Ok, so it may only be a small bit of explanation but here goes!

Your ‘normal’ lightbulb has a filament inside that is heated up with electricity until it glows and this creates the light. It works well but isn’t efficient as it wastes alot of its energy as heat.

The low voltage halogen spotlights or capsule lamps are a variation on that theme. They are more efficient but not too much (Remember the fact that they are 12 volt does not make them low energy – it is the wattage that counts)

The usual low energy lamp is based on a fluorescent tube (the ones in most offices). They produce light by exciting mercury in a vapour form which in turn emits light (thats a simple version obviously!) The coating on the tube dictates the spectrum of light produced by the lamp. Flourescent lights are much more efficient than filament lights and there are many more colour variations available.

A handy rule of thumb when buying low energy lamps is to multiply the wattage of the low energy lamp by 4. That will give you the approximate equivalent in ‘normal’ lightbulb wattage.

If you already have fluorescent lights in your office but still want to save energy there is an option for you to try. Even the humble tube has been modernised with the invention of the T5 version. These are more efficient and last longer than standard T8 tubes (the normal ones found in offices). For example a 58 watt 5 ft T8 tube can be replaced with a 35watt T5 tube – a saving of 23 watts per tube. There is a cost involved in converting your fittings to take the T5 lamps but they usually pay for themselves over time. If you are interested in hearing more then please contact us either by phone 01822 860 110 or use the contact tab on the top of each page.

LED’s are coming along. They are quite possibly the future of lighting. They have a huge lifespan and consume very little power. We have tested a 3 watt LED candle this week that can just about light a small room! The usual problem with LEDs is they are quite ‘spotty’ and dont really do well as ambient lighting. They are ideal if you run a jewellers for example (you may have noticed them appearing here and there already – ok, we know its only us that look at the lighting wherever we go!) as you can replace your normal halogen spotlights with LEDs that will do the job perfectly. LEDs also used to give out a very cold blue light but that problem is being addressed now so is much less of an issue. With LED technology it is definately a case of ‘watch this space’