The EU has been working to increase energy efficient lighting systems for years and has made some progress with the switch from incandescent to LED lights. Dated bulbs were phased out by the EU in 2018, replacing halogen technology with more efficient lighting. Europe is using less energy than ever before thanks to these efforts. LED lights are now the most popular light over the past few years. They save a lot of power, produce much more light than other lighting types, and can fit in existing fittings with decorative bulbs. Plus, you can get different styles and colours, so your home has flair. 

Industrial and commercial facilities have a significant opportunity to save on energy costs by switching to energy efficient lighting systems. While many people believe that going green is expensive, the truth is that it can save you a lot when looking at longer timescales and being better for the environment. Regarding Homeowners, efficient lighting systems are one of the most cost-effective ways to conserve energy, with small start-up costs compared to renewable technologies. Modernising your lighting systems should be your first stop for increasing your home or business’s energy efficiency. 

If you’re still not convinced, here are some more reasons why you should switch to energy-efficient lighting: 

  1. Energy efficient lighting systems use less energy, which means lower electricity bills (Energy Saving Trust).
  2. They last longer, so you won’t have to replace your bulbs often (Energy Saving Trust).
  3. They emit less heat, so your air conditioning bill will be lower in the summer.
  4. They help reduce carbon emissions (Carbon Trust).
  5. There are incentives for businesses that switch to energy-efficient lighting, so you could get a rebate or tax break (UK Government Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme).
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How Much Could I Save With Energy Efficient Lighting systems?

Incandescent light bulbs are a giant energy hog; only 10% of the energy the bulb uses is emitted as light, and the rest leaves the bulb in the form of heat. The Energy Saving Trust has proposed that if you swap all the bulbs in your home with LEDs, you could reduce your carbon emissions by up to 40kg a year, similar to the amount of carbon a tree can sequester in the same time frame. 

If you want to cut your energy bill, energy efficient lighting systems bulbs are a great place to start. These bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. Using energy efficient lighting systems bulbs can help you save on your energy bill and help the environment. The savings depend on the bulbs you have switched from, for example, a  single 60-watt incandescent and 50-watt halogen, would savings of £7 and £6 per year respectively. 

What Energy Efficient Lighting systems Should I Be Looking For?

Energy-efficient lighting is one of the best and cheapest ways to save on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously. Consider the type of light bulb you need. Various energy-efficient options are available, including LED, CFL, and halogen incandescent bulbs (only a slight improvement). Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so choose the one that caters best to your individual needs. The wattage of the bulb is essential, higher wattage means a brighter light, but it also means more energy usage. Choose the lowest wattage possible that still meets your needs.

When looking for energy-efficient bulbs, you should look for ones with a high energy label rating (EU Energy Label). These bulbs use about 25-30% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) are also a good option – they use about 75% less energy than incandescents and last up to 10 times longer. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the most energy-efficient option, using about 75-80% less energy than incandescents and lasting up to 25 times longer (UK Government Guide to LED Lighting). 

What Else Can I Do to Conserve Energy?

There are several other ways to conserve energy and change to more power-efficient lighting. Firstly, insulating your home or office will help to create more habitable temperatures throughout the year, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Both of which will save you money on your energy bills.

Conserve Energy

Weather-stripping doors and windows will also help with insulation and prevent drafts. Take advantage of natural sunlight by opening blinds and curtains during the day to let in sunlight, which can help warm up a room and cut down on artificial lighting needs. Using energy-efficient appliances is also beneficial; the energy label doesn’t just apply to lighting but is a universal standard for electrical goods (EU Energy Label Guide).  In terms of larger changes, businesses or homeowners could invest in renewable technologies

 

Hopefully, this article has not only highlighted ways to modernise the lighting systems in your home but also ways to reduce your lighting bill altogether. If these tips are tricks can be adopted by several people, we can make a change and begin to develop a brighter future. Creating efficient lighting is a great entry point into optimising our energy usage due to its relatively low start-up costs. Those with greater amounts of capital available can look into the feasability of a solar installation (Solar Trade Association).

Renewable Innovation
Renewable Innovation
Renewable Innovation