Energy saving lighting has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past few years, with the innovative brands now reaping the rewards as more and more households around the world make the switch.

One brand leading the charge is Envirolux, which can be found exclusively at Beacon Lighting stores. As this technology is relatively new however, information on the benefits and how it can easily be integrated into homes is still scarce. Which is why we have put together this guide to help make your transition and choice easy.

We’ll start with the easy stuff: energy saving is about reducing the wattage used in a light fitting whilst maintaining the same light output. There are many types of energy saving globes currently on the market. One very popular and widely used example is Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFLs, which are simply fluorescent tubes bent into shape to fit into standard light fittings.

The Envirolux range includes a large array of modern fittings and globes that have been designed to fit these energy saving CFL globes. They also achieve outstanding performance, using 80% less electricity than conventional incandescent globes.

But that’s only part of the story. The reasons for making the switch are very attractive: You will save money on your power bills. Although they are initially more expensive to purchase this is outweighed by the fact that CFL lamps use 80% less electricity. For instance over 15 years your power bill for a normal 50W (GU10) globe will be around $112.50 an energy efficient CFL will cost just $20.25*, it’s a pretty tidy saving.

CFLs also save you the hassle of regularly jumping up a ladder to replace the globes as they range from 5000 hours (5 years) to 15,000 (15 years)*.

Early in their development, CFLs had a stark, harsh light. However new CFLs are equal or superior to normal incandescent globes. And with development brings choice, with warm white, cool white or super bright daylight available to suit the look, feel and use of your home.

We hope this has helped answer a few questions you may have had about energy saving lighting. If you need any more assistance feel free to speak to any one of our Beacon Lighting consultants about Envirolux and how you can make the switch to energy saving lighting in your home.

For further information download our Envirolux brochure or check out our energy saving section of the website which includes fact sheets and FAQs by clicking here.

*The calculations, costs and savings above are approximate only, and based on an average cost of power (15c/kWh hr) and globes as at April 2006. Variations will occur due to the current and future varying costs of power, cost of globes, varying quality of globes and therefore expected lamp life together with the extent and type of usage.