11 Common Myths about Green Lighting

A single low energy bulb costing $2 can save you up to $100 in energy costs over its lifetime and avoid hundreds of kilograms of CO2 emissions.

So why are we not all using them? One reason is that many people simply aren’t aware of the benefits. Another is that low energy light bulbs, also known as eco-bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs, still have a reputation for poor quality.

Here are 11 of the most common myths about green lighting:

1. Low energy bulbs produce unpleasant light

Five or so years ago, many low energy bulbs did produce rather weak, cold and unnatural-looking light. Times have changed and modern eco bulbs produce bright, yellow light that is just as pleasant – if very slightly different in character – as regular lighting.

Popular Mechanics put such claims to the test, asking people to rate the light from eight different bulbs. The result? The seven eco bulbs all scored better than the one regular bulb.

2. Low energy light bulbs are expensive

Prices have plummeted in recent years and, thanks to subsidy schemes, high quality bulbs are available in the UK for as little as $2 each. The more obscure eco bulbs are pricier, but still excellent value if you factor in how long they last and the comparative cost of using regular bulbs.

3. Eco bulbs flicker and take ages to turn on

This is mainly a thing of the past. Most modern low energy bulbs turn on within a second, with no flickering. But it’s true that they can take a few seconds to reach their maximum light levels, especially in a cold room.

4. They take lots of energy to make, offsetting their environmental benefits

Energy saving bulbs take around four times more energy to make than regular incandescent bulbs do. But they last five to ten times longer, so they can actually help reduce the total energy used in light bulb manufacture and distribution. Even if this were not true, the energy used in producing an eco bulb would be outweighed by the 80 per cent energy savings it can make.

5. They look ugly

Some might think the spiral or U-shaped low energy bulbs aren’t particularly attractive for exposed light fittings, but I quite like them. Plus there are plenty of regular-looking eco bulbs, such as the Philips Softone range, available in globe, candle and other shapes.

6. Halogen bulbs are already super-efficient

Halogen bulbs are more efficient than regular bulbs but still only half as efficient as low energy compact fluorescents. And halogen bulbs are often used rather prolifically – many homes have six or more recessed halogen bulbs in one room.

There are three alternatives to halogen fittings. Philips make a version of a standard ceiling-recessed halogen bulbs that use 30 per cent  less energy. Even greener are Megaman’s mini compact fluorescent bulbs, available for various halogen fittings. Or you could try LED spotlights, which use as little as 1W per bulb, but current models produce far less light than regular halogens.

7. Low energy bulbs don’t work with dimmer switches

This was true until recently, but you can now buy fully dimmable low energy bulbs. They’re more expensive than regular eco bulbs but they can still save you plenty of money in the long run. The Philips energy-saving halogen bulbs mentioned above are fully dimmable (as are some Megaman bulbs, though you may have to change your fittings).

8. Low energy bulbs are bad for us and the environment as they contain mercury

It’s true that low energy bulbs contain tiny quantities of mercury (around 100–300 times less than you’d get in a thermometer). However, this can be safely disposed of by taking old bulbs to your local dump for recycling.

The largest source of mercury in the air is the burning of fossil fuels – in coal-fired power plants, for example. Provided they’re properly disposed of, low energy bulbs can help reduce the amount of mercury energy entering the atmosphere by cutting the demand for electricity.

9. Regular bulbs don’t waste energy, they just produce heat that helps warm the home

It is true that the ‘wasted’ energy of a regular bulb is given off as heat. but this is only useful on cold days. Gas boilers produce heat far more efficiently than electric light bulbs. And as hot air rises, bulbs on the ceiling aren’t exactly the ideal place to produce heat for your home.

10. Governments are banning regular bulbs

In September 2007 a number of leading retailers, in consultation with the UK government, agreed to begin phasing out the least efficient bulbs this year. However this is a voluntary initiative rather than a ban.

11. It’s hard to find low energy bulbs

If your local shops stock a minimal range of low energy bulbs, or they’re charging too much for them, buy online at sites.