LIGHT BULB MOMENTS
Brighten up your home the smart, efficient way
Whether you’re after a practical bulb, a decorative one with a glowing element on show or a smart bulb controlled wirelessly by an app on your phone, the good news is that it won’t rack up your electricity bill. Energyguzzling 100 watt light bulbs have been replaced by low-wattage energy saving CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and highly efficient LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, and there are more changes to halogen bulbs coming next year. When you buy a bulb, you’ll be able to tell how much energy it will use, as well as its wattage. Look on the packaging for an energy rating (A+++ is the highest), and check the Lumen rating – it’s a better guide to the brightness than the wattage. Decide on a daylight or warm tone, measured in kelvins – the lower the number, the warmer the light.
Diane Simpson, lighting buyer at John Lewis, advises on choosing lighting…
Why are halogen bulbs in the news?
Halogen bulbs are being phased out because they only use 20 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, compared with LEDs, which use 80 per cent less. We’ve already stopped importing halogen GU10 spotlight bulbs, but regulations on more classic shaped bulbs will come into force from September 2018. Retailers will still be able to sell the phased-out products but it won’t be possible for manufacturers to import them.
What can I use instead of halogen?
LED bulbs will replace halogen. The latest LED technology is very close to exactly matching the functionality, light output and colour temperature – warm or cool tones
– of the traditional incandescent bulbs.
What are the advantages of LED bulbs?
Although they cost on average two to three times more than halogen, they last 10 times longer – between 10,000 and 20,000 hours.
Are LEDs suitable for older light fittings?
Yes, LED is compatible with all standard mains voltage lighting. John Lewis has a range of cap types such as BC, ES, SES and GU10 and glass shapes such as candle, golf, classic and spot in LED as well as vintage-style filament LED bulbs, which replicate the look of old incandescent bulbs.
Do LED bulbs work with dimmers?
You’ll need to buy dimmable LEDs. These bulbs will work with compatible dimmers that use V-Pro technology. All dimmers at John Lewis use this.
Will the LEDs work with my old halogen lighting, which is on a circuit?
Yes, assuming it’s GU10 mains voltage. It would be good practice to change over all lightbulbs in a circuit at the same time to ensure they all last longer together. If in doubt, speak to a qualified electrician.
Are there any changes to CFL bulbs?
CFL bulbs are already energy efficient and so there’s no change there for now. However, LED bulbs offer a greater energy saving and better lighting at a similar price.