For dimmer circuits use a CFL or halogen lamp

For dimmer circuits, either a dimmable CFL or a new generation halogen lamp are suitable replacements for a standard incandescent bulb.

Energy efficient bulbs save you money

Energy efficient bulbs cost more to buy but save you more money in the long run (they burn less power and last longer).

Efficient lighting comes in a range of colour options

Efficient lighting comes in a range of colour options including ‘warm white' (the same as standard light bulb colour) and ‘cool white' (a cooler colour that's good above work benches). Look on the box for colour information.

Energy efficient bulbs come in screw and bayonet types

Energy efficient bulbs come in screw and standard bayonet types to match most common light fittings.

The colour temperature indicates the type of light

The colour temperature of a lamp gives you a clue as to the type of light. Lower colour temperature ‘warm white” (less than 3000K) means a warmer appearance. High colour temperatures (over 4000K) means a cooler appearance. This information can be found on the packaging.

All bulbs sold in NZ meet fire safety standards

All light bulbs sold in New Zealand have to meet strict fire safety standards.

CFLs contain less mercury than an amalgam dental filling

Quality CFLs contain a maximum of 5mg of mercury sealed within the glass tubing, that's less than 1% of the mercury found in an amalgam dental filling.

CFL's should last 6,000 hours

A quality energy saving CFL should last a minimum of 6,000 hours (some last up to 15,000 hours), whereas an incandescent bulb will generally burn out at around 1,000 hours.

CFL's use 80% less electricity

CFLs run cooler than traditional incandescent light bulbs and typically use around 80% less electricity.

A 20W CFL has the equivalent output of a 100W incandescent lamp

A good quality 20W CFL has similar light output to a 100W incandescent lamp and should have a rated life at least six times as long.

For dimmer circuits use a CFL or halogen lamp

For dimmer circuits, either a dimmable CFL or a new generation halogen lamp are suitable replacements for a standard incandescent bulb.

CFL's use up to 80% less electricty

Quality CFLs use up to 80% less electricity and can last 6-15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

CFL's contain tiny amounts of mercury

CFLs contain just a few milligrams of mercury – about the size of a ballpoint pen tip.

CFL's contain very little mercury

A typical body temperature thermometer contains between 1000 and 2000mg of mercury – that's over 200 times more than a CFL!

CFL's and halogen bulbs are environmentally friendly

Energy efficient lights such as CFLs and new generation halogen bulbs are a more environmentally friendly option than old-style light bulbs.

CFL bulbs are made of flame-retardant material

NZ safety standards mean the base of CFL bulbs must be made of flame-retardant material.

Some CFLS's can be used in different ways

Some CFLs can be used with dimmers and two-way switching – check on the packaging.

CFL's take time to achieve full brightness when switched on

Incandescent bulbs and new generation halogen bulbs give light almost immediately when switched on. CFLs take time to achieve full brightness (and can take much longer in very cold temperatures).

New generation halogen bulbs last twice as long

New generation halogen bulbs look the same as traditional incandescent light bulbs but use 30% less electricity and have a rated life that is twice as long.

A 70W halogen bulb has similar light output to a 100W incandescent bulb

A 70W new generation halogen bulb has similar light output to a 100W traditional incandescent light bulb and will last twice as long.

New generation halogen bulbs operate at high temperatures

New generation halogen bulbs have higher efficiency and longer life and operate at a very high temperature.

Energy efficient IRC halogen spotlights last 5,000 hours

Energy efficient IRC halogen spotlights use 30% less electricity than standard halogen spotlights and are rated to last for 5,000 hours (standard spotlights are only rated to last 2,000 hours).

Incandecent bulbs waste 95% energy

Incandescent bulbs convert only 5% of electricity to light (the other 95% is wasted as heat).

Traditional bulbs are cheap but short-lived

Traditional incandescent bulbs are cheap to purchase but have poor efficiency, short life and high running costs.

LED's have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours

Good quality LEDs have a life expectancy of 50,000 hours but are not yet economical for general home lighting.