How to choose economical light bulbs. Energy saving light bulbs: pros and cons. The best energy saving light bulbs. Which lamps are most convenient and useful for a home or apartment?
Electricity prices are now such that, willy-nilly, you begin to think about saving. The easiest way to lower your energy bills is to reduce your lighting costs. It is this that “eats” most of the kilowatts in an ordinary apartment or house. We will discuss which lamps are better for the home and according to what parameters in this article.
You can see different lamps on store shelves. Let's take a closer look at those that are installed in private houses and apartments.
Lighting in the house should be cozy, comfortable... preferably economical
Incandescent lamps
The oldest lighting devices are more than a century old. They provide light that is pleasant to the eye, but during operation they get very hot, as they have low efficiency - about 97% of the energy is spent on heat generation. Therefore, lighting using conventional incandescent lamps is expensive. It is for this reason that many decide to replace them with more economical ones, while deciding which lamps are better for the home and for the wallet.
There is another unpleasant property of incandescent lamps - their service life is not very long. On average it is about 1000 -3000 hours. Since the price of these lighting fixtures is low, it is a small burden on the wallet. However, frequent replacement can be nerve-wracking - you have to always have a couple of pieces in stock.
A widespread trend - traditional incandescent lamps are being replaced by more economical ones
It is also worth taking into account that, due to the design features, they are produced only with a screw base, but they operate from a 220 V network and do not require any converters or special devices. Due to the large amount of heat, they are not used for lighting furniture; they are not compatible with all suspended ceilings, and they are not at all friendly with suspended ceilings. In general, this is a classic lighting, but not ideal.
Halogen
Halogen lamps are a type of incandescent lamp. They differ in that the flask is filled with halogen vapor (most often iodine or bromine), which increases the service life by 2-3 times. The design allows them to be made not only with a screw base, but also with a pin base. Different bulb shapes and the use of reflective coating make it possible to create light sources with different scattering angles. Therefore, at one time, they were widely used as built-in ceilings or furniture.
Halogen incandescent lamps - a more “advanced” option
Since these are also incandescent lamps, they have almost the same disadvantages - significant heat generation. And that's the problem. But the energy consumption is less (about 2-3 times). So they are more economical compared to the classic design. But they have an additional disadvantage - they do not tolerate contaminants on the flask. A fingerprint can cause burnout. Therefore, installation must be done with gloves.
Luminescent: tubular and compact (housekeepers)
The operation of these lighting devices uses another principle - the property of certain phosphor substances to emit light under certain conditions. Structurally, it consists of a glass tube coated with a phosphor. Inside the tube there are electrodes and a certain amount of mercury vapor. An electric charge is created on the electrodes, the energy of which is converted into light radiation using a phosphor.
To create and maintain an electric charge, fluorescent lamps need a starting and regulating device - a voltage transformer and a starter. In the standard version, these devices are mounted on the body of lamps, which can only work with this type of lighting fixture.
Available in two types:
If we talk about comparison with incandescent lamps, they are 3 times more economical and hardly heat up. A serious disadvantage is that due to the pulsation, the light is unpleasant for the eyes and potentially hazardous to health (leads to increased fatigue and can cause a bad mood). In this type of lighting fixtures, it is almost impossible to get rid of pulsation. What can be done is to minimize it and, by adding one incandescent lamp, reduce the negative effect to a minimum.
Many are also concerned that the flask contains mercury vapor inside, which carries a potential danger. This is briefly about the main disadvantages, then we will consider in more detail the pros and cons of fluorescent lamps.
LED
This is the third type of lamp that uses semiconductor devices - LEDs. They do not require any special atmosphere, so their flask is not airtight, and this is more a tribute to tradition than a necessity. All the LEDs need to operate is a constant voltage of 12 V or 24 V. So operation is not difficult - to connect to a 220 V network you need a voltage converter (power supply, adapter). In LED lamps for standard luminaires, this converter is built into the housing, so they can easily replace conventional incandescent lamps.
Briefly about the properties. They have high efficiency - they require 7-8 times less electricity than similar incandescent lamps, and have a much longer service life (according to manufacturers' requests, they can work for 25-35 years). Disadvantages - they are expensive, it is difficult to determine the quality, low-grade ones have strong pulsation, which negatively affects the eyes and well-being, and often fail. Therefore, choosing an LED lamp is not an easy task and requires certain knowledge. But the bills actually become significantly smaller.
Which lamps are best for home
All these lighting devices are used to illuminate residential premises. It is definitely impossible to answer which lamps are best for the home - they all have advantages and disadvantages. If your main concern is eye comfort, the answer to the question “which lamps are best for the home” is incandescent. But at the same time you will not be able to save on lighting. The situation is a little better with halogen ones. But the lighting from 12 V halogens is more pleasing to the eye, which requires transformers. Those that operate on 220 V have too bright light.
When it comes to saving on electricity bills, LED bulbs are the best. This is undeniable. But you need to buy them wisely - so that they are of good quality and work for a long time, but these are expensive. But, even under such conditions, they are beneficial, since they really help to significantly reduce energy consumption. A
Why LED and not housekeepers? Let's compare their properties.
Comparing fluorescent and LED light bulbs
When people have a desire to reduce their electricity costs, they begin to think about replacing incandescent lamps with more energy-efficient ones. These are considered energy-saving (compact fluorescent) and LED. To understand which lamps are best for your home, you need to take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages.
Having decided to replace incandescent lamps with more economical ones, you need to decide the question: which lamps are better for the home - LED or compact fluorescent
Housekeepers
This is what compact fluorescent lamps are called. They were the first to appear on the market (compared to LED ones), which is why this name was assigned to them. Let's start with advantages:
At the time this was a very good offer. The ability to obtain “warm” and “cold” light and save on electricity - all this has led to the popularity of energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs.
But flaws they have serious:
There are many shortcomings, and almost all of them are serious. They are the ones who stop many, even despite the savings.
LED
These light bulbs are made on the basis of semiconductor elements - LEDs. A certain number of them are installed in a single housing and connected to a power source. Power supply is from a constant voltage of 12 V. In order to use lamps in standard lamps, a rectifier and a circuit that lowers the voltage to 12 V are built into the housing (both of these devices are often called a driver).
