Public Servant Lifestyle

The top ten tips on how to save money and energy in the home at the same time, from OSRAM.

Take a look at our top ten practical tips on how to use energy saving light bulbs to save money, improve security and even help reduce the UK's production of greenhouse gases.

Ralf Antblad, energy-saving expert, explains: "With the latest technology energy saving light bulbs, you get virtually the same light output as from an ordinary light bulb, for just 20% of the electricity consumption. What's more, they last up to 15 times longer. That's a double benefit. It's good for your pocket, and good for the environment."

Save Money - Change a Bulb!

The money you can save from simply changing a light bulb is amazing. An ordinary (incandescent) 100W light bulb replaced with an energy saving 20W bulb leads to a direct saving for the household of £80 over the lifetime of the new light bulb, even allowing for the higher cost of the energy saving light bulb.

And there is also an important environmental benefit. "Swapping just one 100W light bulb in the home for a 20W energy saver may seem a small step in environmental terms," points out Ralf Antblad. "But if every UK household did the same, it would save the output from two average sized power stations."

Ten tips for lighter electricity bills:

1. More and more lighting: In a typical home, lighting accounts for 20% of the electricity bill.

2. Switching to energy saving light bulbs is an easy and effective way to cut those bills.

3. Time is money: The longer a light is on, the more electricity it uses. An obvious point, perhaps, but it tells you where the greatest savings will be made by fitting energy saving light bulbs. Take a look at those 'always on' lights in hallways, landings, corridors and alcoves for the biggest cost-saving potential.

4. Winter approaches: As the days get shorter, lights are on for longer, and the potential for cost saving grows.

5. Security: Burglars hate bright lights. But many people are discouraged from leaving indoor and outdoor lights turned on, because of the electricity costs. Energy savers can give you added security at very low running costs.

6. Greater range to chose from: Energy saving light bulbs come in a wide range of shapes and wattages these days, from candles to globe shapes. So you can use them for a mix of general and local lighting needs, to create different moods at different times.

7. Less hassle: Energy saving light bulbs can last for up to 12 years, so the chore of changing light bulbs regularly is a thing of the past. A useful benefit if you have lights in difficult-to-reach places.

8. Home working: If you or members of your family work from home, some lights will probably be on through the daylight hours as well. A clear case for fitting energy savers.

9. Automatic switch on: Did you know that you can get energy saving light bulbs that automatically switch on at dusk and off at dawn? They're great for porches and security lighting.

10. Double payback: A 20W energy saving light bulb uses 80% less electricity than a 100W ordinary (incandescent) light bulb. And there's a second major benefit: energy savers last between 8 and 15 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. Typical costs are £5 for 8,000 hour energy savers, and £8-10 for 15,000 hour versions. (8,000 hours is equivalent to around 6 years of typical use.)

Environmental Protection

If every household in the UK replaced just one ordinary 100W incandescent light bulb with a 20W energy saving light bulb, the total reduction in electricity consumed would reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from power stations by a staggering 2 million tonnes every year.

Information Courtesy of OSRAM Ltd.

EEC Energy Ruling

Electricity and gas suppliers will have to meet challenging new energy savings targets and improve domestic energy efficiency under proposals for the new Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) 2002 - 2005.

Under this ruling the EEC places an obligation on energy suppliers to promote improvements in energy efficiency for us, the consumer. It is hoped that the EEC will make a significant contribution to carbon savings as part of the UK Climate Change Programme. It should mean lower fuel prices for those on low incomes. The EEC requires suppliers to focus at least 50% of energy benefits on lower income consumers. So if you take up energy savings offers (for example, insulation measures or energy efficient boilers, appliances or light bulbs), you could save £10 a year on your gas and electricity bills.

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