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Design Dilemma
ianthy

Light bulb question - can anyone help?

10 years ago

I spent most of last Friday at our local electrical shop sourcing spotlights for the ceiling Aurora Lighting - Adjustable Twin Recessed Downlight in Matt White 240V GU10 Multiple AU-MGU1020MW and we will need 20. There is a choice of 2 dimmable light bulbs:-

1. 35W 240V Hi-Spot 50 GU10 Lamp Model No. ES3550 £1.92 per bulb

2. Philips 4.3W 2700K Master Dimmable LED GU10 Lamp 380lm, Very Warm White 40deg LED lamp £7.00 per bulb

The shop has recommended the more expensive bulb, but as you can see the price is very different 4 to 1. Please can someone with knowledge of bulbs explain the difference and why it would be better for me to buy/invest in the more expensive bulbs or not?

Thank You.

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Hi ianthy

    Bulb no. 1 is a halogen lamp and bulb no. 2 is an LED lamp. LED lamps require much less energy to run compared with halogen bulbs, are more eco friendly and last much longer. Average life of bulb no. 1 is around 3,000 hours compared with the LED bulb no. 2 which has an average life of 35,000 hours.

    However, as you have discovered, LEDs are more expensive at the outset. Depending on how many you need for your project and if budget will allow, I would recommend going for the LEDs as you'll make your money back over time by saving on energy bills.

    Some say halogen lamps look better and have a more attractive light but LEDs have come a long way and I think they're now very similar. Just check what type of light you're getting. Cool white is quite bright and blueish while warm white will have a slightly golden hint.

    Hope this helps!

    Jennifer

    Comments (6)

    • PRO
      10 years ago
      Will give this a bump for you !! Fingers crossed someone who knows will help !
      ianthy thanked OnePlan
    • 10 years ago

      Jennifer - thank you so much for the really clear explanation. As I need 40+ bulbs and likely to stay in this house for another 1.5 years, I will think about the savings V expense of the more expensive light bulb.

    • 10 years ago
      The halogen lamps burn 1.4kwh of electric for each hour of use. The LED lamps burn 0.172.
      A difference of over 1.2kwh. Approx cost 10p. Over the 3000 hours lifespan of the halogen bulbs they will cost £360 more to run.
      ianthy thanked Victoria
    • 10 years ago

      Thanks for the info. It's scary when you think of the cost of having 40 bulbs and the impact on the elec bill.

    • PRO
      10 years ago

      Hi, glad this question has been answered. Have you now purchased your bulbs or would you like me to give you a quote for 40 of these as we have a wide range of bulbs available on our website. Our halogen lamps can be found here:

      http://www.thebulbco.com/light-bulbs/halogen-gu10-bulbs

      Or if you are still thinking of going down the LED route these can be found here:

      http://www.thebulbco.com/light-bulbs/led-spotlights-bulbs-lamps/gu10-led-spotlights

      Please feel free to give us a call though if you need any more information, our number is 0161 737 7333 or if you want to email us our email address is info@thebulbco.com

      Hope this helps. Kind regards Suzanna

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