LEDs generate heat when operating. To remove it, a radiator is built into the body. And the bases of these lamps are different. They can be installed instead of incandescent lamps of different sizes, halogen, tubular fluorescent.
If we compare all four types in terms of power consumption with equal luminous flux
Advantages LED lamps:
- They consume 7-8 times less electricity than incandescent ones, and 2-3 times less than fluorescent ones (housekeepers too).
- They have a long service life.
- Not afraid of vibration and shock.
- Lights up immediately after switching on.
- They have a wide range of operating temperatures -40°C to +40°C.
- Can be of any shade (any color).
- There are dimmable ones (changing the brightness of the light).
The advantages are impressive. The efficiency and service life are particularly impressive. But the figures stated by the manufacturers (about 25-35 years) must be treated with skepticism. They are for ideal conditions, which are practically unattainable in our realities. The warranty period declared by the manufacturers actually indicates the service life. This is the time they will most likely work. But even despite this, the period is considerable - 2-5 years.
Without shortcomings it didn't work either:
- High price. 4-5 times more expensive than energy-saving ones and 20-40 times more expensive than incandescent ones.
- Low quality LED lamps have significant pulsation.
- Without a diffuser, the light will blind the eyes, which is why most LED lamps are made with milky glass. Those in a transparent flask can only be used in conjunction with matte shades.
- LEDs are afraid of overheating. When the critical temperature (about 90°C) is exceeded for a long time, they lose their brightness. Therefore, it is unreasonable to use LED lamps in closed-type lamps.
When compared with the properties of fluorescent lamps, LEDs clearly have the advantage. But everything is not so rosy in reality.
Which lamps are better for the home: LED or fluorescent?
In fact, LED lamps are better in all respects. But eating it hurts “BUT”. These must be high-quality LED lamps. The thing is that the manufacturing technology is simple and does not require highly complex or very expensive equipment. It is difficult to make LEDs, but assembling an LED light bulb from them is not difficult. That’s why there are a lot of fakes and low-quality goods on the market. They use cheap, low-quality crystals; the driver is made to be the simplest, which does not suppress flicker and quickly fails.
The difficulty is that it is impossible to determine “by eye” the quality of LEDs or the same driver. Some experts are able to distinguish good LEDs by appearance. But in lamps they are hidden under a frosted bulb. Having set a goal, their quality can be checked by indirect signs - by measuring illumination, pulsation, and assessing color rendition. But the quality of the parts used in the power supply cannot be assessed. You will only find out when something burns out.
All this leads to the fact that many consider LED lamps unreliable - they burn out quickly and are expensive. So it turns out that there is no saving. And there are also problems with flickering... It seems so, but this is only true if you buy cheap LED lamps. Branded lamps really serve for years without problems and produce an even light that is pleasing to the eyes. So the main task is to find good quality LED lamps. And then you will know exactly which lamps are best for your home.
Instead of the bottom line: replacing incandescent lamps with LED ones will save on lighting bills only if they are used for a long time, and this is possible only if they are of high quality. High-quality light bulbs are not cheap. So, perhaps, this is the case when saving during the purchase is not worth it.
Until recently, energy-saving devices were not widely used indoors, as they were manufactured in the form of tubes of different lengths. It was difficult for an ordinary user to install or change such models, compared to a conventional incandescent lamp. Today this is an improved device for a fluorescent lighting device. Let's take a closer look at what energy-saving lamps are (types and prices will help you make the right choice for your room).
Read in the article:
Categories of lighting fixtures, types of bases
There are 2 types of models:
- LED
- luminescent.
If we talk about light output, then LED designs have much more.
Types of LED lamps and applications
LED (light emitting diode) is a visually ordinary bulb with a semiconductor crystal. The range depends on the chemical semiconductor composition. In modern technology, this is a new solution.
Classification:
- Type of base.
- Application area.
- Type of LED used.
Let's look at LED models by area of application.
Street lighting fixtures
Widely used in illumination of large swimming pools, public buildings, pedestrians and other public places.
Various decoration methods using smart RGB lighting devices are also widely used.
LED for home and office use
This type can completely replace all categories of previously used models: conventional incandescent lamps; fluorescent and halogen.
Visually they are no different from their predecessors and have a similar base.
LED spotlights
This model is assigned to a separate class. Until today, quartz light fluxes have been used in spotlights.
Due to technical characteristics and differences in photometry, it is impossible to directly replace quartz lamps with LED models. Therefore, floodlights are designed specifically for the LED light source.
LED in industry
This direction is widely used in factories, warehouses and production facilities.
Distinctive features: ideal luminous flux; highest power and IP rating protection.
Models designed for growing plants
Note! Such models sometimes use programming capabilities.
How are caps classified?
The base is the part of the lighting fixture that is in contact with the power supply.
Types of energy-saving lamp bases are divided into two groups:
- Screw-type, marked with the symbol “E”.
- Pin "G".
Let's take a closer look in the table at how bases are classified:
| Types of base | Description |
|---|---|
 E27 Regular classic model with thread | The base is suitable for chandeliers and lamps |
 E14, this is E27, only with smaller threads | Used in modern lighting devices. Models “candle” and “minion” are produced with a base. |
 GU5.3, similar to the base model of halogen | Such devices are used in LED lamps and do not require design changes |
 GU10 | The model can be found in the kitchen area, where a hood and lighting are used |
 G4 base with two wires | Used in small light bulbs |
 G9 (pin) | The base is the most convenient when installing or replacing the flask |
Energy saving lamps and LED lamps: comparison with predecessors
In order to obtain a complete amount of information about each model, you need to clearly familiarize yourself with the performance characteristics and make a comparison.
Note! In order for the comparison to take place with maximum accuracy, we determine the level of luminous flux of the room (800 Lm).
This is about a regular 75W incandescent model. Now let's give an example with 4 devices, with the same level of illumination.
