How to choose energy saving lamps. Which company to choose an energy-saving lamp? Benefits of fluorescent lamps

Power, power equivalent and luminous flux

The power of energy-saving lamps is very small - from 4 W, and at first it is difficult to navigate: how much light will it give? We know perfectly well how an ordinary incandescent lamp with a power of 40, 60, 75 or 95 W shines, and the lamps are designed for incandescent lamps of a certain power. Therefore, when choosing an energy-saving lamp, you need to pay attention to the power equivalent written on the package. For example, 4.5–6 W is the equivalent of 40 W for an incandescent lamp, 6–10 W is equivalent to 60 W. The boxes usually have inscriptions in Russian: for example, "5.5 W corresponds to 50 W", but in English it is also easy to understand: "5.5 W similar to 50 W".

Pay attention to the power equivalent

True, for some types of lamps, experts advise looking not so much at the power and equivalent, as at the luminous flux: the power may not directly affect the brightness of the lamp, and there is no single standard for the ratio of power and brightness.

How do you know how much light the lamp will give? This parameter best reflects the luminous flux, measured in lumens. If you want an LED lamp to shine in the same way as a 60 W incandescent lamp, then you need a lamp with a luminous flux of about 600 lm. If you want to replace the 40 W paw, then the luminous flux should be 400 lm, etc.

Colour temperature

The lower the color temperature, the "yellower" and warmer the light; the more, the whiter (or bluer) and "colder". It is measured in kelvin, just like ordinary temperature (kelvin is like degrees Celsius, only they have zero not at the freezing point of water, but at absolute zero), but you don't have to think about it, it's enough just to relate the numbers.

Conventional incandescent bulbs have a color temperature of less than 3000 K: about 2700–2800 K, so when switching from incandescent to energy-saving lamps, many people feel that the light has become less pleasant, harsh and annoying.

For energy-saving lamps, the warmest light will be at 3000–3500 K, such bulbs shine yellowish. If this parameter is from 4000 to 4500 K, then the light will be white and cold. In principle, this is a good option for "public places", at home you can have such a light if necessary, but you will not relax with it. There is an even higher color temperature - 5000-6500, such lamps are not suitable for household lighting, only for hangars, warehouses, shops, salons, etc.

Is it warm or cold?

Color rendering index (CRI)

The light source affects the perception of color by the human eye. The standard is considered to be sunlight, its color rendering index is equal to 100. The closer the CRI is to this value, the more correct and natural colors we will see when illuminated by a lamp. For an energy-saving lamp, it is good if the CRI is greater than 80.

Life time

The "lifetime" of a lamp can be measured in hours (2000, 6000, 15000 hours), but this is more understandable for technical specialists, and it is convenient for consumers to count in years, based on some average conditions of use. So, LED lamps can last up to 15 years; luminescent - on average 5 years, but can be longer with correct operation; halogen - much less.

Pay attention to service life

Flask shape

Do you want not just a light bulb, but a beautiful and original one - a ball, a candle? The greatest scope for imagination is given by LED and halogen lamps. Gas-discharge and their household subspecies - luminescent - come in the form of either tubes or spirals.

Standard screw base

Energy saving lamps with E40, E27 and E14 caps can be installed in sockets designed for a conventional incandescent lamp. E27 is a standard household cartridge, has a thread of 27 mm, E14 is a reduced cartridge, it has a thread of 14 mm.

The screw caps of energy saving lamps match those of conventional incandescent lamps

Pin bases

For home use, lamps with pin contacts are sometimes used, in their marking the number following the letters indicates the distance between the pins in millimeters: GU4, GU5.3, GU10. Therefore it is necessary to know exactly the marking of the cartridge.

Dimmer dimming

This is also a way to save energy: instead of a conventional rocker switch, a dimmer is installed (or the lamp is originally equipped with it) - and you can increase and decrease the brightness of the light bulb, making it work on full power only if necessary. What is easy for incandescent lamps (they can all be dimmable) has become a problem for energy-saving lamps: among them, only halogen ones are able to obey the dimmer without any special restrictions. Dimmable fluorescent and LED lamps are available, but they are less common and more expensive, you must look at the label "with dimmer" or "without dimmer" on the packaging).

Dimmer lamp

Lamps for main or accent lighting

The light can be diffused throughout the room or concentrated and narrowly directed: this type of lighting is called "spot" and is suitable for creating light accents in the interior or for reading.

Disposal

Many people are afraid to buy energy-saving lamps, because they have heard that they cannot be disposed of with household waste, that is, simply thrown into the trash can - because they contain mercury. In fact, her couples are only in fluorescent lamps ah, and LED and halogen can be recycled like ordinary incandescent light bulbs.

Fluorescent lamps

This type of discharge lamps is used in everyday life for residential premises. Gas-discharge lamps are a little scary name, but it is these lamps, in whose flasks an inert gas mixed with mercury vapors and other substances is under pressure, and began to be called energy-saving because of their minimum electricity consumption, long service life (5-20 times more than incandescent lamps, 15-20 thousand hours) and a higher luminous flux than theirs (5-10 times). At the same time, such lamps require careful attitude and proper disposal, therefore, when buying them, you must immediately be prepared for the fact that you cannot simply throw them into a bucket.

