Finding The Right Bulbs To Reduce Your Energy Bills

27 September 2022

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Ever wondered what difference a light bulb can make to your energy bills? At Searchlight, as many of our wholesale customers and the wider population battle with the rising costs of energy, we are exploring just how choosing the right light bulbs can make a difference. Keeping energy costs down and improving the energy efficiency of your business or home.

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The energy efficiency of light bulbs 

The energy efficiency of light bulbs is measured in lumens per watt (lm/W), with the higher the number, the more efficient the bulb is. In general, an energy-saving light bulb will have a lumen output of around 80-90lm/W. To put this into perspective, an old-style incandescent light bulb has a  lumen output of just 17-24lm/W. So, if you’re still using these in your business, it’s time to make the switch to energy-saving bulbs! Not only are they more energy-efficient, but they also last much longer. An incandescent light bulb has an average lifespan of just 1,000 hours. In contrast, an energy-saving light bulb can last up to 10,000 hours, which equates to around 9 years based on 3 hours of use per day. Over the years, light bulbs have become far more efficient, utilising new technologies to provide a longer life span and greater amounts of light. Meaning there are now plenty of options to choose from when upgrading your company’s light bulbs.

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What type of energy efficient light bulbs are available?

When it comes to choosing the right light bulbs for your business or home, there is a wide range of energy-saving options available, each with their own benefits.

• LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient on the market, with lumen outputs of around 100lm/W. They also last up to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, making them a great long-term investment. They also offer a great life span and can be fitted in almost all lighting fixtures. Most people will choose to light a room with LED ceiling lights, helping to remove the requirement for additional and costly light fixtures.
• CFL bulbs are also a popular choice for businesses as they have high lumen outputs of around 70-80lm/W. They don’t last quite as long as LEDs, but with an average lifespan of around 8,000 hours, they’re still a great option.
• Halogen bulbs can also be another energy-saving option. Although they utilise the same technology as traditional light bulbs, they run at a higher temperature. Most often, halogen bulbs are used in ceiling spotlights. These are rather popular with office spaces and businesses with limited floor space,  where floor and wall lamps could cause hazards or in home, particularly within kitchen and bathrooms.

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What are the benefits of energy-saving light bulbs?

There are numerous benefits of energy-saving light bulbs, including:

• Reducing energy costs – as they use less power than traditional light bulbs, they can help to lower energy bills.
• Improving cash flow – with a longer lifespan, energy-saving light bulbs will reduce the amount you would typically spend each year on replacing traditional bulbs. This is particularly important for businesses who use a lot of energy each year, or in homes which are feeling he increased cost of living.
• Improving the environment – by using less energy, this can help to reduce carbon footprints and do their bit for the environment.
• Improving lighting quality – with a higher lumen output, energy-saving light bulbs can provide a better quality of light than traditional bulbs. This is particularly important in workplaces where good lighting is essential for staff productivity.

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How can I switch to energy-saving light bulbs?

Making the switch to energy-saving light bulbs is a simple and easy way to reduce your business’s energy usage and costs. Here are some tips on how you can do this:

• Assess your current lighting needs – take a look at the type of light bulbs you are currently using in your business or home and consider whether there are any areas where you could make the switch to energy-saving bulbs.
• Make the switch – once you’ve found the right light bulbs, simply replace your traditional bulbs with energy-saving ones. Be sure to dispose of the old bulbs correctly, as they may contain harmful chemicals.
• Consider other ways to save energy – as well as switching to energy-saving light bulbs, there are a number of other ways you can reduce your business or homes energy usage and costs.