Comparison table for energy-saving lamps: technical characteristics of incandescent, halogen and fluorescent devices:
| Types/names | Heating level | Light flux, lm | Power, W | Payment per year/RUB (20 devices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Incandescent lighting fixture | High heat | 600-700 | 75 | 11000 |
 Compact fluorescent lamp, energy-saving model | Medium heat | 600-700 | 15 | 2200 |
 LED | Doesn't heat up or break | 800 | 10 | 1450 |
 Halogen | Gets very hot and very fragile | 700 | 45 | 6600 |
Based on the data in the table, we can summarize that the leading place is occupied by.
Power consumption
The data shows that for different types of lamps, with the same illumination, the luminous efficiency varies greatly. As for the practical issue, an LED lighting device consumes almost 8 times less energy, which affects costs.
Note! A fluorescent lamp, for all its savings, is still less economical.
Saving
Let's do a little calculation:
- Price of one kW = 3 rubles.
- We will assume that the lamp burns 8 hours a day.
- We receive 2920 hours per year.
Let's calculate electricity for the year:
- Incandescent lamp: 2920×75 = 219,000 = 219 kW per hour (219×3 = 657 rubles).
- Luminescent: 2920×15 = 43,800 = 43.8 kW per hour (43.8×3 = 131.4 rubles).
- LED: 2920×10 = 29,200 = 29.2 kW per hour (29.2×3 = 87.6 rubles).
- Halogen: 2920×45 = 131,400 = 131.4 kW per hour (131.4×3 = 394.2 rubles).
Based on the calculations, it can be seen that the LED model allows us to save a significant amount.
Regular and energy saving lamp: power/table
The table shows indicators without a protective bulb, which reduces brightness by 20%.
| LED, W | Incandescent, W | Flow, Lm |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 25 | 250 |
| 5 | 40 | 400 |
| 8 | 60 | 650 |
| 14 | 100 | 1300 |
| 22 | 150 | 2100 |
Are energy-saving lamps harmful to human health (especially for children)?
Ecology is one of the important indicators of the product. From the point of view of their data, halogen and incandescent lamps are environmentally friendly; their light spectrum is not harmful to human health. But taking into account the energy consumed, which is wasted just like that, they received a rating of 4 on a five-point scale.
Fluorescent lighting fixtures are rated 3 for several reasons:
- Energy-saving lamps flicker when turned off, which causes very tired eyes.
- The luminous flux is very weak and it is bad for vision.
- Mercury, if the lamp is damaged, can cause harm to health. Urgent disposal of the device will be required.
Note! LED lighting devices received a rating of five, as they have no disadvantages from the point of view of the environment and harm to the body.
Energy saving lamps: types and price. Are we saving or not?
In order to understand which model to choose for a particular room and save, you need to look at the average cost, service life and calculate the total savings.
Now let’s calculate the real savings of an LED lamp compared to its predecessors. The maximum service life after which the luminous flux begins to decrease significantly is 3 years, based on 8 hours per day.
Note! This adds up to 8,500 hours of lamp life. During this period, we change 12 incandescent lamps and 2 fluorescent lamps.
Let's calculate the amount for 3 years:
- LED – 300 rubles (1×300).
- Luminescent – 300 rubles (2×150).
- Lamp “Ilyich” – 360 rubles (12×30).
Then we add the amount of consumed electricity to the cost and multiply by 3 years:
- LED 562.8 rub.
- Luminescent RUB 694.2
- Incandescent 2331 rub.
Attention! If we compare a regular lamp with an LED light source, then the second one will allow us to save up to 2000 rubles. in 3 years. And that's just one light bulb!
Article
Kirill Sysoev
Calloused hands never get bored!
Content
Are you planning to update the lighting in your home or office? Then pay attention to energy-saving lamps, especially since the luminescent type of such light sources has good power. Today, these light bulbs have become an excellent alternative to yellow incandescent lamps with high filament heating temperatures, which are already obsolete. With less power and electricity consumption, such products are becoming more and more in demand from year to year.
What are energy saving lamps
Today, energy-saving light bulbs are widely used not only for lighting in offices and institutions, but also in apartments and private houses. A product of this type is an electric light bulb, which has a significantly higher light output compared to many analogues, which allows you to save a lot on electricity bills. It can have the usual U-shape or spiral. An energy-saving light bulb is installed in the same conventional socket as an incandescent lamp. At the same time, some models have a cool white glow, while others have a warm glow.
Device
Inside the light bulb is filled with inert gas and mercury or indium almagama. There is no filament in it. When exposed to high voltage, electrons begin to move and collide with atoms of the filling substance. The internal part of the product is an electronic starting and power circuit called electronic ballast. Models used for household lighting have such basic parameters as color temperature and power. The surface of the bulb is coated with a phosphor to give the light flux a color.
Kinds
Currently, economical light bulbs are divided into several types, which must be taken into account when choosing the best option for good lighting. First of all, they are divided into LED lamps, which have a standard base, fluorescent (gas-discharge) and halogen. In addition, they come in spiral and U-shape. Depending on the diameter, products are 7, 9, 12 and 17 mm. Types of energy-saving lamps by color of radiation:
- daytime;
- neutral white;
- warm white;
- cool white color.
Power
Before you buy energy-saving lamps in an online store with delivery by mail, familiarize yourself with such a parameter as power. Today they produce products from 7 to 250 W. It should be taken into account that their power is approximately 5 times greater than the power of incandescent lamps, so it is advisable to choose in accordance with the proportion 1:5 to achieve the desired lighting. In general, the higher this setting, the brighter the light will be.
Advantages and disadvantages
When buying compact, economical lamps for ordinary lamps or general/spot lighting of a particular room, familiarize yourself with their pros and cons. Here are some disadvantages:
- When choosing linear fluorescent daylight models or other energy-efficient light bulb options, remember that their cool or soft white color is different from the usual incandescent light bulb. If the color is chosen incorrectly, this can become a significant disadvantage, because... It will be very difficult to get used to such lighting.
- Another disadvantage of energy-saving lamps is their high cost, which is 10-20 times higher than a regular light bulb. In addition, they contain mercury, which is considered a dangerous poison.
- The most harmful is the presence of ultraviolet radiation, which affects the retina and cornea of the eye. In this regard, such lamps should not be placed closer than 30 cm from the eyes - this applies to a greater extent to lighting devices: table lamps, bedside lamps.
