Electricity Prices Myths Dispelled About Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

With the EU ban on the manufacture and import of 100-watt and frosted incandescent light bulbs coming into effect this month, there has been a frenzy of activity surrounding the ‘new’ energy efficient bulbs and panic buying of the old bulbs before they cease to be. There has been a lot of grumbling surrounding energy efficient bulbs with a few perpetrated myths about Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) being inferior to the good old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs.

It’s time to set the records straight by addressing some of the myths head on. One of the chief complaints about CFLs is that they are too expensive. With electricity prices rising on a steady climb, incandescent light bulbs end up being much more expensive for the consumer. CFLs can produce the same amount of light as a 100-watt light bulb for approximately 28 watts, which means that regardless of how high electricity prices get, you’ll be using less energy and therefore saving money.

CFLs can save between £3 to £6 per lamp over the course of a year, which means the average household can save around £37 per year according to The Energy Saving Trust estimates. CFLs also last a lot longer than traditional bulbs which means over the lifetime of a lamp a household can save hundreds of pounds, regardless of how expensive electricity prices get.

Another common, yet unfounded, complaint is that CFLs do not fit all light fittings, reducing lighting options for the consumer. In fact, CFLs have been designed to fit all bayonet and screw fittings in the current market, and design changes have been made to make new lamps resemble the more traditional aesthetic of the bulb for those that prefer that. Far from restricting choice, CFLs are so varied they now expand the consumer’s choice of lighting options.

Perhaps one of the chief concerns about CFLs is regarding light quality. Complaints from consumers have historically cited that bulbs are not bright enough and take too long to warm up. Technology has moved on from the first CFLs over a decade ago and now lights will reach full luminance in a second or less, giving off a light which test results have shown, only extremely sensitive eyes can differentiate.

So not only will CFLs save you money irrespective of the increasing electricity prices, and fit in all modern lighting fittings, they also give off the same luminance as a 100-watt bulb almost instantly. All of this and making savings to the environment as well – CFLs are really a no-brainer.