Don’t energy saving light bulbs give a harsh light?

This concern stemmed from the early days of CFL’s which could be a cold stark light, however the newer versions and the LED’s have overcome this problem by offering a better choice of light temperatures (Kelvin rating)

Colour Temperature (Measured in Kelvin - K)

.  Harsh/Cold Light (High K) - CFL’s and LED’s which have a colour temperature of 4000k, 5000k and 6000K +  will mimic daylight and be bluey white colour which can look sterile or clinical.  This colour type is excellent in kitchens, bathrooms, offices etc but not so good for relaxed living spaces

.  Warm/Soft Light (Low K) -The modern CFL’s and especially LED’s are now available in lower colour temperatures of 2700K and 3000K and this matches the warm yellowish glow of the traditional incandescent bulbs and they are considered suitable for living rooms, bedrooms etc.

Colour Rendering Index (CRI)

CRI measures a light source’s ability to accurately show the true colours of objects compared to a natural light source.

. Low CRI - Often the older CFL’s had low CRI (below 80) which made objects look washed out

. High CRI - Most LED bulbs today have a CRI of over 80 and the higher end models reaching 90-95.  A high CRI ensures that the colours appear as they should, true to life.

Do Energy Saving Light Bulbs Make a Difference?

The answer is Yes they certainly do.  The changeover from incandescent to CFL’s and now LED’s is one of the most impactful changes in energy efficiency.

1. Energy and Cost Savings

LED bulbs use approximately 75-80% less energy than incandescent and halogen bulbs to produce the same amount of light output (lumens)

Bulb Type                      Typical Wattage (to replace 60W Incandescent        Lifespan (Hours)

Incandescent                 60W                                                                           1000

CFL                               13-15W                                                                       8000

LED                               8-10W                                                                         15000 - 25000

The figures above translate into lower electricity bills.  The LED bulbs do have a higher upfront cost but its operational cost is so much lower which leads to a substantial long term saving.

2.  Longevity and Durability

LED’s are generally long lasting and can last up to 25 times more than a standard incandescent bulb.

3.  Environmental Impact

By reducing energy consumption LED’s lower the demand on power plants which in turn reduces the green house gas emissions.  CFL bulbs contain a trace of mercury whereas the LED versions are mercury free and are fully recyclable.

4.  Versatility and Features

Led technology offer dimmability (as long as it states it is a dimmable bulb) and directionality making them suitable for specific applications such as spotlights, track lighting etc.

Leds can also have smart features such as colour changing capabilities and the ability to be operated via an app or remote control.

How to make light bulbs less harsh

1.  Check and change the colour temperature (K) - if the light is harch (bluey white) you would need 4000K + , to make it a softer light (yellowy) you would need 2700 to 3000K

2.  Choose a high CRI bulb. - Look for packaging specifying a CRI of 90 or above.  The high CRi will make the light feel more natural

3.  Consider brightness (lumens) - If the light is too bright or intense you would need to find a bulb with fewer lumens

4.  Use Diffusers and Fixtures - Frosted bulbs instead of clear glass will help with softening the light and the glare.  The fixture for the bulb plays a big role also, if you use shades made from fabric, frosted glass or paper these materials diffuse the light creating a more ambient glow

5.  Add a dimmer switch - By adding a dimmer switch it will allow you to dim the light down to the ambience you require, however you do have to ensure that both the switch and the bulb are rated for dimming.