Energy efficient bulb sales up
Waikato residents are being encouraged to reduce their homes’ energy costs this winter by replacing old incandescent bulbs after new data showed Kiwis bought nearly 1.95 million energy efficient light bulbs from supermarkets last year.
The growing number of energy efficient light bulbs purchased in New Zealand has saved up to $4 million in energy costs or the equivalent electricity consumption of about 6000 homes, according to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
EECA lighting manager Bill Brander said the bulbs now make up 23 per cent of all light bulb sales, compared to 17 per cent in 2012.*
He said the increase in energy efficient bulb sales is important because of the significant savings to households from replacing old fashioned bulbs with energy efficient models.
‘‘Replacing six incandescent bulbs in high-use areas with efficient bulbs can save $120 a year, even after you factor in the cost of the bulbs. The efficient bulbs also last much longer,’’ Brander said.
Brander said the end of daylight saving is the time when Kiwis traditionally replace failed bulbs and he encourages households to install more energy efficient light bulbs to make more savings.
‘‘Lighting use typically doubles in autumn and winter because people are spending more time at home and the nights are longer,’’ he said.
‘‘Lighting makes up about 12 per cent of a home’s electricity bill and the average home has about 30 light bulbs – so installing energy efficient bulbs is a very easy way to reduce energy use.’’
Standards introduced in 2012 mean all CFL energy efficient light bulbs must meet performance requirements and the top performing bulbs have the blue ENERGY STAR®, Brander said.
‘‘In the past people were concerned about the limited range of options. There’s now a range of attractive energy efficient bulbs in warm and cool tones that will work now in most situations,’’ Brander said. Key energy efficient light bulb facts: In 2012, efficient light bulbs made up 16.8 per cent of all bulb sales – in 2013 that has grown to 22.9 per cent
In 2012, 1.49M efficient light bulbs were sold, in 2013 that increased to 1.95M (+454k)
In 2012, 7.40M inefficient light bulbs were sold - in 2013 that decreased by 12 per cent to 6.54M (-860k)
Total lightbulb volume therefore decreased by -5 per cent (-406k) over that period
*Scan data, Aztec NZ, total supermarkets, globe sales 12 months to 31/12/13.