A consumer survey, commissioned by LEDVANCE, has found that despite people being willing to explore more energy efficient lighting options, they are reliant on less energy efficient halogen lightbulbs. This is despite the fact that since 1 September 2018, the popular halogen lightbulb can no longer be sold across the UK and EU, once existing stock has run out[1].
When it comes to choosing a lightbulb to buy, concerns over price (59%) and energy efficiency (56%) were joined by quality of the product (47%) in the top consumer considerations. LED lightbulbs give longer-term financial and energy advantages over halogen, but UK shoppers still seem unaware of the benefits of LED.
37% of those surveyed said 90% of the lightbulbs in their home are halogen. Meanwhile, a third (33%) wish the phase out of halogen bulbs wasn’t happening. 38% feel they will lose money as a result of the change. More worryingly, 42% are not even aware of the phase out of halogen lightbulbs.
Peter Alexander, Head of Retail Sales UK & Ireland from LEDVANCE, says, “Falling prices, rising efficiency and greater durability of LED lamps is precisely the criteria that would make people switch to LED technology. However, the percentage of consumers using predominantly halogen lightbulbs demonstrates a lack of awareness over the benefits of the right lighting for their own needs.”
A survey from LEDVANCE conducted before the 1 September enforcement, showed the UK lagged behind its European counterparts in terms of awareness halogen of the directive. Only 35 percent of Brits were aware of the impending change, compared with 58% in Italy, 51% in France, 51% in Germany and 39% in Sweden. While UK consumer awareness has grown, it is still not where it needs to be.
Peter Alexander from LEDVANCE, adds, “42% of consumers also said they would be willing to pay up to three times more for a lightbulb which lasts 7x longer than a halogen bulb and saves money on an electricity bill[2]. OSRAM LED lightbulbs do just that, saving £70 per lightbulb or up to £1,120 per house.”
Things to look for when buying LED lamps
There are already a large number energy-efficient and cost-effective LED alternatives to halogen lamps on the market, such as those from LEDVANCE’s OSRAM LED lightbulbs, which look remarkably like their halogen predecessors.
LED retrofit lamps equipped with the latest filament technology are a good example as they can be used as direct replacements for old halogen light bulbs. The replacement products are available as all-glass versions, as dimmable versions and either clear or frosted.
To ensure that during the transition phase consumers can familiarise themselves with the new products they should check the following information provided on the packaging by the manufacturers:
- The LED designation
- The wattage information which includes both the “old” wattage of the incandescent lamp and the “new” wattage of the LED lamp, providing an indirect indication of potential energy savings
- The lifetime, given in hours and years, which is seven times longer than that of the halogen “predecessors”
- The light colour, ranging from warm white to cold white
