A guide to energy saving in the home
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Here to help everyone save energy in the home.
1
The bright way to save energy
Energy saving lightbulbs have always been a bright idea –
for your pocket and the environment. They use up to 80%
less electricity than a traditional bulb, but produce
the same amount of light.
In the average home, lighting
accounts for around 20% of the
electricity bill, and UK households
currently spend around £2.3bn each
year on electricity to run their lighting.
If everyone in the UK switched all
their remaining traditional inefficient
light bulbs to energy saving light
bulbs, the electricity saved would
provide electricity for the lighting
and appliances of 2.5 million
households – that’s enough for
every home in Scotland!
Energy saving lightbulbs can help you to save
money and energy, all in one wise purchase.
And by saving energy, you’ll be reducing your
home’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and
helping to fight climate change.
That’s the good news. Now, here’s some more.
Technology’s moved on a lot since energy
saving lightbulbs were first invented, and so
has the way they look. In fact, whatever types
of bulbs you use to light your home, there are
sure to be stylish energy saving equivalents.
See energy saving bulbs in a
new light
In your mind’s eye think of an energy saving bulb. Is it bulky
and oddly shaped? Maybe giving off a cold, harsh light?
If so, be prepared to think again. There are now more good
reasons than ever to buy energy saving lightbulbs. Here are
three of the best.
Like traditional bulbs, they come in all
shapes and sizes
Advances in technology mean that energy
saving lightbulbs are now available in different
shapes and sizes.
…and kinder to your pocket
An energy saving light bulb can save you
around £2.50 per year on average, or around
£6 for brighter bulbs or those used for more
than a few hours a day. And because it will
last around 10 times longer than a standard
bulb, it could save you around £40 before
it needs replacing.
These range from traditionally shaped bulbs to
round and candle shaped varieties, with small
or medium screw and bayonet cap types.
Fit all the lights in your house with energy
saving bulbs and you could save around
£590 over the lifetime of the bulbs.
The choice really is yours. Nowadays, there
are even halogen and dimmable energy saving
bulbs on the market.
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energy today.
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2
And before you ask, these savings take
into account the higher cost of energy
saving lightbulbs. Prices of Energy Saving
Recommended light bulbs start from around
£1–2, so you’ll usually recoup the extra outlay
within a year.
And thanks to the invention of ‘soft tone’
bulbs, you can enjoy a warm glow rather
than a cold light.
They’re just as bright as normal bulbs,
but better for the environment…
Simple fact: energy saving lightbulbs use
less electricity than traditional bulbs to do
the same job. In turn, using less energy
like electricity means that our homes
produce less CO2, one of the main causes
of climate change.
An independent survey with
2,000 people found that 4 in
5 people who already have
energy saving bulbs in their
home think they perform
as good as or better than
traditional bulbs.
So, why not do your bit to help fight climate
change? Next time you need a bulb, buy an
energy saving one.
If every UK household installed just one extra
energy saving lightbulb, the CO2 saved would
be equivalent to taking around 73,000 cars
off the roads.
3
Choose Energy Saving
Recommended bulbs
So you think you know energy
saving lightbulbs…
When you’re shopping for energy saving lightbulbs, look for the
Energy Saving Recommended logo. It’s the quick and easy way
to spot the most energy efficient products on the market.
Over 150 Energy Saving Recommended bulbs are now available
to suit all homes, budgets and tastes.
Replace your 100W bulb with the following:
If a bulb carries the logo, it means it’s
met the strict energy efficiency criteria
set by the Energy Saving Trust – and
has been independently tested by an
accredited test house.
Traditional bulb
Energy saving bulb
100W
20–23W
75W
15–19W
60W
11–14W
40W
8–9W
25W
5–7W
Remember: the wattage of a bulb tells you
how much electricity it uses – not how much
light it produces. An energy saving lightbulb
will only use 20 watts of electricity to produce
the same amount of light as a traditional
100 watt bulb.
As well as energy consumption, criteria for
lightbulbs cover: how long they should last,
quality of light, warm up time, packaging
information and safety. The criteria are
reviewed on a regular basis and standards
are constantly being raised to make sure
that energy saving bulbs keep on improving
in terms of efficiency and performance.