Compact fluorescent lamp

Fluorescent lamps, which replace the usual "home" incandescent lamps, are called compact (CFL), because non-compact ones are those that are used in large rooms, they have infinitely long bulbs, and in CFLs the bulb shape is a twisted spiral.

In CFLs, electric discharges pass through an inert gas and mercury vapor, causing ultraviolet radiation, and a special powder starts to glow from it - a phosphor applied to the flask from the inside, and it is this powder that simultaneously prevents the penetration of UV rays outside and glows with the light that we see and which is safe for our eyes. CFLs are sensitive to voltage surges and frequent starts: they should not be constantly turned on and off if you leave the room for a short time.

Compact fluorescent lamps

Power and dimensions

CFLs have very low power compared to incandescent lamps, but interestingly, the higher the CFL power, the larger it is. Incandescent lamps also have this dependence, but it is not so pronounced: the size does not prevent you from using even a large incandescent lamp in a compact shade, but a large and powerful CFL may not fit. CFL power is from 5 to 55 W, but lamps up to 23 W are more common.

Buying lighting lamps for an apartment or house is a routine but not trivial task. It is necessary to correlate the cost of the lighting device, the quality of its performance, and, above all, the technical characteristics. The lamp power, luminous flux and its color temperature must correspond to the room in which it is used. For example, in the study and the bathroom you need bright white light, and in the bedroom you need a muffled warm light. This article will help you find out by what criteria you can choose energy efficient, affordable and useful lamps for your home that promote productive work or quality rest.

Types of bulbs suitable for houses and apartments

Incandescent lamps

These are classic household bulbs made in the form of hollow volumetric bulbs in the shape of a pear, ball, candle, etc. with tungsten filaments is more than half a century old. During this time, they were replaced by various types of devices, surpassing in all respects, except for cost. The low price is the main reason why incandescent bulbs are still widely bought and used. And this despite the fact that they process more than 90% of the consumed electrical energy into heat, that is, release it into the atmosphere.

In recent years, inexpensive and energy efficient alternatives have emerged, so the rate of production of incandescent lamps is greatly reduced. Feeling the economy on their own wallet, people became convinced of the low efficiency of this option.

A significant disadvantage of incandescent lamps is their short service life - from 1000 to 3000 hours of glow. In addition, they are available exclusively for screw chucks. A small plus is that the lamp works without problems directly from a 220 V network. Due to the fact that the device heats up the air around itself strongly, incandescent lamps cannot be used in tension and some false ceilings, as well as for organizing lighting in furniture.

Halogen lamps

Halogen bulbs also work due to the glow of an incandescent filament installed inside the bulb. However, these devices are more durable, since they are filled with halogen vapors to extend their service life by 2-3 times. The most commonly used vapors are bromine or iodine. Halogen light sources are available with both screw and pin sockets.

For use in various purposes, these models are made with a different shape of the bulb, supplemented with a sputtering of reflective materials. This changes the temperature, brightness and angle of light diffusion. Due to this variability and small dimensions, halogen bulbs were initially used mainly in electronic equipment, furniture lighting and ceiling structures.

The luminous efficiency of halogen lamps is 25-30 lm / W. They are available in E14, E27, G4, G6, G9 and others. Due to the bright directional flow, they are convenient to organize accent lighting with their help.

Filament-based operating principle internal components, gives this type the same disadvantage as traditional "pears" - they intensively transform electricity into thermal energy that is dissipated in the air. Nevertheless, the energy consumption is reduced by three times.

An important feature is the requirement for the cleanliness of the flask surface - fats and moisture must not get on it, otherwise the device will burn out. Therefore, the replacement is always carried out with gloves.

Fluorescent lamps

The principle of operation of these devices is based on the ability of certain substances to emit a glow under the influence of an electric charge. Such substances are called phosphors. The fluorescent lamp is a sealed glass tube of a tubular type, the walls of which are covered from the inside with a phosphor. The inside of the flask is filled with mercury vapor and contains several electrodes. When an electric current is applied, an electric charge is generated, due to which the glow begins.

Tubular

A couple of decades ago, it was believed that tubular fluorescent lamps were the most economical bulbs for the home. At that time, they really were the best of available options... Adjustment required charge in such a device, it is carried out by a start-regulating unit, which combines a starter and a voltage transformer. It is included by default in the design of the lighting device into which the lamp is inserted. Fluorescent lamps are not compatible with other types of lamps.

Compact "housekeepers"

Compact fluorescent lamps, in which the bulb is made of several thin tubes, are very popular these days. Their work is based on the same principle, but the devices are more versatile. First of all, they are available with the common E14 and E27 bases, which makes them suitable for replacing ineffective incandescent lamps. In addition, the control circuit is built into the structure of the lamp itself.

These devices are sold in every store as energy efficient. They are indeed many times more efficient than incandescent lamps, because they consume less electricity and do not convert it into heat. In addition, they are more durable, which is why they are popularly called "housekeepers".

Fluorescent lamps have two incorrigible disadvantages. First, the device emits a pulsating light. This is caused by fluorescent lighting technology. Such light increases eye strain, leads to fatigue, and can negatively affect the psycho-emotional state. Second, there are potentially hazardous mercury vapors inside the flask. In case of depressurization or it is necessary to carry out a number of works to ensure chemical safety in the room. Moreover, they cannot be thrown away with ordinary household waste - they must be taken at a collection point or in a special container for hazardous waste.

