Using low-energy light bulbs

Which bulbs should you choose to reduce your energy consumption? As their name suggests, low-energy bulbs aim to reduce the electricity consumption of lighting. There are different types of low-energy bulbs: - Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): They are an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. They work by using a noble gas and a phosphorescent coating inside the tube, which produces light. CFLs are available in a variety of shapes and colours and suit many lighting applications. Advantages: -Attractive price -Luminous efficacy higher than incandescent (60 to 70 lm/W). -Average lifespan of 6 000 to 15 000 h. Disadvantages: -Contains mercury. -Gradual start-up (several tens of seconds) -Shorter lifespan if switched on and off too frequently. - LED bulbs Advantages: -Excellent luminous efficacy (100 lm/W). -Long lifespan of 30 000 to 60 000 h. -Instant start-up -Wide variety available in size, shape, power, colour, etc. -Low-voltage operation Disadvantages: -Use of rare earths in manufacturing -Price LED bulbs cut electricity consumption by a factor of 7 compared with incandescent bulbs and by almost half compared with fluorescent bulbs, with a much longer lifespan. How can you optimise your lighting installation? • Carry out a study of the lighting needs; there is no point lighting an unused area. • Choose lighting solutions suited to the use. There is no point installing the latest-generation LED lighting in a room that is only used a few hours a year, because given the material, energy and environmental cost of replacement, it is better to keep the existing lighting if it is still working

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