Fitting energy saving lightbulbs
throughout your house could
save you £590 over the
lifetime of the bulbs
So, by buying an Energy Saving Recommended
bulb, you can be sure it will not only save
energy but also be of the highest quality.
Buy the right level of brightness for your needs
If you’re replacing a traditional bulb, look
at its wattage. The chart to the right shows
you which energy saving bulb you should
buy to produce the same amount of light.
This information will also be found on the
packaging of your new bulb.
All bulbs are available in multiple cap types:
BC (Bayonet Cap) ES (Edison Screw), SES
(Small Edison Screw), SBC (Small Bayonet Cap)
4
Product name:
Extra Mini
Product name:
Eco Spiral CTS
Wattage:
20W
Wattage:
20W
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
GE
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Product name:
R80 Genura
Product name:
Elegance GLS
Wattage:
23W
Wattage:
20W
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
GE, Tesco
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Product name:
Duluxstar 2
Wattage:
21W
Manufacturer:
GE
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Retailers:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
or call 0800 512 012
5
Replace your 75W bulbs with the following:
Replace your 60W bulb with the following:
Product name:
Elegance
Product name:
Low Energy
Product name:
Low Energy
Product name:
Eco Spiral CTS
Wattage:
15W
Wattage:
15W
Wattage:
12W
Wattage:
12W
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
Status
Manufacturer:
Status
Manufacturer:
GE, B&Q, Tesco
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
TJ Morris, T/A Home bargains,
Boyes Stores, WM Morrisions
Retailers:
TJ Morris, T/A Home bargains,
Boyes Stores, WM Morrisions
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Product name:
Duluxstar 2
Product name:
EL Facility
Product name:
Eco GLS CTS Softwhite
Product name:
GSU111i
Wattage:
14W
Wattage:
14W
Wattage:
12W
Wattage:
11W
Manufacturer:
Osram
Manufacturer:
Osram
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Retailers:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
Retailers:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
Product name:
G3U0215
Dulux Superstar:
Duluxstar
Product name:
CL409, Energy Saving
Wattage:
15W
Wattage:
15W
Wattage:
9W
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Manufacturer:
Osram
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
Retailers:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
Retailers:
GE, B&Q, Tesco
Replace your 40W bulb with the following:
Product name:
SU115
Wattage:
15W
Manufacturer:
Megaman
*
Retailers:
Ryness, All about Electrics
6
Save energy today.
Visit energysavingtrust.org.uk
or call 0800 512 012
Product name:
Extra Mini
Product name:
Eco Sprial CTS
Wattage:
9W
Wattage:
8W
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
GE
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
7
Replace your dimmable bulb with the following:
Product name:
Elegance GLS
Product name:
Ultra Compact Candle
Wattage:
9W
Wattage:
9W
Product name:
Dimmable
Product name:
Mini-Lynx Step Dimmable
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Wattage:
20W
Wattage:
20W
Retailers:
GE, Tesco, B&Q
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
Manufacturer:
Osram
Manufacturer:
Sylvania
Retailer:
Sainsbury’s, Robert Dyas,
Dunelm Mill, BHS
Retailer:
Screwfix, Edmundsons, Newey
and Eyre, WF Electrical, Rexel Senate
Replace your 25–35W bulb with the following:
Product name:
GSL0207
Product name:
Eco Candle
Wattage:
7W
Wattage:
9W
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Manufacturer:
GE
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
Retailer:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Product name:
Elegance Candle opal
Replace your plug in or halogen bulb with the following:
Product name:
Lynx-De, Homelight
Product name:
Lynx-Se, Homelight
Wattage:
13W
Wattage:
9W
Manufacturer:
Sylvania
Manufacturer:
Sylvania
Retailer:
Screwfix, Edmundsons,
Newey and Eyre, WF Electrical,
Rexel Senate
Retailer:
Screwfix, Edmundsons,
Newey and Eyre, WF Electrical,
Rexel Senate
Product name:
Lynx-Se, Homelight
Product name:
BR0707i
Wattage:
5W
Wattage:
7W
Manufacturer:
Sylvania
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Retailer:
Screwfix, Edmundsons,
Newey and Eyre, WF Electrical,
Rexel Senate
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
Product name:
Ultra Compact Candle,
CL707iCS/SE, E14
Wattage:
5W
Wattage:
7W
Manufacturer:
GE
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Retailer:
Tesco, ASDA, Wilkinsons
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
Product name:
Low Energy
Product name:
GA607
Wattage:
8W
Wattage:
7W
Manufacturer:
Status
Manufacturer:
Megaman
Retailer:
TJ Morris, T/A Home bargains,
Boyes Stores, WM Morrisions
Retailers:
Ryaness, All about Electrics
8
Please note this is not an exhaustive list
of retailers, wattages or cap types. The
bulbs available will also vary depending
on the size of the store.