LED lights

Lighting device operation of this type based on the action of semiconductor LEDs. For the glow of these elements, it is not necessary to create an airtight environment and fill it with certain substances, therefore, LEDs for chandeliers, sconces and home lamps are made bulb-shaped by tradition. Only power is needed to light up the LEDs direct current with a voltage of 12 or 24 V.

To provide normal work in household electrical appliances, a driver must be present in the LED power supply circuit that converts the current to the required operating parameters. In lamps for screw holders, it is already included in the design and is located between the base and the LED itself.

In terms of the ratio of energy consumption, service life and lighting efficiency, it is believed that these are the best light bulbs for household and non-only use. Firstly, they consume up to 10 times less electricity, often giving out even brighter light flux. In addition, they are several times superior to their counterparts in terms of service life. Some manufacturers LED lamps claim that their service life, if properly operated, reaches 25-35 years.

The characteristic disadvantages of LED lamps are the high price, as well as the presence on the market of a large number of low-quality products. Cheap devices from "nameless" brands often pulsate, which can quickly tire the eyes and impair well-being. Due to the use of low-grade electronics in the ballast, they also do not have an impressive life span. Therefore, the purchase requires a thorough approach to the choice and does not tolerate savings.

What lamps are the most convenient and useful for a house or apartment?

Of course, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which bulbs are best for use in household electrical appliances. Firstly, it is difficult to focus only on cost, brightness, power consumption, color temperature or some other indicator. Secondly, different options are preferable for different rooms and devices:

• incandescent lamps produce the most comfortable light for the eyes, but they “burn” a lot of electricity;
• fluorescent lamps are economical, but tiring of the eyes;
• halogen economical and bright, but they are not recommended for use in bedrooms and children's rooms;
• LED bulbs are good in many ways, but expensive.

For a deeper understanding and easy comparison, check out the following table.

Comparison of LED and energy saving lamps

The brightest, most durable and energy efficient options today are LED and luminescent "housekeepers". Both options have good ratio developed lumen to consumed watt, however, the lower cost speaks in favor of the second option. In turn, the average lifespan of LEDs is 5 times longer. Consequently, the difference in price is more than compensated in the long term.

To decide on the choice, LED or energy-saving, information about the disadvantages also helps:

• "Housekeepers" work well under constant load. Frequent switching on and off will wear them out quickly. This is a poor choice for installation in a kitchen, hallway, bathroom or toilet;
• narrow operating temperature range does not allow installing fluorescent lamps outdoors. They also work worse in high humidity, so a bath or a bath is also not an option;
• fluorescent lamps are poorly dimmable - smooth change the brightness of the glow through a special driver;
• if the energy-saving lamp has lost the phosphor, it begins to shine in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. For safety reasons, the replacement must be carried out even if the device continues to operate;
• LED bulbs don't actually burn for 25-30 years because they are never used in ideal conditions. On average, their service life is 2-4 years;
• there are many inexpensive low-grade models on the market that shine too brightly and with a strong ripple;
• an LED lamp costs up to 5 times more than an energy-saving lamp;
• for long-term operation, the LED lamp must be in a luminaire with good heat dissipation, the fact is that the high temperature overheats the LED, and it burns out.

When choosing light bulbs for an apartment and a house in accordance with the consumption of electricity, consider what model of power you will need to use. To calculate the illumination (in lux), divide the luminous flux (indicated in lumens) of the bulbs by the area of ​​the room in which they are used. According to the building codes in force in the Russian Federation, the illumination rate in kitchens and living rooms is 150 Lx, for children's rooms - 200 Lx, libraries and workrooms - 300 Lx, bathrooms, corridors, halls, showers and bathrooms - 50 Lx (for bathroom can be increased up to 100 Lx).

Do not forget that the operating standards and declared technical specifications guaranteed to match lamps from reputable manufacturers. When buying incandescent lamps, this is not so noticeable, but when purchasing an LED or fluorescent lamp it is better to pay extra for the brand to be sure of quality, safety and durability.

The modern Russian lighting market is diverse. Manufacturers, even at the design stage of lighting devices, are predetermined optimal performance for each item. Light sources (lamps) are no exception. It is not difficult to choose the appropriate bulb shape, type of base or lamp power for a particular luminaire. It is much more difficult for the consumer to decide on the type of light source itself: energy-saving or LED.

This issue can be resolved both by comparing the advantages of common structural elements of energy-saving and LED lamps, and by identifying the pros and cons of their additional operational parameters.

Design features

The only structural element that unites all types of lamps is the base. Otherwise, the design differences between energy-saving devices and LED ones are significant.

Everything similar devices are divided into three types:

1. Incandescent. Base: tungsten filament; a vacuum flask, usually with an inert gas composition.
2. Gas discharge.
3. LED.

Only gas-discharge and LED light sources are considered energy-saving.

The glow of gas-discharge lamps is realized by means of an electric discharge in metal or gas vapors. Gas dischargers can be divided into:

1. Lamps high pressure... There are sodium, mercury and metal halide. This type is ideal for outdoor lighting.
2. Low pressure lamps. This type includes fluorescent light sources. The main structural element is an electrode tube filled with argon gas and mercury vapor. The inside is covered with a phosphor. For its glow, a short-term high-voltage discharge must hit the spiral. If there is a low voltage in the electrical network of the house, the lamps may light up problematically (not immediately and dimly or not at all). They are used for both indoor and outdoor lighting of a house or apartment.

