subject: Using Low Energy Reflector Light Bulbs / Lamps [print this page] Author: Art Icklewright Author: Art Icklewright
Reflector bulbs / lamps are usually used or directional lighting i.e. they have a bright beam, of light focused on specific spot. They actually have a reflective / silver coloured reflective surface that helps to achieve this effect. Spotlight Reflector Lamps are therefore great for accent lighting in the home e.g. recessed areas, as down lights, or as spots focused on specific ornaments, pictures or fittings. In commercial settings reflector spotlights are great for use with merchandise and display. Traditional reflector lamps however are not very energy efficient and can generate lots of heat this could cause damage if placed too close to something. Achieving Greater Efficiency
Energy saver low energy reflector light bulbs require much lower wattages to produce the equivalent amount of light. For example 9w, 11w and 15w energy saver reflectors have the same output as 45w, 55w, and 75w incandescent versions respectively. This need for lower wattages will prolong the life of the bulb and could mean a greater than 75% energy saving by using these reflector lamps that could translate to an approximate 100 saving over the course of the lifetime of the bulb for you. With reflector light bulbs, because they are often used for accent lighting in harder to reach places, a longer life means much less hassle in terms of maintenance for you. Measuring Efficiency
You can gauge just how efficient bulbs / lamps are before you buy them by checking the EU energy efficiency rating on the packaging. This is a colour-coded scale using letters from A to G in a scale (on top of the colours) A on green down to G on red. The closer to A (green) the efficiency rating is, the more energy (and money) you will save over the lifetime of the bulb. This Energy rating takes into account the amount of lumens produced, how long the bulb will last (hours) and how much wattage it needs for its output.
Switching to low energy, energy saving reflector spotlights instead of for example R50, R63 or R80 incandescent lamps can make a noticeable difference to your energy bills.About the Author:
