Win with energy-saving light bulbs
Thursday, 01 October 2020: Light your home for less money without sacrificing light quality. An average household spends about 8% of its energy budget on lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce your electricity bills.
Traditional incandescent bulbs are old lighting technology that is not very energy efficient.
These light bulbs will ultimately be phased out of the South African market. Newer energy-saving light bulbs provide the light levels you’ve come to expect. The new lights are also much more efficient — so they save you money.
You have many choices in energy-efficient lighting. The most popular light bulbs available are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
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Although they can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, during their lifetime they save you money, because they use much less energy and last longer. You can find these in most hardware and retail stores.
So, what are your lighting choices?
The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting
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Residential LEDs use at least 75% to 85% less energy, and last 20 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs) bulbs are simply curly versions of the long tube fluorescent lights you may already have in your kitchen or garage. CFL bulbs are available in a range of light colours, including warm (white to yellow) tones that were not as available when first introduced.
Some are encased in a cover to further diffuse the light and provide a similar shape to the bulbs you are replacing. If you are looking for a dimmable bulb, check the package to make sure you purchase a CFL with that feature.
Fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, an d they should always be safely disposed of at a drop off site at the end of their lifespan.
Fluorescent lamps use 20% of the energy used by incandescent products and provide a similar amount of light. They also last between 8 to 10 times longer.
When next you purchase light bulbs, consider what you’ll be using it for, the number of hours that light will be on and make the right choice. By purchasing the right bulb for the right job, you’ll not only be using electricity smartly but you’ll be reducing your electricity usage and bill in the long run.
Remember to keep an eye out for and respond to the real-time Power Alert messages on SABC, etv and DStv to help manage the strain of the electricity system. Together we can make a difference and keep the lights on.