When it is necessary to choose which light bulbs are best for the home, LED or energy-saving, the latter mean precisely luminescent devices.

LED devices are a modern alternative to the types of lamps described above. Such lighting elements, due to their design, are characterized as:

• energy saving;
• environmentally friendly;
• durable, resistant to line voltage drops.

An insignificant drawback is the cost of LED lamps. Their production technology is new, has not yet been modernized, due to this, it is quite expensive. The recoupment of one-time costs for their acquisition is almost 100%, due to their durability and efficiency.

Design features of LED sources:

1. The principle of using the luminous flux. The light emitter is an LED or a group of them. Such a diode element converts electric current into light by flowing current through a special crystal (semiconductor).
2. The light emitting element of the diode family converts electrical current into light by passing it (current) through a semiconductor crystal. A significant advantage - the current is passed only in the required direction.
3. The light emitter can be either in an open structure or placed in a special bulb.

Such light emitters are much more resistant to mechanical stress, in contrast to a similar element of fluorescent lamps (electrode tube with mercury and gas vapors).

Differences in the design of CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LED bulbs are one of the main parameters of technical and operational characteristics, which makes it possible to determine how they differ. Their efficiency is also important.

Luminous flux: which lamps are more economical

Most consumers are guided by this very criterion, making a choice in favor of fluorescent or LED lamps. The difference in economy and electrical efficiency of these two types can be determined by comparing them in terms of energy consumption and operational efficiency with traditional incandescent lamps.

The most important indicator, without which it is impossible to make such a comparison, is the luminous flux. This parameter determines how light it will be in the room of a house or apartment. Measured in Lm (lumens; lm). The higher the luminous flux figure of the lamp, the brighter it will be in the room during its operation. Over time, this value may decrease.

Almost all manufacturers of energy-saving and ice-light bulbs indicate on their packaging that the main operating parameters of their lamps correspond to those of incandescent lamps.

Based on the average values ​​of similar performance characteristics of most common models and manufacturers of lamps, an analysis was made of the efficiency and economy of electricity consumption in relation to the value of the luminous flux. The results of such a comparison are shown in the table.

Based on the tabular data, you can easily determine that LED bulbs are much more economical and better in terms of the quality of operation compared to similar energy-saving ones.

Efficiency

The efficiency of the light bulb is also indicated by the value of the ratio of the luminous flux to the working power of the lighting element. This value isolates a certain set of indicators and is called efficiency (efficiency) or "luminous efficiency". Measured in lm / W. The higher the indicator, the more economically the lamp works.

For an incandescent lamp, this value is very underestimated - less than 10 lm / W, therefore, it has a very low luminous efficacy. This is its most significant drawback. For comparison: the average efficiency of an ice lamp is 90%; for most energy saving ones - below 90%.

To make it easier to make a choice, it is worth considering how these types of lamps differ.

Comparison of quality indicators of light sources

The fundamental differences in the main parameters of such a characteristic should be summarized by highlighting the most basic criteria. Namely:

1. Brightness. This parameter is also called luminous intensity. Measured in cd (cd). Data on this indicator are found on the packaging of lamps intended not for home use... This is an important criterion when choosing an artificial source for the "running lights" of cars.
2. Colour temperature. Also called color rendering index, color temperature. Measured in K (Kelvin). Base is a measure of the hue of a source color, which can be divided into:
   • warm color. It is indicated on the package with numbers from 2700 K to 3300 K. This shade is comparable to the diffused color of the sky at sunset;
   • daytime or natural color. It is designated 4000 K; 4200 K. Compare with the shade of a dim sky;
   • cold. The package indicates 5000 K.

To determine the priority in this choice, it is also worth considering the difference in the size and shape of the lamps.

Appearance: type of base

The perception of interior design largely depends on the quality of the lighting in the room. A correctly selected lighting option will emphasize the dignity of the interior and hide the flaws. An important aspect, without which it will not be possible to implement such a design move, is the choice of a suitable shape and pleasant appearance of lamps for modern lighting fixtures.

Having decided on the type of light bulb, a person pays attention to the type of base. They are:

1. Standard or screw. Most common in everyday life: E14 (minion) and E27. The number indicates the diameter of the base. Installation features are not provided. Bulbs with E40, E27 or E14 base are allowed to be mounted in standard incandescent lamp holders. The E27 base has a thread of 27 millimeters, and the E14 has a reduced thread of 14 millimeters.
2. Pin. In everyday life, they are not used as often as screw ones. Pin contacts are more often used in luminaires with modern lighting options. Cartridge marking is very important.

The number that follows the lettering of this type of cap is the distance between the pins, indicated in millimeters (GU4 or GU5.3, etc.).

After choosing the base, the type and size of the lighting electrical elements is selected. More original shape (candle, ball) and beautiful design - for LED and halogen lamps. Luminescent can only have the shape of a spiral or tube.

Comparison of shapes and sizes

It is important for the modern consumer not only how much more economical the operation of one type of lamp will be compared to another, but also the priority of their appearance.

Having chosen the optimal size, it is possible to exclude the situation when a lamp that does not fit in size and shape sticks out of an ordinary lamp.

Energy-saving lighting elements can often be found in the form of a complex spiral tube with a phosphor deposited inside. They are as compact as possible - they can be mounted in a medium-sized plafond.

