Energy-efficient lamps: why LED is the new standard

Energy-efficient lamps have become indispensable in homes, businesses and industry. Where incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps and CFL lamps were once the norm, there is now a clear shift towards energy-efficient LED lighting. Not only because of lower electricity bills, but also because LED lamps are better for the environment and deliver increasingly high performance.

Why is everyone choosing energy-efficient LED lamps?

Modern LED lamps provide the same or even better light output while consuming significantly less energy. This makes them the logical choice for anyone looking for energy-saving lamps with a long lifespan.

Why are incandescent, halogen and CFL lamps becoming obsolete?

Traditional incandescent bulbs are literally going out of fashion due to high energy consumption, short lifespan and poor efficiency, seeing as most of the energy is lost as heat. Halogen lamps are slightly more efficient, but still fail to meet current energy standards. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were once an intermediate solution, but they have disadvantages as well, such as slow start-up, fragility and mercury content.

LED lamps outperform these alternatives by:

·        using up to 85–90% less energy;

·        providing instant full brightness;

·        containing no hazardous substances (such as mercury); and

·        offering a much longer lifespan (around 15,000 hours).

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

Advantages

·        Extremely energy-efficient;

·        Long lifespan;

·        High light output with low power consumption; and

·        Suitable for almost every application.

Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting therefore saves money and reduces environmental impact.

Disadvantages

·        Higher initial purchase cost (but quickly recovered);

·        Not every old fixture can be replaced one-to-one.

How do you choose the right energy-efficient lamp?

Although old bulbs cannot always be replaced on a one-to-one basis, there is a LED alternative for every application. When choosing the right lamp, you should not only consider the wattage, but also:

·       the light output (lumens) → comparable amount of light for less power;

·       the power consumption per 1000 hours (listed on the packaging as kWh/1000h);

·       the light colour (e.g. 3000K or 4000K); and

·       the fitting and fixture.

For garages, workshops and warehouses, LED batten lights are an excellent choice. For high ceilings in barns or riding arenas, LED high bays provide powerful illumination with minimal energy use. A good thing about this is that you will find a wealth of information on stable lights on our intended product page for this form of lighting. And do not forget lighting at home, where LED ceiling lights are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and hallways.

What other tips are there for saving energy with LED lighting?

In addition to choosing the right bulb, there are other ways to significantly reduce your energy consumption. By replacing old lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting, you can quickly save tens of percent on your electricity costs, but you can also save even more by consciously monitoring burning hours, only lighting rooms when necessary and choosing fixtures with the highest possible efficiency.

Want to know how much you can save by switching to energy-efficient lamps? With our practical calculation tool, the energy saving calculator, you can quickly gain insight into your potential energy savings and cost reduction.

How does the new energy label help you make the right choice?

To help consumers compare energy-efficient lighting more easily, the EU energy label for lamps was revised on 1 September 2021. This label clearly shows how efficient a lamp really is and supports you in making an environmentally conscious and cost-saving choice.

The new energy label explained

The new scale runs from A (dark green) to G (red), replacing the old A++ to E system.

 

Important to know is that:

·        a new B or C rated LED lamp equals the old A++;

·        the scale is stricter, but the lamps are not less efficient; and

·        the label shows energy consumption, luminous flux and efficiency class.

This makes it easy and fair to compare different lamps.

With all the advantages of LED lighting over traditional lamps in mind, the conclusion is clear: choosing energy-efficient lamps with a good energy label also means choosing lower energy costs, sustainability and future-proof lighting. LED is the new standard, and don’t you forget it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do some LED lamps have energy label F?

Because the scale is stricter: an F-rated LED can still be very efficient.

Which lighting is the most energy-efficient?

LED lighting is by far the most energy efficient and uses the least amount of electricity.

Which light is warmer, 2700K or 3000K?

2700K is warmer and more cosy; 3000K is slightly whiter but still warm.

Which lamp has energy label A?

Currently almost none: the label is designed to encourage innovation.