As for the advantages of energy-saving devices, they include:
- low power consumption;
- long service life;
- high light output;
- choosing the desired color;
- low temperature.
Buy energy saving lamps
To find out how much an energy-saving light bulb costs, you need to do some kind of price monitoring and, in addition, compare the characteristics of several products from the same category. This is the only way you can choose compact-sized light bulbs with enough power for normal lighting. In this case, you need to pay attention to both the diameter of the base and the diameter of the flasks. It should be added that today on the market you can find fluorescent lamps not only made in China, but also in Russia, and in different color shades.
Linear
Indoor economical lamps with a linear shape are excellent for table lamps. With their help, you can create the coziness necessary for work, not only in the office, but also at home. They are not only economical and durable, but also stylish. In addition, such products provide an even light that is comfortable for the human eye. At the same time, the question often arises: how much does an energy-saving light bulb of this type cost? You can find out about this below:
- Model name: Camelion G5;
- price: 120 rubles;
- characteristics: power 20W, bulb shape - tube, not mirror;
- pros: durability;
- cons: no possibility to connect a dimmer.
Another option, which has a good emission spectrum and a long service life, and is produced by a well-known company, is:
- Model name: Philips G5;
- price: 262 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, color temperature - 4000 K, diameter - 17 mm, height - 1.5 cm;
- advantages: service life – up to 24 thousand hours;
- cons: high cost.
Compact
To save electricity, pay attention to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Manufacturers produce them in a wide price range, so you can choose a model that will cost as little as possible. Remember that their service life greatly depends on the operating mode; for example, they do not like frequent switching on. A good compact option is:
- Model name: Uniel G23;
- price: 244 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daytime, power - 15 W, base type - G23, color temperature - 4500 K, luminous flux - 900 lm, diameter - 27 mm, height - 19.3 cm;
- pluses: they work for a long time, have a convenient flask shape;
- Cons: expensive, takes a long time to burn.
Another well-known brand that produces products with good light emission is OSRAM. Today you can even order them online, especially since some virtual stores hold promotions. A good purchase for you might be:
- Model name: OSRAM 2G1;
- price: 282 rubles;
- characteristics: power – 55 W, color rendering index – 80Ra, diameter – 17.5 mm, height – 2.36 cm, weight – 115 g;
- advantages: service life up to 20 thousand hours;
- Cons: The U-shaped base does not fit all fixtures.
For spotlights
Another good option for lighting an apartment is to use spotlights. You can find them on sale everywhere, be it Moscow, St. Petersburg or another city in the country. An important parameter when choosing is light temperature. Due to the shallow installation depth, spotlights are widely used by installers of suspended ceilings. One popular option is:
- Model name: ERA GU10;
- price: 130 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, power - 6 W, luminous flux - 500 lm, color temperature - 4000 K;
- pros: works up to 30 thousand hours;
- cons: expensive.
Another option that can be purchased on sale at various retail outlets is the model:
- Model name: Elektrostandard G5;
- price: 34 rubles;
- characteristics: light – warm white, power – 11 W, luminous flux – 300 lm, color temperature – 2700 K, weight – 16 g;
- pros: reasonable price;
- cons: short service life of 10 thousand hours.
Base E27
Lighting devices with such a base are the most widespread today. They fit standard sockets installed indoors. Energy-saving lamps of this type closely resemble conventional incandescent lamps. If you have not yet decided on the best option, then check out the characteristics of the model:
- model name: Navigator E27;
- price: 141 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, power - 15 W, bulb shape - pear-shaped, matte, color temperature - 4000 K;
- pros: durability, pleasant soft light;
- cons: expensive.
Check out another energy-saving option with LEDs, which, however, costs a little more:
- Model name: ASD E27;
- price: 215 rubles;
- characteristics: light – warm white, power – 20W, color temperature – 3000 K, luminous flux – 1800 lm;
- pros: durability, optimal light spectrum;
- cons: expensive.
Base E40
This type of base is also called a goliath. It is used mostly in street lamps and for lighting industrial premises. By replacing conventional lamps with energy-saving ones with such a base, you can reduce energy costs by almost 10 times. One of the common representatives of this category of goods is:
- model name: Wolta E40;
- price: 742 rubles;
- characteristics: light – cold, power – 85 W, color temperature – 6400 K, shape – spiral;
- advantages: long service life;
Remember that you can buy economical light sources more or less cheaply only if you order them in bulk. This is the only way you will have the opportunity to purchase powerful 100 W light sources at a good discount. Another option:
- model name: Feron E40;
- price: 1379 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, power - 125 W, color temperature - 4000 K, diameter - 105 mm, height - 28.8 cm;
- pros: durability, good brightness;
- cons: very high cost.
Base E14
These sockets, called minions, are designed for miniature classic light bulbs. To a greater extent, bases of this marking are used in chandeliers, sconces and small lamps. Modern energy-saving light sources are often manufactured in such a base, so they can replace standard incandescent light bulbs. One option is:
- model name: Ecola E14;
- price: 99 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, bulb shape - reflector, power -5.2 W, color temperature - 4200 K, light flux - 460 lm;
- cons: reasonable cost.
If the described option does not suit you in some way, then check out the characteristics of another, no less popular product:
- Model name: ASD E14;
- price: 95 rubles;
- characteristics: light - daylight, power - 5 W, bulb shape - candle in the wind, color temperature - 4000 K, light flow - 450 ml;
- advantages: service life – up to 30 thousand hours;
- cons: reasonable cost.
Professional
The rise in electricity prices is forcing users to look for new ways to save. One of them is to purchase professional and modern energy-saving lamps. With the same lighting, such light sources will consume 5 times less electricity than traditional incandescent lamps. In addition to this, they have virtually no flickering effect. If you are looking for an option for use in professional equipment, then pay attention to:
- name Fancier 45W;
- price: 899 rubles;
- characteristics: power – 45 W, base – E27, creates an intense stream of bright light;
- advantages: universal use;
- cons: expensive.
