Low energy light bulbs for dimmer switches
Posted by DavidM in Save energy | 26 February 2007
Talking to people recently about this blog and how I'm trying to be more environmentally friendly, I've realised how much my understanding of what is possible has changed.
The issues people raise are the same as those I had when I started changing things a year ago.
One of these is that you can't use low energy bulbs with dimmer switches. They were surprised when I mentioned that while most don't there are some that do.
There aren't many UK websites that sell dimmable low energy bulbs but here are a couple:
Low energy lighting
The Green Shop (you haver to scroll down the page - one of the annoying aspects of their site)
I read on the Lightbulbs Direct website that there aren't any dimmable light bulbs made for the UK market so there isn't a guarantee they'll work. Their advice is to buy one to try and if it works get more.
My big bit of advice whenever buying low energy bulbs is not only to make sure you get the right fitting, but also check the dimensions. I have half a box of spotlights that had the correct fitting but are half an inch too long.
Comments
Thanks for the info... I am one of those that has dimmers everywhere.
I just hopped across to Low Energy Lighting and thought I'd take your advice and buy one to try but they want £8.50 postage on a £9.99 lightbulb!!!
How can a company
a) justify that and
b) think they will get any business!
To put that into perspective the Green Shop charge just £0.58!
Bulb ordered from The Green Shop...
Thanks for the feedback David.
I'd like to have listed more options but not many websites sell dimmer compatible bulbs.
I completely agree with you on the postage - for that much I'd expect the bulb to be hand delivered, fitted and to have a small bald man turn the light on and off for me whenever I needed it.
Nice energy savings calculator at Lightbulbs Direct. That alone could change a few minds.
First time I've heard them referred to as "low energy" bulbs, though. I like it. More descriptive than CFL's.
You touch on a good point there Ron - mass market consumers don't care if they are CFLs, pleqs, multi-tubes, spirals, PLETs, 2U or 3U.
They just want to know - this is the same as a 60w bulb but uses a lot less energy.
I've been prepared to browse through the different types of bulb in the online stores because I care enough. Most people don't.
Had a look at the green shop 1 Bulb to the Scottish Highlands is £24.99 they have got to be jokeing
I have also been wondering about what will happen when incandescent light bulbs are phased out and dimmer switches is just one of the issues I have.
Others are - they warm-up, so you can't dash into a dark room and flick the light on. Will we have to wait to use the loo at night, for instance, whilst the light warms-up! There could be dangers, of course, if the light is to illumimate a dark staircase, for example.
And what about their odd hue. Even the warm white bulbs (I do use some around the home) have the lighting effect of a fluorescent tube which makes the home look rather cold and unhomely.
And finally, even the compact spiral bulbs are too big to fit a lot of light fittings or protrude above the shade, and these compact ones only seem to go up to 18w (equals 90w) so a direct equivalent for a 100w bulb is too bulky.
I have several lovely light fittings that use the "golf ball" size buls, so goodness knows what will become of them. Will my wall lamps become obsolete so I have to re-decorate!
Several problems - can someone tell me what the answers are, please? I would be very grateful.
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