energy today.
* Save
Visit energysavingtrust.org.uk
or call 0800 512 012
For a full list of retailers and Energy
Saving Recommended lightbulbs, visit
energysavingtrust.org.uk/lighting
9
Outdoor lighting
Don’t stay in the dark
Just a few outdoor lights left on each night will quickly add to your
lighting bill and be responsible for increasing your CO2 emissions.
You’re bound to still have some questions about energy saving
lightbulbs. Here, we’ve answered some of the most common
queries – and shattered several popular myths along the way.
If you have a security floodlight, you
could fit heat and movement sensors.
These save electricity by switching
outdoor floodlights on when they’re
needed, and off when they’re not.
This also improves your home’s
security, as you can tell when
someone is approaching the house.
Many standard energy saving lightbulbs are
not suitable for use with timers or sensors
however there are a few exterior energy saving
floodlight fittings endorsed under the Energy
Saving Recommended scheme, for example
the Micromark Evolution floodlight.
The Osram EL Sensor has a ‘dusk to dawn’
sensor that turns the lamp on as night falls
and off as it becomes light again, and is
suitable for outdoor use.
Don’t energy saving lightbulbs take
a long time to light up?
Some energy saving bulbs do take a short
while to warm up to full brightness, however
it varies between bulbs and the technology
is rapidly improving.
(unless stated on the packaging). By choosing
Energy Saving Recommended, and taking care
to select an equivalent within the right range
of wattages (see page 4), you should be able
to find an energy saving light bulb that suits
your lighting needs.
This short warming up process is due to the
way they work. An electric current is passed
through gas in a tube, making the tube’s
coating glow brightly. In traditional bulbs,
the current is passed through a wire which
heats up and produces light straight away.
What makes them incredibly inefficient is
that 95% of the electricity used is lost in
the production of heat.
Producing an energy saving bulb uses
more energy than making a traditional
bulb. Doesn’t that make it inefficient?
No. Because of its clever technology, an energy
saving bulb may take more energy to make
than a traditional bulb. But the energy saved
by the bulb over its lifetime far outweighs this
extra energy consumption.
Lots of my lights have dimmer switches.
Can I fit them with energy saving bulbs?
If an energy saving bulb doesn’t state that it
is dimmable on the packaging, it shouldn’t
be put into fittings with dimmer switches.
However, there is a growing range of fully
dimmable energy saving bulbs available –
these include dimmable versions of the candle,
stick and spiral energy saving light bulbs, plus
dimmable versions of the newer ‘look-a-like’
bulbs (shaped like the traditional bulbs) and
halogen spotlights.
Energy saving bulbs, by contrast, use the same
efficient technology as fluorescent lights – but
are more compact and use even less energy.
Look for Energy Saving Recommended bulbs
and you know that it has met strict criteria
which mean they must reach a target light
output within a short time.
For outdoor lights that must stay on for long
periods, replace traditional bulbs with energy
saving lightbulbs instead, choosing the lowest
wattage that gives enough light.
Even better, you can now buy solar powered
garden lights that use no mains electricity and
produce no CO2 emissions. Plus you don’t
need to wire up your garden to get lighting.
Don’t traditional bulbs give a better
quality of light?
In April 2008, the Energy Saving Trust invited
760 shoppers at Blue Water Shopping Centre,
Kent to take a test to see if they could tell
the difference between traditional and Energy
Saving Recommended light bulbs. Half of
people could not spot the difference and
two out of three preferred the light from
the energy saving ones!
energy today.