Another option for professionals that is used for Lumifor AMATO studio lights is:
- name Lumifor LLB-75W;
- price: 359 rubles;
- characteristics: power – 75 W, base – E14, provides even light;
- pros: can be used both in home photo studios and small professional ones;
- cons: expensive.
How to choose energy-saving lamps
To answer the question of how to choose an energy-saving light bulb for an apartment, you must first decide on the parameters:
- Power. This figure for energy-saving models is 5 times higher than for incandescent lamps, so if you use a traditional 100-watt lamp, then the energy-saving model should have 20 watts.
- Base. The most common type is the base with the designation E27. For large lamps, E40 is suitable, for sconces/table lamps - E14.
- Type of glow. The higher the temperature spectrum, the whiter the lamp will shine. Work cubicles and offices are in most cases equipped with models with an indicator in the range of 6-6.5 thousand K. For a bedroom or kitchen, it is better to choose 2.7 thousand K. As for a room for children, the best option would be a lamp with 4, 2 thousand K.
- Lamp shape. It does not affect anything other than the interior and design of the room. In order not to overpay and save money, make a choice in favor of U-shaped products, because... Spiral analogues are more expensive due to the complexity of manufacturing.
- In addition, pay attention to cost, durability and the availability of a manufacturer's warranty.
In the context of the ever-increasing price of electricity, we strive to save money and at the same time use normal lighting that does not hurt the eyes, is bright enough and does not cause irritation. That is why energy-efficient devices are the best solution for those who want to use high-quality light economically. From this material you will learn which lamps are the most energy-saving, what types currently exist, the better a particular type is, and whether their cost is really fully worth it.
Energy saving lamps: which ones are better
To understand which lamps are the most energy-saving, let’s compare them with the usual incandescent light bulbs that are already familiar to us all, or, as they were also called, “Ilyich light bulbs.” By purchasing one such device, in just a month you will understand how profitable it is, how pleasing to the eye and how economical it is. Compared to a conventional incandescent lamp they:
- They consume less energy but give the same light output. That is, the efficiency of this device is much higher. Unlike an incandescent light bulb, which produces an efficiency of no more than 18–20%, such a product achieves maximum performance of no less than 70–80%. In simpler terms, out of every hundred watts an ordinary lamp, working at full power and heating the spiral, produces only eighteen to twenty percent of light.
- They last longer and have a longer warranty period. Any store that sells energy-saving light bulbs will provide you with a guarantee for a certain service life. In some varieties it can be about twenty years. Considering how often ordinary lamps burn out, this is very beneficial, because you can always replace a burnt-out energy-saving device under warranty.
- Quite safe. All energy-saving lamps (except the halogen type) do not have direct contact connections, while the Ilyich light bulb has all contacts connected by a spiral. Therefore, in this case, a short circuit is practically impossible.
- They do not carry such a load on the general apartment network as conventional ones. This is also one of the safety indicators; thanks to the non-overloaded network, other household appliances will not be affected.
If we consider all these devices regarding their effect on human vision, energy-saving lamps, incandescent lamps, daylight, then they all flicker with a certain periodicity during their operation. This is due to the way the electron pulse passes through them. This is not noticeable to the naked eye, but upon detailed study, scientists discovered that:
- The cold spectrum affects vision more than usual and because of this, the retina is destroyed.
- Brightness and increased flicker in fluorescent lamps affect the brain and the stability of the nerve ganglia. People who work in an office with such lighting are 30 times more likely to seek help from psychoanalysts.
- According to the latest data from ophthalmologists, the optimal brightness is considered to be 2700–3100 K. This is good for both the living room and the children's room. Therefore, when choosing a light bulb, take this into account.
- If the lamp is located opposite the mirror, it affects vision an order of magnitude higher. It is best to install energy-saving light bulbs near mirror surfaces and glass doors. By paying attention to your appearance, putting yourself in order before going out to the store or for a walk, your eyes and brain will not be so tired.
If we talk in more detail about what they are and what they are, then let's move on to the next point of our material.
What types of energy-saving lamps are there?
By definition, an energy-efficient lamp is a special device for uniform light distribution, powered by electricity. Compared to its analogues, this product has an increased level of light output and significantly saves electricity.
Such economical devices are linear (LL) and compact (CFL). They all contain mercury and LED substances. A common feature of linear and compact fluorescent lamps can be considered tangible savings in electrical energy consumption. And at the same time, they fill the space with much more light than conventional incandescent lamps. The latter are gradually falling out of use, as many countries around the world have recently set a course for the operation of energy-efficient devices due to their overall safety and cost-effectiveness.
Which lamps are energy-saving?
Energy-saving fluorescent lamps include compact and linear lamps, which differ from each other in technical indicators and functions. Let's take a closer look at them to understand which energy-saving lamps are better for the home:
- CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) It is characterized by an arched shape, which allows it to be placed in small lamps. They are almost always used at home, being an optimal replacement for conventional incandescent lamps. They are often included in the package of non-standard lighting fixtures. Such a light bulb contains inert gases (argon and neon, known to many), as well as mercury vapor. The outer casing is finished with phosphor. Due to the collision of electrons with mercury components, externally imperceptible UV radiation is released, which turns into scattered light (this is facilitated by the phosphor coating). Compact lamps consist of three parts: a base for connecting to the electrical network, an electronic control device for igniting and maintaining the light bulb. It makes the transition from a 220 W power supply to that required for stable operation of the lamp without flickering. The third component of the device is the bulb, which is the outer shell of the lamp. Due to the differences in these elements, the type of CFL is also determined: for example, by the color of the radiation, the features of the base (there are 2D categories, often installed in shower stalls, E27 - for a regular cartridge, E14 - for a smaller cartridge, E40 - for a large cartridge).
- Linear fluorescent lamps (LFL) They can be circular, straight, or a specific U-variation. Straight-line devices have the shape of long glass tubes, at the ends of which there are glass legs, where, in turn, electrodes are fixed. There is a phosphor coating on the inner surface of the lamp, and the tube cavity itself is filled with inert gases and mercury. The safety of people from the harmful evaporation of mercury is guaranteed by hermetically sealing the lamp. Linear lamps differ in terms of the diameter and length of the tube, and the width of the base element. As a rule, the larger the dimensions of the LL, the greater the electricity consumption. Often, such luminaires are used in manufacturing plants and enterprises, in offices and places of public importance. Compact fluorescent lamps have become most popular among consumers, and their linear alternative is slowly going out of production.
