What are the advantages of the new-generation light bulbs?

New-generation low-energy bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tubes and LED) have two main advantages compared with conventional light bulbs:

• low energy consumption
• long useful life.

More economical light bulbs

As our infographic shows, the differences between filament light bulbs and new-generation light bulbs are obvious. The new bulbs use far less energy, which offsets the fact that they are more expensive to buy. What’s more, they have a longer useful life, reducing their cost even further in the long term.

These two characteristics are among the information provided on the light bulb label:

• the category indicates the consumption: from A green, the most economical, to G red, the most energy-intensive.
• the useful life is expressed in hours.

Each type of new-generation light bulb also has its own advantages:

Incandescent halogen bulbs

•  up to 25 % less energy than traditional light bulbs
• useful life of two years
• same shape and appearance as traditional light bulbs
• possibility of using with dimmer switch
• bright, brilliant light.

Compact fluorescent bulbs

•  up to 80 % less energy than traditional light bulbs
• useful life of between six and ten years
• no risk of burns
• wide range of light colours
• gentle light.

LED

• up to 80 % less energy than traditional light bulbs
• useful life of at least ten years
• no risk of burns
• withstand being switched on and off frequently
• full light efficiency as soon as they are switched on
• wide range of light colours.