
Know your bulb shape
Often just the look of the new energy saving lightbulbs can confuse people. You'll see the new mini-tube shape, but you'll also see more traditional bulb shapes. There's no need for confusion, it's just a matter of taste as both shape of energy saving bulb work in the same way and save the same amount of energy. You may find that the mini-tube shapes are a little larger than a traditional bulb shape and so may be more visible under lampshades.
Know how to recycle them
Due to the (very low) level of mercury in the new type of light bulbs, they cannot be thrown away like the old type. They have to be recycled the easiest way is to send them to us to recycle them for you! Just call 0845 630 3035 for details.
Hopefully this has gone some way to demystify these new type of light bulbs. Take a browse through the different types available at http://www.ryness.co.uk/, where you also find out more information on when all old styles of bulbs will be banned.
