Seeing Ireland in a new light

An EU-wide ban on traditional light bulbs will be phased in later this year, to be fully replaced with energy-efficient bulbs by September 2012. But not everyone is happy with the proposed light revolution and the inconvenience

LATER THIS year, Ireland, and indeed Europe, will start to say goodbye to the traditional filament light bulb after more than 120 years of sterling service. In its place we will make way for energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), small coiled-up fluorescent tubes that are no different in real terms from the fluorescent strip lighting of old.

From September 1st, all traditional frosted light bulbs will be banned, while clear light bulbs of 100 watts or more will be removed from sale. Bulbs of 75 watts or more will be gone from September 1st, 2010, while bulbs of 60 watts or more will go from September 1st, 2011. Incandescent bulbs will be completely off the shelves throughout the euro zone by September 1st, 2012.

Shops and supermarkets in Ireland are already running down their stocks of the familiar 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, the kind many people use when they need a good light to read by.

Opinion is divided on the changes, with huge debate in member states, especially Britain. While the green movement is hailing the introduction of the CFL’s as another step towards “saving the planet”, not everyone is happy.

First, many people say the “low-energy” bulbs are slow to warm up, expensive and ugly. There are complaints that the rapid flicker from the new bulbs can cause eyestrain, migraine and headaches.

And ironically the new bulbs rely on mercury, a highly toxic substance around which there will be problems with disposal.

Critics also claim the energy-saving potential of the bulbs has been exaggerated, as the more the lights are switched on and off, the less electricity they save and the shorter the lifespan they have.

The National Council for the Blind (NCBI) said yesterday it has some concerns about the introduction of these energy-efficient bulbs. “Safety is a key issue and as these bulbs can take longer to heat up, a person with low or impaired vision could encounter difficulties because their eyes take longer to adjust between light and dark,” according to NCBI chief executive Des Kenny.

The NCBI is calling for a grant towards the cost of these bulbs for vision-impaired people because they have a greater need for additional lighting than their sighted peers. The Department of Environment says a consultation process being conducted will look at these issues and determine if any measures are needed to cater for such people.

The Government, however, says that by switching to energy-saving light bulbs, EU citizens can expect to save the equivalent amount of electricity used by about 11 million European households each year. It is estimated that the Irish consumer will save €80 on electricity costs during the lifespan of the average CFL bulb.

The switchover is also expected to lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 15 million tonnes per year. The projected savings for Ireland, according to Minister for the Environment John Gormley, are more than €180 million for consumers, along with a reduction in CO2 emissions of 800,000 tonnes, or 1 per cent of total emissions.

TRADITIONAL LIGHT BULBS– either bayonet or Edison screw-in bulbs – have been in service for 120 years. About 85 per cent of homes currently use these energy- inefficient bulbs.

Only 5 per cent of the energy used by a conventional bulb is actually turned into light. The rest is wasted on heating the glass bulb itself and the air around it.

Energy-efficient bulbs are compact fluorescent tubes (CFLs) shaped into a short coil. They use 80 per cent less energy, and last 10 times as long as traditional bulbs. However, they are considerably more expensive than a standard incandescent bulb. But they turn 20 per cent of the electricity they use into actual light, thereby making them more energy-efficient.

Instead of heating a filament (as in traditional bulbs), the electricity in a CFL bulb flows through an inert gas plus a small quantity of mercury. It is the mercury that emits an ultraviolet light, which causes the phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb to glow.

Tungsten halogen bulbs are also energy-efficient. But they only last three times as long as a traditional bulb, compared with 10 times as long for CFL bulbs.

The halogen bulb gives a similar light to the traditional bulb and is perhaps more suited to areas where ambient light is required, such as bedrooms and sitting rooms.

DAVID NOLAN, DIRECTORof Falks Lighting, the largest independent retailer of lighting products in the country, says that the arrival of the new light bulbs means we will at last have 21st- century technology in our homes.

“The old traditional light bulbs are hideously inefficient,” he says. “The average standard domestic bulb delivers 1,000 hours of light. A compact fluorescent light (CFL) delivers around 15,000 hours of light, while a halogen delivers between 2,000 and 3,000 hours. It’s just common sense to use them. They are cost-effective and better for the environment.”

Nolan has noted no stockpiling of the old bulbs from any of his stores. “I think many people will be surprised that the halogen bulbs in particular look virtually no different to the standard bulbs they are currently using,” he says.

“While the compact fluorescents look different and perhaps more functional, they are perfect for bedrooms and hallways.”

He says that for those customers who want more atmospheric lighting, halogen bulbs are the better option because you can dim them. They also give the type of light currently delivered by the traditional incandescent filament bulb.

Nolan says there have been problems with the dimmer switches for the CFLs. “Most are not really satisfactory, but they will become available down the line as the technology is perfected.”

Most retailers are already selling the new bulbs, including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Woodie’s DIY and Homebase. As with any product, prices vary, so consumers should shop around as the new bulbs cost considerably more than conventional bulbs.

For those who feel they may need further advice when switching to the new-style bulbs, a specialist light store is probably their best option.

Tesco Ireland has been gradually increasing its range and stock of energy-efficient bulbs in line with both customer demand and forthcoming legislation, according to communications manager Seamus Banim.

Let there be energy-efficient light: switching on to the new bulb era

QUALITY OF LIGHT:Consumers are being told that good-quality energy-efficient bulbs will produce the same light output as current or incandescent bulbs. However, many who have already converted say the light quality is not as good and it takes a bulb a few minutes to "warm up".
Flickering used to be a problem with traditional fluorescent tubes. Tungsten halogen bulbs are an alternative, but they are not as energy- efficient as a compact fluorescent light (CFL). Fluorescent light gives a harsher light and one that some people describe as "cold", but you will be able to buy ones that give a greater "glow".

HEALTH ISSUES
There have been concerns that the new energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs may adversely affect those with epilepsy, migraine or other light-sensitive conditions. A consultation process being conducted by the Department of the Environment will look at this issue and determine if any measures are needed to cater for such people. A tungsten halogen bulb may be more appropriate for those whose eyes are light-sensitive.

COST FACTORS
While energy-efficient bulbs cost more to begin with, they save money in the long term because they have 10 times the lifespan of a regular bulb and use 20 per cent of the energy of traditional bulbs. However, turning them on and off frequently could shorten their lifespan. The average cost of a CFL bulb is €7.99, while a double pack of 100-watt incandescent bulbs costs €1.89.

DIMMER SWITCHES

The vast majority of CFLs are not compatible with standard dimmer switches. A dimmer allows control of the amount of light required (more for reading, less for watching television, and so on). However, more compatible dimmer switches will come on the market once the changeover process has begun. Again, the alternative option is a halogen bulb, which can be used with a dimmer switch.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

While there have been suggestions that decorative light fittings, such as chandeliers and candle-style wall-mounted lamps (in which a bulb is an innate part of the aesthetic appeal of a light fitting), must be fitted with CFLs that could look out of place, this is not the case. There are candle-style halogen bulbs that look no different from traditional bulbs and can also be used with a dimmer switch. However, halogen bulbs are not as energy-efficient as CFL bulbs.

DISPOSAL

CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, which is a hazardous product. CFLs should not be put in your regular bin, but can be disposed of free of charge at civic amenity sites, as they are covered by the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. Ideally, they should be returned to the shop where they were bought for correct disposal. If a CFL bulb breaks indoors, the doors and windows of the room should be opened for ventilation while you clean up the debris wearing gloves.