1. Why is there a phase out of incandescent light bulbs?
European governments and the lighting industry are all working cooperatively on preserving energy and reducing CO2 emissions. Significant savings can be made by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. The lighting industry will ensure that an adequate choice of alternative lighting solutions are available at a reasonable price.
2.What is the impact on the environment?
Today, 14% of the electricity used in Europe is spent on lighting. By switching to energy-efficient solutions we could save an equivalent of 38 tons of CO2, 156 million barrels of oil and 52 power plants.
3.What happens if one keeps using traditional light bulbs?
You can continue using inefficient bulbs in your household: the new EU law only regulates sales from retailers, but we strongly recommend switching to energy-efficient solutions helps reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while, depending on the wattage, you can save up to €100 over the lamp lifetime (in most cases the average lifetime is 8 years) just by replacing, for example, a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt compact fluorescent lamp.
4. What are the consequences for the consumers who are looking for new light bulbs?
Depending on the retailer’s current range, Philips will recommend the replacement products. To guide the shopper to the possible alternatives, Philips will work with the retailer on appropriate shelf navigation and in-store information material. Consumers who seek new light bulbs will automatically be guided to energy saving lighting solutions.
5. What will Philips do with regards to packaging?
The new EU law also affects the information provided on the packaging. Extensive product information will be provided on pack and this will be implemented by the industry by 2010 at the latest. In the future, the term “energy saving” may only be used for products with energy efficiency A. Furthermore the wattage of a lamp will be stated, the energy level and the light colour.
6.What is an energy saving lamp?
Compact fluorescent energy savers are up to five times more efficient than incandescent lamps; in other words, they need up to five times less energy to generate the same amount of light. Philips CFLs last at an average 8 times longer than incandescent lamps, so need less frequent replacement.
In addition a range of halogen energy savers is available, in shapes like the traditional incandescent and special halogen types (e.g. GU10 cap). They save 30-50% energy whilst providing the same light quality as incandescent lamps and their lifetime is 2-3 times longer.
7. What costs can I save with a compact fluorescent lamp?
Depending on the wattage, a consumer can save up to €100 over the lamp lifetime (in most cases the average lifetime is 8 years) just by replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt compact fluorescent lamp.
8. Why is the price of an energy saving lamp higher compared to a traditional light bulb?
The price of energy-saving lamps is higher but you can easily earn back your money by saving on high energy costs. The purchase price of energy savers has traditionally been more expensive than traditional incandescent lamps because they are more complex to produce (for instance: compact fluorescent lamps have integrated electronics). But over its lifetime an energy saving lamp can save up to €100 e.g. by replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt energy efficient light bulb. Find out more about how big savings can be by switching to energy-efficient lamps on the savings calculator of the home lighting site www.philips.com/homelighting
9. What is the energy savers light quality?
Consumer nowadays have a big choice to select the lamp of their preferred light effect. Philips energy saving lamps render a light quality which very closely approximates that of incandescent lamps. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) expresses the level to which colours a represented in its natural form i.e. as if lit by sunlight. An incandescent lamp has a CRI of 100, this also counts for halogen energy savers. Philips compact fluorescent lamps have a CRI value between 80-85. Previous generations of energy savers, as well as many present unbranded energy savers, render an unnatural light, giving for example a greyish “cold” light. If a colour rendering index above 80-85 is needed for specific applications, energy efficient halogen lamps (halogen energy savers) with a CRI of 100 are recommended.
Philips energy saving lamps have evolved to the point
where they now are almost match incandescent lamps in functionality. Compared to several years ago, they last longer, are smaller, more efficient, safer and less expensive.
10. Why do compact energy saving lamps contain small amounts of mercury?
They contain a very small amount of mercury in order to radiate light. No mercury is emitted from lamps at any time, they are safe with regard to human health and the environment. Besides fluorescent lamps, the other energy saving lamp technologies do not use mercury, for instance halogen energy savers.
11. What is the status with LEDs, i.e. can they already be used as an energy saving alternative to inefficient domestic lamps?
LED technology is currently being used in some specific professional applications and offers great potential for the future of lighting. For the consumer, Philips is offering LED fixtures Ledino, Living Colors and several LED based home lighting accessories. In September 2009 Philips will launch its first range of LED retrofit lamps for the consumer channel. For our professional customers we already offer the (dimmable) MASTER LED range of retrofit products.
