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There are two common types of energy efficient lighting, LED (light emitting diodes) and CFL (compact fluorescent lighting). The right choice for your home will depend on your circumstances.

So, what is the most energy efficient lighting? Well, LEDs and CFLs both have their advantages. Below is a summary of your two options:

LEDs Often considered more efficient, LED bulbs have lower running costs than CFL bulbs. They are also a great option to replace spotlights or dimmable light bulbs. In addition, LED bulbs last up to 50,000 hours while CFL bulbs only last for around 8,000 hours.

CFLs CFL bulbs are more affordable than LED bulbs. They’re also capable of producing more light from a single bulb than LEDs. CFLs even take less time to reach full brightness than LED bulbs.

If you’re unsure about which energy efficient bulb to choose, it may be helpful to know their average prices and running costs. For starters, LED bulbs are more expensive to buy than CFL bulbs, however they last a lot longer. The average CFL bulb costs £2, while the average LED bulb costs £5.

When it comes to running costs, LEDs are definitely the winner. The average hourly price to power a 15W LED bulb is £0.002, while the average hourly price to power a 20W CFL bulb is £0.03.

If you decide to try LED bulbs in your home, you may need a lower wattage and the average running cost for a 3W LED bulb is only £1.86 a year! If you’d like to learn more about LED bulb running costs, check out our ‘how much do LED lights cost to run guide?’.

The best way to make your lighting more energy efficient is to change the bulbs. Most lamps and lights work well with LED or CFL bulbs rather than halogen or incandescent bulbs.

How else can I reduce my environmental impact at home?

If you’re looking for more ways to live sustainably, our green home idea guide is a brilliant resource. You can learn all about:

• Switching to eco friendly interiors

• Designing a green home

• Using sustainable energy sources

• Growing your own food

• Helping the bee population

• Living sustainably in big cities

• Improving your air quality

Want to speak to energy efficient lighting companies in GU5?

Once you’re ready to get started switching to energy efficient lighting, you’ll need to find a trustworthy, qualified professional to take on your job. Our members each pass 12 checks and come with the recommendation of your neighbours so you can be sure you’re hiring the best person for your project.

We can help you find experts in energy efficient lighting installation in GU5 in two easy ways. Firstly, our online search feature is completely free to use. Type in your postcode to see a range of energy efficient lighting specialists near you.

Alternatively, our request a quote feature is a great way of saving time. Just fill in our online form and we’ll send your details to three energy efficient lighting companies in GU5. Then you can just sit back and relax while they put together three personalised quotes.