Since we’ve moved into our new home we’ve been slowly replacing all the light bulbs. We seem to have a knack of buying houses without a single energy saving bulb in them, and as soon as we move in they all seem to blow! I thought these days that everyone was using energy saving light bulbs, apparently not, ours was full of old fashioned incandescent bulbs that aren’t even sold any more.
Fortunately for me I was recently contacted and asked if I’d like to try out an LED light bulb and I was happy to accept as I know that LED bulbs are supposed to be more environmentally friendly. Our kitchen is the worst offender for energy inefficiency as it currently uses 12 GU10 halogen spotlights, 6 for the kitchen area and 6 over the dining area. I admit 3 of them have been broken for some time so I was pleased to receive a replacement!
If like me you know that these LED bulbs are supposed to be better but not sure why, here’s what I’ve discovered:
- LEDs have the lowest yearly operational costs of any bulb.
- LEDs last around 25-30 years (dependent on use).
- The monthly running cost of 12 x LED’s is 93p compared to £10.08 a month for halogen.
How does the LED work in practise:
In my kitchen I have found that the LED light works perfectly. This LED bulb emits a brighter clearer light compared to the halogens which is great for reading recipes and the light does not take any time to get bright. The only thing to consider is the more expensive up front cost as LED bulbs, as they are in general about 3 times the cost of halogens to buy. However with the savings in energy cost and the bulbs 25 year life time there is a massive saving in energy use that makes it worth while. For me just the idea of not having to change my light bulbs every few years is highly enticing as it’s something that always takes me forever to get round to.
Disclosure: I was provided with an LED bulb and the Won’t Cost the Earth – An infographic by LightBulbs-Direct to promote the Benefits of LED Bulbs for ‘Big Energy Saving Week’. To view the full image click here.
March 18, 2014 at 8:55 pm
This is now interesting! 25-30 years is amazing! I am moving house soon so will have to remember to stock up!
March 20, 2014 at 10:59 pm
When we moved in to our house, like yours it was full of old style bulbs. We have gradually been replacing them with LEDs too as hubby reckons they are the best to get. While I find they do take a while to reach full brightness, the cost saving overall makes it worthwhile.
March 23, 2014 at 3:25 pm
We only had energy-saving light bulbs when we lived in France, but since moving to the UK every house we’ve moved into has had old school light bulbs. It’s such a pain changing them, but so worth it.
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