LED devices have a much more varied interpretation of shapes and sizes. Of these, the two most common are:

1. Miniature size. The diameter of the crystal circle is 1.5–3 cm. A source with this size of the LED will turn out to be quite small - less than three centimeters. Very often, such a light bulb is installed in furniture and stretch ceilings.
2. Standard format. It all depends on the size of the flask. Its presence is optional. The diode does not need a specific environment. More and more often, bulbless LED lamps are used (they are called "corn" for their characteristic appearance).

As a result, when choosing which type of light source is better, you can see that LED lamps have more advantages - many different shapes and sizes.

Advantages of LEDs in comparison with fluorescent counterparts

Of course, if there is an opportunity to choose, it is better to buy ice lamps to illuminate your house or apartment. To justify such a decision, it is enough to highlight the advantages of this type of light bulb and compare with an analogue, based on the above material, namely:

1. Increased operational efficiency. The average value of the level of light output in relation to the operating power is 130–160 lm / W. For comparison: most energy saving light bulbs have a maximum of 100 lm / W.
2. Immunity to temperature. It means that this type of light source is capable of working at different temperature indicators of the environment, both at –60 ° C and at +40 ° C.
3. The presence of different directions of the light flux. An important advantage, especially when installing tabletop or wall-mounted lighting fixtures. Ice-bulbs mounted in them will realize a uniform luminous flux for a specific narrow-beam device.
4. The quality of the luminous flux. The design of this type of lamp is performed with a different number of LEDs. Due to their significant concentration, the quality of light output will be as high as possible.
5. Some modern ice technology fixtures are designed to be dimmable.
6. Durability. Structural elements of ice light sources are immune to most external factors, do not have burnout elements (as in old lamps - a tungsten filament). The service life of an average energy-saving light bulb, at the request of manufacturers, is about 10,000 hours of operation, for an LED light bulb - from thirty to sixty thousand.

It all depends on the manufacturer, the price-quality ratio. Preference should be given to global brands: OSRAM; Philips or domestic - "Era"; "Space". These companies are stable in terms of selling high quality products.

In addition to the technical and operational advantages of LED sources, it is worthwhile to dwell on the comparison of the impact on the user's health.

Effect on the human body: comparison of fluorescent and ice lamps

Such a criterion is easiest to define by highlighting the following main points of impact:

1. Radiation. LED bulbs are completely coherent. This means that the LED itself acts as an emitter of light of the working spectrum. In comparison with energy-saving ones, it does not have a tangible effect on human vision. Fluorescent lamps are the opposite. The principle of light production from them is based on the interaction of the discharge and the phosphor, which is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the discharge. This creates lighting. Moreover, such a discharge also creates an additional luminous flux - ultraviolet radiation. It affects the vision slightly, but negatively.
2. Shimmer. For an ice lamp, such an operating characteristic is uncharacteristic, there is practically no flicker, due to the fact that a constant voltage is required for the operating power of the LED. And the flickering frequency of fluorescent lamps is about fifty hertz.
3. Mercury. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor. If the flask breaks, the body is poisoned by certain doses of these vapors. LED sources do not contain any harmful substances.

The choice of an LED or energy-saving lamp to illuminate your home is a very topical issue. It is quite simple to decide by assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each type: both operational and design. After such a comparison, the user will understand how to distinguish an ice lamp from an energy-saving one, not only by appearance but also find differences in their functionality. Then it will be possible to choose the optimal light source for a specific lighting design solution and for the individual operational characteristics of the room.

With the ever-increasing price of electricity, we strive to save money and at the same time use normal lighting that does not hurt the eyes, is bright enough and does not cause irritation. That is why energy efficient devices are the most optimal solution for those who want to use quality light economically. From of this material you will find out which lamps are the most energy-saving, which types are this moment exist, the better this or that type and whether their cost really pays off.

Energy-saving lamps: which are better

To understand which lamps are the most energy-saving, let us compare them with the usual incandescent bulbs, which are already familiar to us all, or, as they were also called, “Ilyich's bulbs”. By purchasing one such device, you will understand in just a month how profitable it is, pleasing to the eyes and more economical. Compared to a conventional incandescent lamp, they:

1. They consume less energy, but give the same light output. That is, the efficiency of this device is much higher. Unlike an incandescent light bulb with an efficiency of no more than 18–20%, such a product achieves a maximum performance of no less than 70–80%. In simpler terms, out of every hundred watts, an ordinary lamp, working at full power and heating the spiral, emits only eighteen to twenty percent of the light.
2. They last longer and have a longer warranty period. Any store that sells energy saving bulbs will provide you with a lifetime warranty. In some varieties, it can be about twenty years. Considering how often ordinary lamps burn out, this is very beneficial, because you can always change a burnt out energy-saving device under warranty.
3. Quite safe. All energy-saving lamps (except for the halogen type) do not have a direct connection of the contacts, while in the Ilyich light bulb, all the contacts are connected with a spiral. Therefore, in this case, a short circuit is practically impossible.
4. They do not carry such a load on the general apartment network as usual. This is also one of the safety indicators, due to the non-congestion of the network, other household appliances will not be affected.

