Lighting

Being energy efficient with lighting doesn't mean living in the dark.

And there are plenty of reasons to spark up right now:
  • Australia is phasing out inefficient light bulbs beginning 2009, aiming to save more than 4 terrawatt hours of electricity and 4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas each year
  • We're the first country in the world to ban incandescent light bulbs – when they disappear, they'll save about 800,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which is about 0.14% of all our current national emissions
  • Our new efficient lighting standards introduced in 2009 will save the typical Australian household over $50.00 per year in energy costs
  • We estimate household lighting is in the top 5 appliance categories for energy consumption in the average Australian home
  • Energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps consume up to 80% less electricity than comparable incandescent lamps and last up to 15 times longer
  • Ordinary fluorescent lighting is more economical than incandescent lighting on a watt-for-watt basis and can also give 5 times the light.
These are the main different kinds of lights you can buy.
  • Incandescent lamps , the ones we are used to, are thermal radiators which convert about 5 per cent of the energy they use into light – the rest is lost as heat
  • Standard fluorescent lamps use a gas discharge process that reduces the energy lost and make them more efficient, and also radiate a different light spectrum
  • Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are the most efficient available, are ideal for use around the home, and now come in a range of colours, from a light similar to incandescent globes to one like daylight
  • Dimmable compact fluorescent globes are now available and will save up to 40% of the energy used by standard incandescent globes
  • 35 Watt energy efficient halogen lighting can replace 50 Watt dichroic lighting - that's the low voltage downlights / spotlights so many of us have in our homes. If you prefer this size light and are building a new home consider the 7 Watt compact fluorescent models.

What to consider when buying lighting

  • Size and light output (the tables below will help)
  • Colour – compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) can come in different colours
    • Choose from a colour similar to standard fluorescent, or office lighting, or natural daylight, or a warm colour like an incandescent globe
    • There are no standard descriptions, but colour temperature is always measured in kelvins – the higher the number, the “cooler” or bluer the colour
  • Base type - bayonet or Edison screw type fittings in regular or small circumference
  • The energy the light will use
  • The light's rated lifetime, or how long it will last
  • It's a good idea to take your existing bulb to the shop and get advice to make sure you buy a suitable replacement.
 

Recommended wattage per square metre

Bedroom, lounge, passages etc.

  • Fluorescent 2-3 watts/m2
  • Incandescent 10-15 watts/ m2

Kitchen, laundry, bathroom

  • Fluorescent 6-12 watts/ m2
  • Incandescent 40-60 watts/ m2

How wattage compares between CFLs and incandescent globes

How wattage compares between standard and energy efficient dichroic lights:


Plug-in appliances (including televisions, DVDs, stereos, games consoles, computer equipment etc)

Save energy by switching appliances off at the wall when they're not being used - we estimate that appliances which aren't in use but are just “standing by” account for up to 9% of your home's electricity consumption.

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