Low energy light bulbs are a great way to save electricity but
as you can see below as well as advantages there are a number of potential disadvantages to take
into account before deciding to use them.
Advantages
Use around 80% less electricity
-
Yes they really do!
Last 5-15 times longer than a standard bulb?
-
Under ideal conditions, using a figure of 70% of the quoted
figure is a better guide. In addition standard bulbs appear
to last longer than the quoted 1000 Hrs
Disadvantages
High cost
-
Vary between just under £0.50 and £9 - these costs are falling all the time
Heavy
-
Put a higher strain on cable and termination when fitting
suspended by cable
Can be larger than a standard bulb
-
May not fit some light fittings although a larger variety
of fittings and smaller bulbs are rapidly becoming available
Less tolerant of frequent switching
-
Frequent switching shortens the life, manufacturer's figures
are for ideal conditions
Take time to reach full output
-
Approximately 30 seconds to reach full intensity - can
be disconcerting
Light colour not the same a standard bulbs
-
Depends on your preferences but they are different
Confusing variety of types and costs
-
Be cautious the cheaper ones typically have a shorter
life
Manufacturers inconsistent with economy ratings
-
Some manufacturers rate them as 'A' others as 'B' on the
energy efficiency scale
Incompatible with dimmer switches
-
This is now only partially true since bubs are becoming available that are dimmable, however they are expensive.
Light output drops with time
-
It is slow but noticeable when comparing old & new
bulbs of same wattage
Don't like being operated on their side?
-
Appear to have a higher failure rate operated horizontally
also poor connections sometimes especially with cheap fittings
Not all bulb types available
-
Mainly bayonet and screw at present but the range is increasing all the time.
Can flicker occasionally when switched off
-
When fed from very long cable runs (e.g. lights switched
from the top and bottom of stairs) the capacitive coupling
across the cables can cause the lights to flicker occasionally
when switched off. This is quite rare.
