Energy Savings Start with the Right "Bulb" – A Smart Guide to Choosing Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Most people opt for energy-saving light bulbs these days – but with so many on the market, how do you pick the right one? To select the ideal energy-efficient bulb, it’s important to understand the following key indicators and their abbreviations: LM, W, K, and hrs.

Firstly, check LM and W for luminous efficacy. Luminous efficacy is a measure of how much light is produced for each unit of electricity. The higher the luminous efficacy, the more energy efficient the bulb.

To calculate this, check the lumens (LM) and wattage (W) values. Higher lumens indicate a brighter bulb, while lower wattage means the bulb uses less electricity. If two bulbs produce the same level of brightness, the one with the lower wattage is more energy efficient.

Secondly, check K for colour temperature. K represents colour temperature. Bulbs with lower K values (2,700K–3,000K) emit a warm, yellowish light, ideal for living rooms, while higher K values (3,500K–4,000K) produce a whiter, natural light, suitable for kitchens.

Choosing the right colour temperature gives your living space the right ambience and reduces waste.

Finally, check hrs for lifespan. A bulb’s lifespan, measured in hours (hrs), is crucial for long-term savings. Most LED bulbs last 15,000 to 25,000 hours. Longer-lasting bulbs are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, meaning you’ll replace the bulbs less often.