Low Energy lighting question

paulb

Hi,

This topic has probably been discussed previously, but I am looking for for any advice on low cost lighting.

I have a a fair number of Halogen GU10 bulbs that I want to swap over to low cost equivelents as they blow. Which is better low energy compact Mini-flourescent bulbs or their LED equivelent. I am looking for 11W<->50W output. Being (very!) expensive in the first place I would like to get whatever volume discount I can. I want both cold and warm white equivelents.

Can anyone recommend on-line shops or do the bulbs get broken in transit (I had this experience before but as they were a sort of a goodwill gesture for a related electrical replacement I didn't mind too much). Are there any recommended brands (megamon) or brands to avoid?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Paul

CJhaughey

Have a look at this thread over in Green issues,http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054854849

hobie

bmcclurg wrote:

Paul,

Go to www.avocalite.ie , CFL's priced around Eur2. They stock a very extensive rangle from pearl globes to candle globes to reflectors - all look just like the incandecsent type. They don't break in transit at all, in fact they are more robust than normal globes and they came packed with filler anyway.

I replaced a few last month from that Avocalite shop and plan to replace the rest in April. Should save me about E40/month - I've calculated

Good luck !

I've been trying to get some reflector type CFL's for weeks ...... I saw them on SKYNEWS so I knew they existed but all the stores I tried said "No way Jose" (pronounced Hosay!!!! ) ......

tried the avocalite link above ..... bulbs available and ordered online tonight ....

thanks a million for the link .....

Stoner

Edit
http://www.loweleds.com

are an Irish company selling LED lamps and fittings, but I'd go for the CFLS in place of spots, your 11W equiv to 50W halogen is a bit optimistic but the CFLs will give out a decent bit of light, as pointed out by someone else in another thread they are a little bit longer and wont fit some directional fittings. Also the CFL have warmer colour lamps compared to LEDS , you can get some warmer coloured LEDs but they don’t look great IMO and they are more expensive. Just to throw in about LEDS they are not a direct alternative to your 50W lamps, if you replace your halogens with LEDS you will change back, they are almost just like a night light

DO0GLE

Stoner wrote:

www.lowleds.com

The link doesn't work.

JohnDigital

It is www.loweleds.com

Sonnenblumen

GU10 CFL lamps are readily available typical 11W +/-. There are also the GU 10 LED but these have very weak power. If you prefer the latter go for the 3W rating otherwise the regular 1 W LEDGU 10 lamp will not be too bright.

Beware the CFL versions tend to be longer, so check your fitting to be sure the lamp fits.

Spectrum, LED, Fantasy Lights all carry such products.