Households told to check their light bulbs this week to save money on energy bills
Switching off your lights when they're not needed can make a significant difference to your energy bills. Additionally, simple changes like swapping your light bulbs can save you money in the long run.
A recent report has explored the costs of different types of light bulbs and their energy usage. The study by 4lite found that while traditional light bulbs may be more expensive in terms of energy use, switching to LEDs could save consumers up to £24 annually.
While this might not seem like much, consider how many light bulbs you have in your home.
The latest analysis by 4lite reveals that from October 1 (when electricity prices rise to 24.5p per KwH), a traditional 100W incandescent lightbulb will cost just over 7p per day. This is based on three hours' usage and equates to £29.40 a year.
This calculation is based on one bulb being used for three hours a day. If you multiply this by 10 bulbs across your home, this will cost a staggering £294 in electricity, reports the Express.
In contrast, a halogen bulb costs 5p per day. Again, if used for just three hours a day, this equals £21.17 per year. For 10 bulbs, this comes in with a running cost of £211.68 a year.
Comparatively, a single LED lightbulb will cost just over 1p a day to run (based on three hours' usage), equating to just £5.29 a year. For 10 bulbs within the home, this would cost £52.92 a year in electricity an incredible £264.60 less per year than incandescent bulbs and £158.76 less than halogen.
Modern LEDs are deemed the top choice for environmentally conscious consumers, touted for using 85 per cent less energy. These bulbs light up immediately and have an impressive lifespan of at least 25,000 hours.
Switching to these bulbs and using them for six hours daily offer dual perks: significant cost reductions on energy bills and a dramatic decrease in replacement frequency. Free from hazardous chemicals and with minimal heat emission, LEDs remain cool upon touch, enhancing home safety.
Kate Baker, a light and wellness advisor with smart lighting specialists 4lite, commented: "Banishing costly, energy-guzzling bulbs from the home can make a big difference to your energy consumption and therefore your bills. Saving hundreds of pounds off your home energy bills can be as simple as changing a light bulb."
She added: "Whether by habit or just because they're not aware, many consumers have not yet made the switch to LEDs for their home lighting but, with high energy costs, the LED switchover is unavoidable."
Baker further noted: "LED bulbs are incredibly energy efficient and use considerably less electricity. They may cost a little more initially but the payback is fast plus they are long lasting so they won't need replacing so often. In addition, taking the next step by upgrading to LED smart bulbs can revolutionise your home lighting as well as save you even more."