To understand which products are better, it is worth considering the standard comparison table for energy saving lamps. It compares light bulbs in terms of heating, power, vandal-proofness, luminous flux, service life and economic benefits. Comparison of energy-saving lamps with conventional ones speaks unequivocally in favor of the former. And if you overpay when buying, then when using it you definitely save.

If we consider all these devices regarding their effect on human vision, energy-saving lamps, incandescent, daylight, then they all flicker with a certain frequency during their operation. This is due to the way in which the electron pulse passes through them. It is not noticeable to the naked eye, but upon detailed study, scientists found that:

• The cold spectrum affects vision more than normal and because of this, the retina is destroyed.
• Brightness and more frequent flickering in fluorescent lamps affects the brain and the stability of the nerve nodes. People who work in an office with such lighting are 30 times more likely to seek help from psychoanalysts.
• According to the latest data from ophthalmologists, the optimal brightness is considered to be 2700–3100 K. This is good for both the living room and the children's room. Therefore, when choosing a light bulb, keep this in mind.
• If the lamp is in front of a mirror, it affects vision by an order of magnitude. It is best to install energy-saving light bulbs near mirrors and glass doors. Paying attention to your appearance, tidying yourself up before going to the store or for a walk, your eyes and brain will not be so tired.

Comparing economical light bulbs with each other, you should pay special attention to heating. Your LED device will practically not heat up, the luminescent one will become warm, and you can even burn your fingers on the halogen one. In terms of the warranty period, they are also very different from each other, and if the halogen one works for 2000 hours, then the LED is ready to provide its factory warranty for at least 50 thousand hours.

If we talk in more detail about what it is and what they are, then let's move on to the next point of our material.

What are the types of energy saving lamps?

By definition, an energy efficient lamp is a special device for uniform light distribution, powered by the mains. In comparison with its counterparts, such a product has an increased level of light output and significantly saves electricity.

Such economical devices are linear (LL) and compact (CFL). They all contain mercury and LED substances. A common feature linear and compact fluorescent lamps can be considered as tangible savings in electrical energy consumption. And at the same time, they fill the space with much more light than the usual incandescent lamps. The latter are gradually falling out of use, since many countries of the world are in recent times set the course for the operation of energy efficient devices because of their overall safety and economy.

What lamps are energy saving?

Energy-saving fluorescent lamps include compact and linear lamps that differ from each other in terms of technical indicators and functions. Let's consider them in more detail in order to understand which energy-saving lamps are best for the home:

1. CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) it is characterized by an arched shape, which allows it to be placed in small luminaires. They are almost always used at home, as an optimal replacement for conventional incandescent lamps. Often they are included in the package of non-standard lighting fixtures. Such a light bulb contains inert gases (known to many argon and neon), as well as mercury vapor. The outer casing is finished with a phosphor. Due to the collision of electrons with mercury components, an externally invisible UV radiation is released, which turns into scattered light (this is facilitated by a phosphor coating). Compact lamps consist of three parts: a base for connecting to the mains, an electronic control device for igniting and keeping the lamp burning. It makes the transition from the 220 W mains to the one that is required for stable lamp operation without flickering. The third component of the device is the bulb, which is the outer shell of the lamp. Due to the difference in these elements, the type of CFL is also determined: for example, by the color of the radiation, the features of the base (there are categories 2D, often installed in shower cabins, E27 - for a regular cartridge, E14 - for a reduced cartridge, E40 - for a large cartridge).
2. Linear fluorescent lamps (LLL) are circular, straight, or specific U-variation. Straight-line devices are in the form of long glass tubes, at the ends of which are legs made of glass, where, in turn, electrodes are fixed. On the inner surface of the lamp there is a phosphor coating, and the tube cavity itself is filled with inert gases and mercury. The safety of people from the destructive evaporation of mercury is guaranteed by hermetically sealed lamp. Linear lamps differ in terms of the diameter and length of the tube, the width of the basement element. As a rule, the larger the dimensions of the LL, the greater the electricity consumption is. Often, such LL are used in manufacturing plants and enterprises, in offices and public places. Compact fluorescent lamps are the most popular among consumers, and their linear alternative is slowly leaving production.

Proven advantages of energy efficient lamps

Summing up all of the above, I would like to emphasize that the use of energy-saving lighting devices in everyday life or in production has many advantages, among which the following are especially noticeable:

1. According to lighting manufacturers, the use of energy-saving lamps can reduce electricity costs by up to 80%. The luminous flux of these devices is much higher than that of the usual incandescent lamps.
2. Energy efficient lamps have long term service. This is more than 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs. Such a long operating time is also a big plus for placing economical lamps in places where frequent lamp changes are very difficult (on high ceilings, between flights of stairs, etc.).
3. They generate less heat than conventional lamps. Due to this, it is advisable to install small CFLs with a high power rating, especially in complex structures: sconces, chandeliers and swirling shapes of lamps. Economical lamps will not melt the wires and plastic elements of the socket, which sometimes happens when using ordinary lamps.
4. The light from energy-saving lamps is much more beneficial for the eyes as it is evenly distributed. A uniform shine is obtained thanks to the design of the lamp: the area of ​​their body is larger than that of the spiral of conventional bulbs.
5. A choice of different color temperatures is possible. Lamps 2700K give white color, 6400K - cold whiteness, 4200K - daylight... These data are measured on the Kelvin scale.

