Bulb Switch Need Not Be a Headache
As retailers sell off their remaining stocks of conventional incandescent light bulbs, a major row is looming over the energy saving bulbs which are supposed to replace them
The Government is promoting compact fluorescent technology as a way of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Although compact fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient, they have major drawbacks.
Health campaigners are concerned about the flicker from these lights, which can cause severe migraines. Yet this problem, ignored by politicians, isn’t the most serious issue.
Energy saving bulbs are poisonous!
There are growing concerns about the mercury contained in compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Every single one contains enough of this highly toxic substance to contaminate 6000 gallons of water.
Many used bulbs will end up in landfill sites and will contaminate the environment. And very few consumers seem to be aware of the danger.
Some commentators think it could become a major social problem – much like the addition of lead to petrol products, which caused severe health problems in young children.
The safe, clean and efficient alternative
In the rush to embrace CFL as an energy saving option, a safer, more efficient technology has been largely ignored.
Bulbs using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are now available as viable replacements for incandescent lights. LED bulbs last longer than CFLs, use less power and produce flicker-free light. And they do not contain harmful substances.
The development of LEDs for production of white light has been astonishing. So fast, in fact, that many people will only be aware of LEDs as red indicator lights on electrical appliances.
LEDs are now commonly used in vehicle lights, torches, streetlights and other common applications – and their efficiency is staggering. But they have only recently been introduced for general lighting applications.
Specialist companies such as environmental consultants Kudos Business Technologies are raising awareness of the potential for LED lighting in homes and offices
A well-designed LED spot light, equivalent to the halogen bulbs commonly used in homes throughout the country, can use 80% less energy than its conventional counterpart. And it will last up to 30 times longer”
So says Simon Leggett, Managing Director of the consultancy.
“With the advances in LED technology that we are now seeing, it won’t be long before the majority of business and domestic lighting will be LED. We are now looking at replacements for 100w incandescent bulbs which only consume 10w of power, can be used in existing fittings, can be used with dimmer switches and last 50,000 hours. That’s a winning solution”.
LEDs may yet prove to be the cure that everyone is looking for.
Contact: info@kudos-bt.com
Telephone: +44 1761 463181