Rebecca Pagan: Why we should see the light on LED bulbs

LED bulbs are highly efficient and last longer than the average traditional incandescent bulb. Picture: TSPL

Halogen bulbs are set to be phased out of the UK by an EU regulation from September onwards in an attempt to move the UK towards LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting.

LED technology creates a more efficient, less wasteful way of producing light output than lightbulbs of the past though, due to ever-changing technology, some consumers can find it difficult to stay up to date with what LED lighting means for them.

For example, many people relate the amount of light being produced from a bulb to the wattage being used, yet the wattage of a light bulb is becoming a redundant measure since a 5w LED bulb can produce the same amount of light as a 50w halogen bulb. We must now re-train ourselves to use lumens as the measure of how much light a bulb is producing.

More lumens mean it’s a brighter light; fewer mean it’s a dimmer light. For example, to achieve the same light output of a 60w conventional bulb, you will need an LED lamp with around 800-850 lumens.

Switching on to LED can offer customers cost savings. LED bulbs are highly efficient and last longer than the average traditional incandescent bulb. That means they create the same amount of light using less electricity and save on replacement costs.

LED are also more environmentally friendly. They give out no UV emissions and they are mercury free.

They also create a cooler living environment as they don’t produce heat, so no energy is used on anything other than light.

There is no waiting for the light to brighten up, as with other eco-friendly bulbs, as LED bulbs turn on instantly. And with a life span of up to 25,000 hours you won’t need to replace your bulbs as often. Indeed, an LED lamp can be installed and forgotten about for up to 25 years!

Time to starting thinking about making the switch to LED?

• Rebecca Pagan is buyer at Pagazzi Lighting