Choosing an energy-saving light bulb, it is necessary not only to look at all the indicators and the price, but also to pay attention to the manufacturer, how reliably the base is made and what quality glass is in the product. Only if you are satisfied with the totality of factors, the product is worth buying. Otherwise, you may well be uncomfortable with such lighting, the lamp can quickly fail, cause a short circuit throughout the apartment, or not be as economical as you would like.

For more on choosing energy-saving lamps, see the video:

It is difficult to imagine how even a century and a half ago mankind did without lighting lamps. After the appearance of this miracle of technology long time we were content with ordinary incandescent lamps, but they, like candles and kerosene lamps, are already fading into oblivion. They are being replaced by more economical lamps that consume less electricity and last for years. But how can we, who are accustomed to focusing only on the power of an ordinary lamp and its base, choose the right energy-saving lamp for home and apartment, because there are a huge number of them on store shelves? Real experts in this field, the employees of the online store 220svet.ru, helped us to figure it out, who have been helping Russians to make life brighter for several years in a row and are selling various kinds of lamps and lamps.

The store delivers products to all regions of Russia, and for many years of work managed to establish cooperation with the largest manufacturers therefore offers its customers competitive prices. The company sells a huge number of lamps different types and capacity, the entire range can be found at https://220svet.ru/catalog/lampochki/. In addition, the online store sells floor lamps, sconces, spots, chandeliers, desk lamp and other lighting items, offering customers a guarantee on all products.

# 1. When you can't do without energy-saving lamps?

The whole world has recognized that energy-saving bulbs are the future, but cheap incandescent bulbs are still being massively sold. So what are the best bulbs to use? For luminaires that work at least 2-3 hours a day, it is better to take energy-saving lamps. In this case, the acquisition will pay off in a couple of years, and then full savings will begin.

When it comes about a lamp that turns on infrequently and for several minutes a day (for example, in basements and attics), then it will be more economical to use an incandescent lamp, at least while they are still being sold. By the way, the country's government has already limited the sale of incandescent lamps with a power of more than 100 W and its next step, most likely, will be a ban on lamps with a power of more than 50 W.

No. 2. Types of energy saving lamps

Energy-saving lamps include:

• fluorescent lamps;
• LED bulbs.

Looking ahead, we note that LED lamps outperform fluorescent lamps in all respects: they are more durable, completely harmless, do not flicker, their luminous flux does not decrease over time. LED lamps lose only in terms of price, but they are more economical in operation.

Both versions of energy-saving lamps differ from incandescent lamps in that all electricity is converted into visible light, while "Ilyich's bulbs" lose a significant part of the energy due to its conversion into heat.

Sometimes halogen are referred to as energy-saving lamps., which is not entirely correct. They are 2-3 times more durable than conventional incandescent lamps, but still significantly inferior to LED and fluorescent counterparts. A halogen lamp is actually the same incandescent lamp, only filled with bromine or iodine vapor (substances belonging to the halogen group). In a conventional lamp, the atoms of tungsten, from which the coil is made, at high temperatures begin to evaporate and deposit on colder surfaces. This is the main reason for their poor durability. If halogens are added to the flask, they will react with tungsten, and the resulting compounds will then decompose into their original components: part of the tungsten returns to the spiral, and the durability increases.

The service life of halogen lamps is 2-4 thousand hours, but when used together with a dimmer, the durability rises to 8-12 thousand hours. Such lamps have high quality color renditions, they are small, can be executed in interesting forms and do not require specific disposal. Not the longest service life and low efficiency still do not allow halogen lamps to be classified as energy-saving.

No. 3. Fluorescent energy saving lamps

Fluorescent bulbs are 5-20 times more durable than incandescent bulbs and use 75% less electricity to create the same light output. Visible light technology here is fundamentally different. In fluorescent lamps, an electrical discharge passes through vapors of mercury and inert gases, causing an ultraviolet glow. It, when passing through a layer of phosphor applied to the inner surface of the lamp bulb, forms visible light.

Those lamps that are used in everyday life are more correctly called compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), since they are also made non-compact, which have very long flasks and are used in large rooms. CFLs usually have a coil-shaped bulb and traditional screw caps, so they can easily replace conventional incandescent bulbs.

The advantages of fluorescent lamps:

Disadvantages of fluorescent lamps:

• the need for careful operation and proper disposal, since such lamps contain mercury, the amount of which can vary from 2.3 mg to 1 g;
• sensitivity to voltage surges and frequent starts, from which the service life is reduced. Experts do not recommend using fluorescent lamps in public places and equipping them with motion sensors. It is better not to turn off these lamps if you leave the room for a short time. The optimal indicator for achieving the greatest durability is 5 inclusions per day;
• the lamp needs some time to start shining at its maximum capacity. At room temperature, this takes about 30-45 seconds;
• over time, the luminous flux of the lamp will decrease, which is associated with the degradation of the phosphor, so it is better to take a lamp with a small power reserve;
• unpleasant flickering;
• complex connection diagram;
• sensitivity to high temperatures, so it is better not to use such lamps in luminaires that limit heat dissipation.

When using fluorescent lamps at low temperatures, their luminous efficiency will be lower than stated. Such lamps cannot be used with dimmers. It is very rare on sale, but you can find dimmable lamps, but they are many times more expensive than conventional ones and do not have a long service life.

