An expert has shared the simple light bulb swap you can make which can result in annual savings of around £105, along with two more easy-to-action energy saving solutions.
As the days shorten and nights lengthen, we inevitably use more lighting in our homes during the winter months. With darkness descending several hours earlier, we’re compelled to switch on our lights and keep them on for extended periods.
This naturally results in a spike in energy bills during the frosty winter months, especially when combined with the festive season’s demands. The increased use of lighting and round-the-clock heating can put a significant dent in your wallet. So, how can we trim some of these costs as the UK grapples with yet another cost of living crisis? The straightforward answer lies in our choice of lighting. While it’s impractical to turn off our home lights while it’s dark outside or when entertaining guests over the holiday season, a simple change in the type of light fixtures used can lead to substantial savings.
A lighting expert has revealed three straightforward ways to cut energy costs this winter, and the solutions couldn’t be simpler. Julia Barnes, buying director at ValueLights with over ten years’ experience in the interiors industry, says her easy switch-outs could save up to £105.58 on energy bills annually. Julia’s straightforward energy-saving tips include a basic bulb swap, introducing dimmers into your home, and paying closer attention to the details of your lighting, reports the Express.
Swap to LED lighting
Julia explains: “Lamps can be left on overnight if you’ve fallen asleep while reading, or if you want to make it seem like someone is at home, especially during Christmas and New Year when hosting family and friends. Leaving on a bedside lamp that isn’t an LED bulb for an extended period of time can drastically increase your energy bills though.
“A standard 60W bulb which is commonly used for table lamps can cost £65.75 a year if left on overnight, and a 100W bulb £111.17. In comparison, an LED bulb would cost just £5.59 if left on overnight, [giving you] a saving of £105.58. The savings are huge and a real no-brainer that switching to LED bulbs is key when managing energy costs – in fact they use up to 90% less energy while also shining brighter.”
Install dimmer switches
Julia’s next tip is one that’s frequently forgotten, as she shares: “One feature that can sometimes be overlooked when managing energy savings is installing dimmer switches for lighting around your home. When you dim an LED bulb, you’re reducing the amount of electricity flowing through it, which means lower consumption compared to running that same bulb at full brightness. This actually also increases the lifespan of a bulb, saving you money in the long run by not having to replace them as often. Switching to a dimmer is a practical tip that genuinely will save energy without compromising on quality or ambience.”
Pay close attention to light bulb ratings
Julia explains: “Often missed on the back of packaging, energy efficiency ratings are supplied with every bulb and ranked A to G, A being the best. The higher the light bulb’s energy efficiency is toward an A, the better the cost saving will be for your energy bills.” The expert suggests: “Switching to better rated bulbs is really important in high traffic areas where lights are likely to be on for a large part of the day like the kitchen or living areas.”
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