LED Lighting

LEDs have come a long way from their beginnings as dim indicator lights. In recent years high powered LEDs have become a cost effective means of general interior lighting.

Compared to incandescent light bulbs, LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy, last more than 20 years and unlike CFL bulbs, they don’t contain any toxic mercury. They are now available online and in most stores from between £4 and £10 each:

As they are still relatively expensive, the most cost-effective option is to replace always-on or frequently used lighting.

GU10 halogen down lighters should be changed to LED as they are hideously inefficient, running upwards of 40W per bulb. A fixture with just 4 will consume between 160 and 200 watts. A sea of them in a ceiling can use several thousand watts. Replacing these with LED using between 5 and 10 watts per bulb drastically reduces power consumption.

Do note that with LED bulbs low cost can be a false economy as they have a higher tendency for premature failure. The more expensive (£10 for GU10) are generally better quality and longer life.

Incandescent lighting burns up to 25% of the average home electricity budget and therefore a 90% reduction could quickly save you over 20% of your electricity bill. LED bulbs have become a lot more affordable in the last year or so and most types of existing light bulb can be replaced.

If you are having any difficulty in replacing existing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs please contact Phil on energy@transitionchepstow.org.uk and he will try to help you.