Proven benefits of energy efficient lamps
Summarizing all of the above, I would like to emphasize that the use of energy-saving lighting devices in everyday life or at work has many advantages, among which the following are especially noticeable:
- According to manufacturers of lighting devices, the use of energy-saving lamps can reduce electricity costs by up to 80%. The luminous flux of these devices is much higher than that of conventional incandescent lamps.
- Energy efficient lamps have a long service life. This is more than 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs last. Such a long operating time is also a big plus for placing energy-saving lamps in places where frequent changes of light bulbs are very difficult (on high ceilings, between flights of stairs, etc.).
- Produce less heat compared to conventional lamps. Due to this, it is advisable to install small CFLs with a high power rating, especially in complex designs: sconces, chandeliers and twisted forms of lamps. Economical lamps will not melt the wires and plastic elements of the socket, which sometimes happens when using ordinary lamps.
- The light from energy-saving lamps is much healthier for vision because it is distributed evenly. A uniform glow is obtained due to the design of the lamp: the area of their body is larger than that of the spiral of conventional light bulbs.
- A choice of different color temperatures is possible. Lamps 2700K give white color, 6400K - cool white, 4200K - daylight. The specified data is measured on the Kelvin scale.
For more information about choosing energy-saving lamps, watch the video:
Traditionally, most people use well-known incandescent lamps to illuminate their houses and apartments. Based on the needs of the required lighting, different powers are used - 40 W, 60 W, 100 W.
We all know from school that the efficiency in conventional incandescent lamps is very low (only up to 50%). Consequently, only half of the electricity that an incandescent lamp consumes goes to actual lighting. As for the remaining half, it goes to heating this very incandescent light bulb.
Fortunately, science and technological progress are developing rapidly and a worthy alternative to old incandescent lamps has appeared - complex fluorescent lamps (CFL), which are also called energy saving lamps.
If we proceed from the term “energy-saving” (lamp), then this class can safely include any type of electric lamp that consumes less electricity per unit of luminous flux compared to a conventional incandescent lamp.
Energy saving lamp is a 5-6 generation fluorescent lamp. Not so long ago, such lamps were not so widespread because they were produced in the form of tubes of different lengths, which created some difficulties during their installation and replacement (compared to incandescent lamps). In fact, an energy-saving light bulb consists of three parts: a base, an electronic ballast (electronic ballast) and a fluorescent lamp or bulb. It is these components that determine their varieties. Nowadays, there are already quite a few types of energy-saving lamps, which vary in quality, shape, size, price, operating principle, base shape, emitted spectrum, etc.
What are the fundamental differences between an energy-saving lamp and an incandescent lamp?
Almost everyone knows how the mechanism of an incandescent lamp works. The tungsten filament in such a lamp heats up to a bright glow under the influence of electric current. However, not everyone knows how to design energy-saving lamps.
Energy-saving light bulbs consist of a bulb, which is filled with pores of mercury and argon, and a ballast (starter). On the inner surface of the flask there is a special substance called phosphor (it glows under the influence of ultraviolet radiation).
When an energy-saving light bulb is turned on, the mercury vapor contained in it, under the influence of electromagnetic radiation, creates ultraviolet radiation, which, in turn, passing through the phosphor (applied to the surface of the lamp) is converted into visible light.
The phosphor can be of different shades, thus creating different colors of light output. The design of modern energy-saving lamps provides for the standard sizes of conventional incandescent light bulbs. The base of such lamps has a diameter of 14 or 27 mm, which makes it possible to use energy-saving lamps in any chandeliers, lamps or sconces for which incandescent lamps were previously used.
Energy-saving lamps as a way to save electricity
In the case of using energy-saving lamps, it becomes possible to save electrical energy (compared to incandescent lamps) up to 85%, as well as money. In addition, when using such lamps, the load on the electrical wiring is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of an unexpected fire or broken plugs.
There is such an indicator of lamp performance as luminous efficiency (the ratio of luminous flux and power consumption, which is 50-100 Lm/W for energy-saving lamps and only 10-15 Lm/W for incandescent lamps). The ability of the lamp to save electricity depends on this. In other words, the light output of energy-saving lamps is five times greater than that of incandescent lamps, therefore, they require five times less electrical energy to operate than in the case of ordinary incandescent lamps.
The energy efficiency class of such lamps is indicated by their marking (for energy-saving lamps - A and B, and for incandescent lamps - E and F). It is obvious that the energy efficiency class of energy-saving lamps is much higher.
Advantages of energy saving lamps
– One of the main advantages of energy-saving lamps is their high luminous efficiency (the ratio between luminous flux and power consumption) several times higher than that of incandescent lamps. The energy-saving component lies precisely in the fact that the maximum of electricity supplied to an energy-saving lamp is converted into light, while in incandescent lamps about 50% of the electricity is spent on heating the tungsten wire.
– Also, an undeniable advantage of energy-saving lamps is their long service life (from 6 to 15 thousand hours of continuous burning), which is about 20 times longer than incandescent lamps. And all because the most common reason for replacing an incandescent lamp is a burnt-out filament. The mechanism of operation is energy saving.
– In the case of energy-saving lamps, it is possible to choose the color of the glow ( daytime, natural or warm). The bottom line is that the lower the color temperature, the closer the color is to red, the higher it is, the closer to blue.
– Another advantage of such lamps is low heat transfer. Due to their high efficiency, lamps emit little heat, since all the energy expended is converted into light. That is why energy-saving light bulbs can be safely installed in any chandeliers and lamps without fear that they may melt the body, wires or socket when heated.
– The light of energy-saving lamps is distributed more evenly and softly on the background of incandescent lamps, which is also a pleasant plus. This is due to the fact that an energy-saving lamp glows over its entire area (due to which a person’s eyes do not get so tired), but in an incandescent lamp.
