Energy-efficient lamps
Modern lamps save a great deal of energy. Even so, millions of incandescent lamps are still in use. Yet the popular "lightbulb" is anything but an energy saver. It is more a source of heat than light; light accounts for only 5 percent of the energy it consumes. Switching to energy efficient lamps is easy – and the somewhat higher outlay on energy-saving alternatives is quickly recouped.
Want to know which lamps save the most? Here are the details at a glance:
- Energy-saving lamps
Energy-saving lamps require only 20 percent of the energy consumed by a conventional incandescent lamp to produce the same brightness. What is more, they have a 8 times longer life: an energy-saving lamp burns for around 8,000 hours. Today, modern energy-saving lamps can also easily be dimmed. Replacing a 60 W incandescent lamp with an equivalent 11 W energy-saving lamp saves 392 kilowatt-hours of electricity over the life of the new lamp. Which makes a difference to your wallet. The cost saving is around 66 euros.
Calculation example: 3-room apartment
| Number of | before | after | saved4) |
Kitchen | 2x | 75 W | 15 W | 172.80 euros |
Bathroom | 1x | 75 W | 15 W | 86.40 euros |
Hall | 2x | 60 W | 11 W | 141.12 euros |
Living room | 3x | 60 W | 11 W | 211.68 euros |
Children's room | 2x | 75 W | 15 W | 172.80 euros |
Bedroom | 3x | 60 W | 11 W | 211.68 euros |
Total amount saved: |
|
|
| 996.48 euros |
- Fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent lamps generate the same brightness as incandescent lamps but need only a tenth of the energy to produce it. They are predominantly used in service/utility areas such as garages or basements. Nowadays, however, they are available in the same light colours as incandescent lamps, so they are also suitable for indirect lighting in the home.
- LEDs
The tiny light-emitting diode consists of a chip of semiconductor material and can transform electricity directly into light. Coloured and white LEDs score points for low power consumption, long life and brilliant colours. Thanks to their small dimensions, they are an attractive option for recessed luminaires in walls, floors, furniture or cornices. Modern RGB technology permits changes of colour by remote control. White LEDs are a good light source for reading lights.
- Halogen lamps
Halogen lamps are not real energy savers but they provide a light that is twice as bright and brilliant as that of conventional incandescent lamps and have a significantly higher luminous efficacy rating and considerably longer life. Low-voltage halogen lamps with infrared coating (IRC) are particularly energy-efficient: they consume around 40 percent less energy than an equivalent incandescent lamp. The brilliant light of halogen lamps is well-suited for accent lighting as well as for punctual lighting, e.g. at a desk in the home office.