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Visit energysavingtrust.org.uk
Bulbs can only display the Energy Saving
Recommended label if they produce light
of a similar warmth to traditional bulbs
or call 0800 512 012
10
11
Are traditional bulbs being banned?
The European commission has recently
adopted new regulations which will mean
that inefficient lightbulbs will be phased out
across the European Union. However the UK is
already one year ahead, thanks to the voluntary
phase out initiative. The Government, energy
suppliers and some major UK retailers are
leading a voluntary initiative to phase out
traditional lightbulbs from the domestic market
by 2011, where there is a suitable replacement.
typically around 700. An energy saving bulb
might only consume 12 watts to provide the
same level of light and in the future we may be
buying a 5 watt LED bulb which provides the
same amount of light.
Retailers have already stopped replenishing
suppliers of bulbs with an energy rating of
higher than 100W. Bulbs with an energy rating
of higher than 60W started being phased out in
January 2009. From January 2010 all traditional
bulbs with an energy rating higher than 40W
will be phased out. Finally all remaining 40W
and 25W A-shape GLS bulbs as well as 60W
GLS candles and golf balls will be phased
out in 2011.
How should I dispose of an energy
saving lightbulb?
You should always recycle your bulbs. If they
are disposed of in your normal rubbish, the
mercury in the bulbs will end up in landfill, and
a build-up of mercury in the ground could be
hazardous. All retailers who sell energy saving
bulbs are obligated under the Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) to provide
information to the public about where they
can take waste bulbs to recycle them.
As the phase out of traditional bulbs
progresses, we will start to move from watts to
lumens and so you will begin to see “lumens”
printed on light bulb packaging. Lumens will be
used to describe the light output of a bulb.
The initiative is estimated to save
over 3 billion kgs CO2 per year by 2012.
For more information visit DEFRA at
defra.gov.uk/environment/business/
products/lightbulbs.htm
All local councils have an obligation to make
arrangements for the disposal of household
hazardous waste at a civic amenity site or
household waste recycling centre. The National
Household Hazardous Waste Forum runs a
website with details of these centres (chemaway.org.uk). Alternatively contact your
local council direct.
What about Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)?
Although LED lighting is a relatively new
technology it’s fast becoming a practical
solution for lighting your home in an energyefficient manner. LEDs have been used in
household items like TVs and radios for many
years, but using LEDs to light up homes is new.
LEDs to replace halogen spotlightsand security
lights are being tested forEnergy Saving
Recommended and should be available soon.
Are halogen bulbs more efficient than
traditional bulbs?
Halogen bulbs in the home consume
less energy than traditional bulbs (typically
20W–50W for halogen bulbs compared with
40W–100W for traditional bulbs). However,
rooms lit with halogen bulbs usually have more
fittings than rooms lit with traditional bulbs or
energy saving bulbs. Therefore,they may use
more energy.
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If you have halogen lighting in your home
you can buy Energy Saving Recommended
halogen bulbs.
Most retailers have funded Designated
Collection Facilities, where you can recycle
bulbs. These are normally found at local
authority civic amenity sites.
Contact your local authority to find out how
to recycle energy saving bulbs in your area,
or alternatively use the ‘Bank Locator’ tool at
recycle-more.co.uk to find facilities near you
(select ‘Gas Discharge Lamps’).
What are lumens?
Traditional lamps have always used watts as
an indication of light that can be expected
from the bulb. This hasn’t changed in over a
hundred years, however with new technology
and more efficient lamps, watts are becoming
increasingly irrelevant.
What should I do if my energy saving
lightbulb breaks?
When a bulb does break, although it’s unlikely
to cause harm, it is always best to minimise
exposure to mercury and broken glass.
The wattage of a bulb actually tells you how
much electricity it uses, not how much light
it produces. Light is measured in lumens. For
example 60 watt bulb will consume 60 watts
of electricity but it provides light in lumens,
The best thing to do is to vacate the room
and ventilate it for at least 15 minutes. Use
rubber gloves to clean up, and put all particles
and glass fragments in a plastic bag – don’t
use a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the area with
a damp cloth, then add that cloth to the
plastic bag centre.
energy today.
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or call 0800 512 012
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13
Have you seen the light?