Disadvantages of energy-saving lamps
– The service life of energy-saving lamps is largely determined by their mode of operation. Manufacturers indicate lamp service life on the boxes (6000, 8000, 15000 hours, etc.), but this is only relevant if used correctly. Namely, it is undesirable to turn such lamps on and off frequently; they are affected by the quality of the voltage (if the voltage in the network decreases by more than 10%, the lamps do not light up), as well as the type of lighting device and the orientation of the lamp in space.
– The warm-up phase of such lamps lasts up to 2 minutes, from which it is logical to conclude that they need time to achieve maximum brightness.
– It happens that when energy-saving lamps operate, flickering occurs. This is because when the switch is turned off, the circuit still remains closed. What happens is that a closed circuit is created by illuminated switches when current passes through a pilot lamp or in the event of a leak due to contamination inside the switch housing (which may not even be visible to the eye). To prevent such outbreaks, it is recommended to install a two-pole switch (since it breaks the circuit along two wires at once and is guaranteed to prevent voltage from reaching the lamp).
– At night, the lamps may spontaneously flash for a split second. The frequency of such outbreaks can vary from several minutes to several hours.
– The design of such lamps limits their scope of use, namely, they are incompatible with dimmers (dimmers). Most energy-saving lamps cannot be adjusted and will simply go out when you try to dim the light. In the case of dimmers, the situation is somewhat more complicated, since not all of them are suitable for controlling such lamps. The type of lamp for which the dimmer is intended is indicated in the accompanying documentation and, most often, under the front panel. If you try to regulate the light of an energy-saving lamp with a dimmer designed exclusively for incandescent lamps, the dimmer may fail after some time. There is still a way out of the situation - replacing the dimmer (most often this model will cost more) if the lamp is replaced with an energy-saving one (usually a more expensive model).
– Essential disadvantage of energy saving lamps is that a person needs to be at least 30 centimeters away from them. Due to the high level of ultraviolet radiation from such lamps, if placed close to them, they can cause harm to people with overly sensitive skin and those who are prone to dermatological diseases. But there will be no harm to a person located at a distance of more than 30 centimeters from the lamps.
But, despite all this, human exposure to fluorescent lighting is significantly lower than exposure to natural sunlight.
– One should take into account the fact that energy-saving lamps are not designed to operate at low temperatures (-15-20ºC), and at elevated temperatures the intensity of their light radiation decreases. This can be explained by the fact that the lower the concentration of mercury vapor in a particular individual lamp , the worse it will “work” or simply will not glow. There are special series of lamps for low temperatures, but their cost is much higher and they are extremely rare on store shelves.
– Among the disadvantages of such lamps, one should also mention the content of phosphorus and mercury, which, although in small quantities, are present inside energy-saving light bulbs. This can be harmful to human health if the lamp is disassembled; during normal operation, the lamp is harmless. For the same reason, energy-saving light bulbs require special disposal (they cannot simply be thrown into trash containers, which creates certain problems).
– Another disadvantage of energy-saving lamps compared to traditional incandescent lamps is their high price. However, their cost should be compensated by a significant reduction in payments for consumed electricity.
What is important to pay attention to when choosing energy-saving lamps
Power. Energy-saving lamps can have different wattages (range from 3 to 90 W). It is important to remember that the efficiency of such a lamp is very high and the luminous efficiency is approximately 5 times greater than that of an incandescent light bulb. Therefore, when choosing energy-saving lamps, for simplicity, you can simply divide the power of the incandescent lamp by five. If you used a regular 100 W incandescent light bulb in your lighting fixture, it would be appropriate to buy a 20 W power saver.
Size. Energy-saving lamps most often come in two main forms: U-shaped or spiral. There is no difference in the operating principle of these types of lamps; the differences are determined only by size. U-shaped lamps are easy to manufacture and cost less than spiral lamps, but are slightly larger in size. Before purchasing such lamps, it is better to determine in a timely manner whether the selected U-like energy-saving lamp is suitable for a particular lighting fixture. Spiral-shaped lamps are more complex to produce, they are somewhat more expensive than U-shaped ones, but the price is compensated by the traditional dimensions (like incandescent light bulbs), therefore, they are suitable for all lighting devices where incandescent light bulbs were previously used.
Base type. Energy-saving lamps, like incandescent lamps, can have different types of bases. The main part of the lighting fixtures is designed for E27 socket. But there are also devices with an E14 base. If a large incandescent light bulb was screwed into your chandelier, then this is most likely an E27 base. If the lamp has a small or medium incandescent bulb, then it must be an E14 base.
Manufacturers write all these characteristics of energy-saving lamps on the packaging.
For example, the inscription ESS-02A 20W E27 6400K on the packaging of a DeLux light bulb means that the lamp has a power of 20 W, with a large base (E27), and emits cool white light (6400K).
Color of light. Energy-saving lamps can shine in different colors. This characteristic is determined by the color temperature of the energy-saving lamp.
2700 K – warm white light.
4200 K – daylight.
6400 K – cool white light.
The lower the color temperature characteristic of an energy-saving lamp, the more the color spectrum approaches red; the higher the color temperature, the color spectrum shifts toward blue. In such a situation, you can experiment with choosing the optimal color before replacing all the light bulbs in the apartment with one color. You need to choose a color not only based on the specifics of the interior, but also take into account your visual needs. It’s just that the color created by an energy-saving light bulb is different from the usual light from an incandescent light bulb, and some people find it difficult to quickly adapt to it, especially if the color is chosen poorly. For residential premises, it is recommended to use warmer colors - soft white (warm glow).
Types of energy saving lamps
Energy-saving lamps for household use are divided into halogen, fluorescent and LED. These types of lamps save energy in different ways.
– fluorescent energy saving lamps(gas discharge lamps) save approximately 80% of electricity;
– LED energy saving lamps save from 80% to 90%;
– halogen lamps save energy from 30% to 50%.
Fluorescent lamps
Nowadays, fluorescent lamps are the most popular.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are discharge light sources that use electric current and an inert gas containing a small amount of mercury vapor to produce ultraviolet radiation. It is this radiation that hits the phosphor (The name “luminescent” comes from the luminescent powders, a mixture of which coats the walls of the bulbs of such lamps. This mixture is called phosphor) converted to visible light.
