Page last updated on 16th March 2026
Choosing the right energy saving light bulbs
Saving energy is good for the environment and our pockets – but it’s not only the big changes that have an impact. Did you know that simply switching older lights, like halogen spotlights, with more energy efficient bulbs, like LEDs, can help cut your energy usage and bills? Let’s find out more.
How to choose the right energy saving light bulbs?
According to Energy Saving Trust, lighting can account for 11 per cent of a typical household’s energy bills. So, switching to energy efficient bulbs is one way you can take charge and cut back. And the best way to track your savings is to get your smart meter from your energy supplier. A smart meter will enable you to see your savings in pounds and pence, via the in-home display!
First, the light bulb fitting
Obvious, but essential. Fat bayonet, thin bayonet. Wide screw, slim screw. Dimmable, not dimmable.
There are loads of different types, so if you’re just replacing like for like, take the old bulb along to the shop. If it’s a new light you’re buying a bulb for, write down the requirements from the box.
Cut down on your bills, choose an LED
LED light bulbs, short for Light Emitting Diodes, are bulbs that generate light using light-emitting diodes. There are many benefits of LED technology. Specifically, these light bulbs offer a more energy-efficient and long-lasting solution compared to traditional incandescent and halogen spotlight bulbs.
What are the benefits of LED lights?
Sometimes making small changes can have a big impact. Making simple changes to help reduce the average cost of running electrical appliances can help you to save energy.
1. Cost saving
Research by Energy Saving Trust shows that the average household could save money each year by switching all their halogen spotlights or downlights to LED bulbs. If you would like to calculate the electricity cost of household appliances, we have set up an energy calculator that can help show your energy use.
2. Easy to replace
Want to switch to energy saving light bulbs, but worried there won't be a suitable halogen spotlight bulb replacement? Have no fear! Low-energy bulbs are now available in most fittings so it’s more than likely you’ll find the type you need.
3. Long-lasting
Another advantage of using LED lights, is that they are very long-lasting. Energy efficient bulbs like LED lights can last between 20 times as long as halogen bulbs.
4. Flexible
A common complaint of LEDs when they first came on the market is that the light they emit was too harsh. But you should now be able to find an LED bulb that matches the soft yellow light of the old incandescent bulbs, if that is the look you are after – and they’re up to ten times more efficient.
How to switch to more energy efficient bulbs
Switching to more energy saving light bulbs can be relatively straightforward, but if any doubt, please check with a qualified electrician before making any changes.
Check your wattage
If you're used to the old system, then you're in luck—most lightbulb packaging still displays an equivalent, from 40 watts up to 100 watts or more. But remember, wattage wasn't actually a reflection of the brightness of the old bulbs, just energy they used. A new LED bulb is actually only 8-10 watts, but they can be just as bright as traditional bulbs.
The brightness of a bulb is now measured in lumens. A traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb is the equivalent to 700+ lumens. The warmth of the light is measured using the Kelvin scale. For a warm light that matches traditional incandescent bulbs, choose a Kelvin score of 2,700.
The package may also show a CRI, or a Colour Rendering index score. This is the effect of light on the appearance of colour and is rated on a scale of 0-100. Anything above 80 is what you're looking for to make sure the colours in your home look the same as they would in daylight.
Last call for halogens
The incandescent bulbs that your parents grew up with have been completely phased out, and halogens are not far behind them. EU regulations to promote energy efficiency meant that halogens were removed from the market and have been unavailable to buy since 2018.
Halogens are slightly more efficient than the traditional bulbs but cannot compare with LEDs in the energy-saving game. So, next time a bulb blows, why not replace it with the most energy efficient option you can?
For more information about energy-efficient lighting, check out the Energy Saving Trust or the Which? guides to energy-saving products.
And there you have it, now you know all the advantages of LED light bulbs, and you’re armed with the guidance needed to choose the right energy saving light bulbs for your home!
Want to track your energy savings? Why not get a smart meter, if you haven’t already…
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