Time to make the switch to LED

The much anticipated ban on the sale of halogen lightbulbs in the UK is now set to take place in September, as part of the Government’s energy efficiency programme.

The phasing out of halogen lamps will have a massive effect, cutting 1.26 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year – equivalent to removing half a million cars from British roads.

Energy minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “We’re phasing out old inefficient halogen bulbs for good, so we can move more quickly to longer-lasting LED bulbs, which means less waste and a brighter and cleaner future for the UK. By ensuring that electrical appliances use less energy, we’re saving households money on their bills and helping tackle climate change.”

The ban means low energy LED products, sales of which already account for about two-thirds of lamps sold in the UK, are expected to make up 85 per cent of all sales by 2030.

Although LED lamps cost slightly more, they last approximately five times longer than traditional halogen bulbs and produce the same amount of light, using 80% less power. Annual savings on bills are estimated to be in excess of £75 per household.

Halogen lamp stocks have been steadily diminishing in recent years with the halting of production and import of halogen bulbs three years ago. Traditional incandescent light bulbs were replaced in 2009.

Changes to the energy labels that consumers will see on packaging will help people to choose the most efficient lightbulbs, with the A+, A++ and A+++ ratings abandoned and efficiency graded between A-G, with the most efficient bulbs given an A rating.

The next phase

The next stage of Government legislation aims to replace high energy fluorescent lighting, such as strip lighting in commercial premises, by 2023.

LED bulbs can actually be incorporated into fluorescent light fittings as a more energy-efficient alternative.