Fluorescent light bulbs are produced:
– tubular;
– in the form of a ring (for use in flat lamps);
– compact (the most common; they are a smaller version of tubular, but much smaller in size).
Among advantages of compact fluorescent lamps Compared to incandescent lamps, they distinguish:
– the ability to save energy up to 80% (compared to incandescent lamps);
– long service life (6-15 times longer than the service life of incandescent lamps, and can be from 6,000 to 15,000 hours depending on the type of lamp);
– CPLs emit less heat than incandescent lamps, so they can be safely used for lighting fixtures without fear that the lamps may damage them when heated;
– such lamps have a wide range of color tones (from warm to cool shades of daylight).
The disadvantages of CPL include:
– presence of mercury (from 2.5 to 5 mg). By the way, a mercury thermometer contains from 610 to 2250 mg of mercury;
– sensitivity to frequent on-off mode;
– deterioration of light output at low temperatures (below 10-15°C);
– the need to warm up to full power (30-45 seconds at room temperature);
– difficulties of disposal (since they contain mercury);
– the impossibility of using CPL in lamps that are controlled by dimmers.
Halogen lamps
Halogen lamps are improved incandescent lamps that contain halogen elements, allowing them not to lose brightness over time. The light spectrum of such lamps is close to the spectrum of solar daylight, and therefore the colors of a warm neutral range are well conveyed (as well as a person’s complexion).
The trouble is that halogen light bulbs are classified as energy-saving light sources rather conditionally, in comparison only with conventional incandescent lamps, since they last only 2-3 times longer than the latter and are twice as economical. Types of halogen lamps vary in power.
– high quality of light transmission;
– long service life;
– narrowly directed light distribution;
– stability of light brightness;
– small sizes;
– high level of safety - low voltage (even in conditions of high humidity);
– the ability to use such lamps with dimmers.
Disadvantages of halogen lamps
– high temperature of the bulb (can reach up to 500°C) - it is necessary to adhere to safety regulations (for example, maintain the required distance between the lamp and the suspended ceiling);
– sensitivity to voltage surges;
– the impossibility of touching such lamps with bare hands - greasy stains remain, which can lead to melting of the glass of the bulb (the lamp can be taken with a piece of cloth, and if there are stains on the bulb, wipe them with alcohol).
LED bulbs
LED bulbs- this is the last word in lighting. Today, they are most often used in decorative, architectural and landscape lighting. A distinctive feature of LEDs is their high efficiency and long service life (50-80 thousand hours). Such a light source can emit blue, green, red, yellow or white.
Advantages of halogen lamps
– long service life;
– low energy consumption (80% - 90% energy savings compared to conventional incandescent lamps);
– vibration resistance, therefore, high strength;
– radiation direction;
– environmental friendliness (absence of mercury and other harmful substances);
– variety of colors;
– adjustable intensity;
– fire safety (since such lamps practically do not heat up);
– low operating voltage.
Disadvantages of halogen lamps
- high price.
There are two types of energy-saving lamps based on the base:
– for a regular cartridge (marked E27);
– for a small cartridge (marked E14).
The following forms of energy-saving lamps are available:
– U-shaped;
- in the form of a spiral.
! The operation of such lamps does not depend in any way on their shape, although spiral-shaped lamps are more expensive because they are more complex to manufacture.
– Another important criterion when choosing energy-saving lamps is the color of the radiation. The human eye perceives different light sources differently. According to this indicator, lamps are distinguished:
– daylight;
– warm white color;
– neutral white;
– cold white.
– Energy-saving lamps differ according to the diameter of the bulbs:
In terms of power, energy-saving lamps range from 3 to 85 watts.
What should you pay attention to when choosing energy-saving lamps?
Despite wide selection of energy saving lamps, when choosing them for lighting residential premises, there are not so many options. Based on the fact that in apartments and houses, in the vast majority of cases, ordinary sockets are used, a suitable option is E27 lamps with a power of no more than 15-25 Watts (otherwise the lighting may be too bright). The next step is to decide in which room the light bulb will be replaced (for large rooms where people often gather, it is better to choose a neutral-white light bulb, and, for example, in a bedroom or recreation room - warm white). In order to save money, it is better to give preference to lamps with a U-shaped bulb.
How to choose a high-quality energy-saving lamp so that it does not burn out in a couple of days?
First of all, you should give preference to lamps from well-known manufacturers. The cost of such lamps, of course, is higher than the lamps of most little-known Chinese manufacturers. You should carefully read everything written on the package. It would be a good idea to ask the seller about the warranty period of the purchased lamps. Give preference to lamps that come with a 2-3 year warranty. It is better to avoid lamps with a warranty period of 6-7 months.
In what cases is it economically beneficial to use energy-saving lamps?
The service life of an incandescent lamp is, on average, about 1-2 thousand and 5-10 thousand hours, and an energy-saving lamp (largely depends on the type and manufacturer) is up to 100 thousand hours, and it is also five times more economical (9-10 Watt versus 100 and 25 Watt respectively).
Energy-saving light bulbs are the right solution for lamps that operate for at least three hours a day. In this case, due to the reduction in costs, the energy-saving light bulb will pay for itself in about 3 years. And since any energy-saving lamps last longer than traditional incandescent lamps, after the light bulb has paid for itself, you will begin, figuratively speaking, to “earn” money by saving electricity.
To more accurately calculate the comparative efficiency of LED lamps, it is necessary to compare the total energy consumption for the year, the cost of electricity and the service life of the lamps. Plus, when making calculations, it is worth taking into account the costs of more frequent replacement of incandescent lamps and fluorescent products. On average, based on rough calculations, the economic efficiency of diodes is 4 times higher than that of incandescent lamps and approximately 25% higher than that of fluorescent lamps.
It is worth emphasizing that such calculations can only be correct if high-quality products are used that are truly capable of serving the required 50-100 thousand hours. If we talk about cheap Chinese light bulbs of unknown production, then they can come out much earlier than expected, and in such cases we are no longer talking about savings.