The Sheridans have
Energy conscious householder Paul Sheridan is a keen advocate
of energy saving lightbulbs. With a range of energy saving
lightbulbs in different rooms, he’s more than happy with the
light they produce.
He’s also keenly aware of the
benefits of his bulbs. Paul said:
“Energy saving bulbs use less energy,
so are cheaper to use and better for
the environment.
In short, the new generation of energy
saving lightbulbs is more than a match for
traditional bulbs. Paul Sheridan said: “They
no longer take a long time to light up and
they are smaller than they used to be. They’re
about thinking ahead – beyond purchase
costs to bigger issues like rising fuel prices
and the environment.”
“They are much better value than traditional
bulbs. An energy saving lightbulb might cost
around £2, but each bulb on average saves
you £2.50 a year and lasts around 10 times
as long. If you add up how many bulbs you
have in your house, that’s quite a bit of
money saved.”
“Plus, we haven’t had to change one since we
started buying them. And that’s been a good
few years now!”
Get more advice
on energy
efficiency
More bright
ideas to save
energy
Call us today on 0800 512 012
for free, impartial advice on
making your home more
energy efficient.
There are plenty of
other simple things you
can do today to help you
save energy.
Our experts
• Turn your thermostat down by 1°C; this
could cut your heating bills by up to 10%
and save you around £55 per year.
• Can advise you on the most cost effective
energy saving measures that are suitable
for your home.
• Switch your appliances off; don’t leave them
on standby or on charge and save around
£33 per year.
• Know your local area and where you
can buy energy saving products.
• When making hot drinks, only boil as much
water as you need – but remember to always
cover the element in an electric kettle.
• Can tell you about any available
grants or offers for energy saving
home improvements.
• Washing your clothes at 30°C instead of
at higher temperatures uses around 40%
less electricity.
• Can put you in contact with local
professional installers or trades people.
So, why doesn’t everyone follow Paul’s
example and kit out their homes with energy
saving bulbs? Paul said: “They probably don’t
know that there are lots of different varieties
now, so they might be worried about their
size and appearance.”
• Will guide you through the whole process
of taking energy saving action.
• To save even more energy other measures
you could consider include insulating your
walls, installing a condensing boiler and
topping up your loft insulation to 270mm
(10.5 inches).
But the fact is, energy saving lightbulbs
have changed – for the better. Take Paul’s
word for it. “They don’t stick out of the top
of lampshades any more and they come in
all sorts of stylish shapes and sizes.
For more ideas on how to save energy
visit energysavingtrust.org.uk or call
0800 512 012.
Energy saving
bulbs use less
energy, so are cheaper
to use and better for
the environment.
“Lots of people like to have four candle
lights in the middle of a room, and the old
style energy saving lightbulbs looked a bit
funny in their place. But nowadays, you can
buy candle-shaped energy saving lightbulbs,
and four will use less electricity than one
traditional bulb.
14
energy today.
* Save
Visit energysavingtrust.org.uk
or call 0800 512 012
15
About the Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is one of the UK’s
leading organisations set up to address the
damaging effects of climate change. We
aim to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)
– the main greenhouse gas causing climate
change – by promoting the sustainable and
efficient use of energy.
We are an independent, non-profit making
organisation that provide free impartial
information and advice. Our network
of advice centres across the UK are
specifically designed to help people take
action to save energy.
The costs and paybacks shown are approximate, are provided for
illustrative purposes only and are based on a gas heated semidetached house with three bedrooms. Insulation and heating
savings assume a gas heated three bedroom semi-detached house
and a gas cost of 3.80p/kWh.
Appliance and lighting savings assume an electricity cost of
12.96p/kWh and take into account the ‘heat replacement effect’.
Full details of our energy saving assumptions can be found at
energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy_saving_assumptions
At time of print, all savings data are correct. However, financial
savings will change as energy prices rise or fall. Please refer to our
website for the most recent measure costs and savings.
Energy Saving Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP
Tel 0800 512 012, energysavingtrust.org.uk
EE148 © Energy Saving Trust July 2009. E&OE.
Printed on paper comprising 75% recovered fibre and 25% virgin fibre and awarded the NAPM Recycled Mark
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