Additonal Information 2
Electrical Inspection Bedfordshire
New & Existing Fittings
Most manufacturers will be producing energy efficient lamps to fit your existing light fittings and there have been some major advances in lighting technology which means that 'Low energy' no longer means 'dim'. However new fittings are coming onto the market that accept only Low Energy lamps.
New lamp technology
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)- These are the long-standing Low Energy options which significantly reduce energy usage by up to 80%.
They are like the old type fluorescent tube but new lamp technology means they are now significantly smaller and fit all standard BC and ES lampholders. Some CFL lamps are dimmable.
Halogen Widely used in spot light and recessed lighting applications. 12 volt Halogens have a higher light output for power usage than their 240 volt counterparts. Halogen lamps with an energy rating of C or better will not yet be phased out. Higher efficiency lamps are now available as replacements for existing 12 volt versions.
You can now get a 35watt Halogen Energy Saver with the same light output as a 50watt, such as Edison's 35watt Dichroic EDM281ESL.
LED - The latest compact and extremely energy efficient lighting innovation. LEDs were originally used as low brightness indicators, but new technology means that they can now be used for normal lighting applications.
For example a new LED 2.3 watt lamp by Edison has the light output equivalent to a 20watt halogen lamp.
Does dimming save energy?
Dimming is itself a "green" strategy (with modern electronic dimmers) because it can both save energy and extend incandescent and halogen lamp life. According to one study, dimming reduces energy consumption by 20%. Dimming can also increase lamp life. For every 10% dimming. If a bulb is consistently dimmed by an average 20%, in other words, its life would be quadrupled.
Many consumers, and even some electricians, think that dimmers work by converting unused electricity to heat at the dimmer switch. It's true that many old rotary dimmers worked this way; they were called rheostats. These dimmers do not reduce electricity consumption, they turn part into heat, and the rest goes to the light bulb.
Today's dimmers use a "Triac Switch". When dimmed, these switches cut the flow of power to a light fixture up to 120 times a second. While the circuit is switched on and off many times a second, the human eye and brain don't register this flickering. What we see is a constant light output. When it is not giving power to the lamp, then no energy is being used. So yes, you can save with dimming lights because they are on for less total time and not using power while off.
Solar Energy
Most of the energy used in the home is for water heating.
By heating your home's water using Solar Energy you can drastically reduce your use of Gas or Electricity to produce heat for washing/bathing or central heating.
On average a typical Solar Hot Water Heating System can provide up to 60% of your hot water needs every year and contribute towards your heating, by using free Solar Energy.
That's often most the hot water needed in the summer and around 20% in the winter, so about 50%-60% year round.
I am often asked if Solar Water Heating really works and I felt that I could only give an honest appraisal by installing it in my own home.
I looked into several types of Solar Panels and finally settled on a tubular Paradigma system designed in Germany for use in Northern European climate. The solar system works in conjunction with an existing central heating set-up by supplementing and reducing the demand on the boiler.
These Solar Energy Collectors operate not just in direct sunlight, but also by using direct solar radiation, so they even work on cloudy days. Some less efficient panels are only productive in direct sunlight.
We are very pleased with our system and, although it will take several years to recoup the cost, we consider it to be a good investment, saving on fuel, reducing CO2 and our bills and extending the life of our boiler.
Our Solar system was installed by Ideal Solar. A very professional and well organised company and we are pleased to recommend them.
I am now working with Ideal Solar to promote Solar Energy in this area.
If you would like more information or to book a free survey to assess the suitability of your home for 'Solar' please call me on 07785 584455 Or email at: info@HeatingBySolar.co.uk
Or visit my website at www.HeatingBySolar.co.uk
Other Renewables
I also intend to look into other renewable energy sources such as
Micro Generators and Electric Solar Panels.
If you would like to be kept informed of updates please email me at: info@HeatingBySolar.co.uk
Or contact me through the website comments.
Website Links
You may also find further information on Low Energy Lighting and Electrical related items at my website:
I hope that you found this information helpful.
Thanks for reading