No. 4. LED bulbs

LED bulbs are the pinnacle of light bulb evolution. They are devoid of the disadvantages typical of analogues, consume 6-10 times less electricity than incandescent lamps, and are several times more durable than fluorescent lamps. In such lamps there are no tungsten spirals or harmful substances - the light source is an LED, the complex principle of the glow of which makes it possible to do without the use of hazardous and toxic compounds.

The LED bulb can be part of a single piece or sold as a replacement bulb. The latter becomes the object of our attention.

The main advantages of LED lamps:

Basic flaw such lamps are expensive. There is an opportunity to save money - lamps from anonymous Chinese manufacturers, but it is better not to take them. Moreover, many Chinese and even some domestic manufacturers somewhat overestimate the characteristics of their lamps - it is better to take the products of eminent European companies. LED lamps are sensitive to high temperatures and therefore cannot be used in saunas.

No. 5. Lamp power and luminous flux

Conventional incandescent lamps have been in use for so long that when choosing, we are used to looking mainly at power as a key indicator... We all understand how a 40W or 60W lamp will shine. The power of energy-saving lamps is several times lower (4-25 W), therefore, for many, the purchase of a suitable lamp raises many questions. Manufacturers make this task easier for us and indicate power equivalent on packages, i.e. tell us how an economical light bulb will shine, comparing it with the luminous flux of an incandescent lamp of a certain power (for example, on a fluorescent lamp it can be written "8 W corresponds to 40 W").

The manufacturer's concern is pleasant, but educated people should understand that lamp power and light output are not the same, and the familiar watts are a unit of power. Luminous flux is measured in lumens. To make it easier to understand: a 40 W incandescent lamp gives a luminous flux of 470-500 lm, 60 W - 700-850 lm, 75 W - 900-1200 lm. Now, when studying the packaging of an economical lamp, you can already roughly imagine how it will shine.

When choosing a lamp with the required level of brightness, you can also build on equivalent power... For fluorescent lamps you can use a factor of 5: if it is indicated that the lamp has a power of 12 W, then this means that it will shine like a 60 W incandescent lamp. For LED this ratio is about 7-8: a 10-12 W lamp will shine like a 75 W incandescent lamp.

The dependence of the luminous flux on power makes it possible to judge the efficiency of the lamp and its light output, which is measured in lm / W. Incandescent lamps for every 1 W of electricity consumed give only 10-16 lumens of the light ceiling, i.e. have a luminous efficiency of 10-16 lm / W. Halogen lamps have a luminous efficiency of 15-22 lm / W, fluorescent - 40-80 lm / W, LED - 60-90 lm / W.

No. 6. Colour temperature

A lamp with the same wattage can produce light of a different shade, warmer or colder. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and must be indicated on the lamp packaging. On sale you can find lamps with temperature from 2700 K to 6500 K: The lower the value, the warmer and more yellow the light will be.

When choosing, you can focus on the following standards:

It is undesirable to use lamps with different color temperatures in the same room - this will cause discomfort, and if it is constant, then vision problems may arise.

No. 7. Color rendering index

A light source can greatly affect how a person perceives colors. We all know how the same shade can differ under different lighting conditions. Sunlight is considered to be the reference., its CRI is 100. For artificial light, this figure is slightly lower, but the closer it is to 100, the more correct and natural colors we will see. All modern energy-saving lamps have CRI 80 or more- this is a normal color rendition.

Color rendition and color temperature in the marking are encrypted three-digit code, for example, 830, where the first digit advises the color rendering index (in our case, CRI 80 comes out), and the last two indicate the color temperature (3000 K).

No. 8. Life time

The manufacturer usually indicates the durability in hours, but an ordinary user may not quite understand this parameter - it is more convenient for us to count in years. On average, under normal operating conditions, an LED lamp will live 10-15 years, a fluorescent lamp - about 5 years. Manufacturers give a guarantee for LED lamps.

No. 9. Base type

The most popular is still considered classic Edison base with a diameter of 27 mm which is denoted E27... Most household luminaires are designed to fit lamps with just such a base. This was the standard for incandescent lamps, and manufacturers of energy-saving lamps did everything for the convenience of the user and mass-produce lamps with an E27 base. Some sconces, table lamps and small lamps may require lamps with a smaller base - E14... In large high-power luminaires, lamps with a base are usually used. E40... If it is difficult to determine which base you need a lamp with, you can go to the store with an old incandescent lamp.

In everyday life, compact lamps with pin contacts... In them, the base is marked with the letter G and the following number, which indicates the distance between the pins in mm, for example G10.

No. 10. Bulb shape and brightness control

If it is necessary for the lamp to give not only light, but also perform a decorative function, then it is better to choose LED bulbs which can be in the form candles, balls etc. An even greater choice in this regard is provided by halogen lamps and incandescent lamps, but it will not work to save money with them. Fluorescent lamps produced only in the form of spirals and tubes.

If things are not so bad with the shape of the bulb in energy-saving lamps, then with the brightness control everything is much worse. It is, of course, possible to find a sample that can be connected to a dimmer, but it will not be cheap, and the economical lamp still does not implement all the options for adjusting the brightness. If you want to use a dimmer, it's best to use a halogen lamp.

Finally

To make your energy saving lamp meet your expectations, buy products of well-known manufacturers(Philips, OSRAM, GE, Ecola) and ask about the warranty period. To normal led lamp the warranty will be 2-3 years, not 6 months.