This month’s spotlight on energy efficiency at Horan & Bird is lighting!
Have you considered the benefits of installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting within your home?
From recent household data collection, our team has found that in most homes in North Queensland Halogen down lights are commonly used. In the newer housing estates, we have found Compact Florescent Lights (CFL) have been installed; these lights are more expensive to purchase than a Halogen bulb, although, are proven to be less efficient than a LED bulb.
Studies have shown that one LED light is 88% more efficient than a standard halogen light or CFL. LED bulbs have a 30,000 hour lifetime, in comparison to a halogen light; which have a standard lifetime of 750 – 1,250 hours; a CFL bulb coming in second, with a lifetime of 10,000 hours.
Another advantage a LED light has over standard Halogens and CFL’s, is that a LED light shines a warm white light, which is found to be cooler to touch then standard bulbs similar to the CFLS; this means fittings can last longer over time without deteriorating from heat, as well as the convenience of not having to handle as often. Another bonus of the LED lighting is the retrofit sockets available; this can save more money as you do not have to buy new fittings to accommodate for the upgrade from halogen to LED.
The efficiency of a light bulb should not be the only factor taken into consideration when purchasing or looking to install new lighting within your home. The contents of the bulb is a major concern; it has been found that CFL’s bulbs contain up to 15mg of mercury that is an extremely toxic element, especially dangerous to pregnant women, babies and children. One fluorescent tube has enough mercury to pollute 30,000 litres of water. It is essential that all CFL’s and Fluorescent tubes are recycled appropriately.
“It’s hard to be a bright light in a dim world.” – Gary Starta
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
