| If you have smaller decorative lamps around the home | | | | why you shouldn’t start saving money (and the |
| e.g. table lamps, it’s likely that they could have small | | | | environment) from today. |
| round incandescent light bulbs known as golf ball light | | | | Low energy golf ball bulbs / golf ball lamps have high |
| bulbs – so called because of their obvious similarity | | | | efficacy, and long life e.g. they can reduce running |
| in appearance. These bulbs tend to be fitted into | | | | costs by over 80% and have 10,000 hours life. |
| smaller fittings and spaces, and are likely to have Small | | | | Lower (alphabetically indicated) EU energy efficiency |
| Edison Screw (SES) and Small Bayonet Cap (SBC) | | | | ratings on bulbs are a good indictor of your likely |
| bases, as well as ES and BC bases. Although these | | | | savings in energy costs. For example, 7 watt low |
| types of bulb are likely to be used for shorter periods | | | | energy golf balls are a very similar size to |
| of time than main room lights, the incandescent | | | | incandescent versions, but have an energy efficiency |
| versions are still likely to be relatively energy inefficient. | | | | rating of ‘B’ (the closer to A the better). Their |
| Ultimately incandescent golf ball bulbs are still subject | | | | low wattage, high output, very long life, and availability |
| to the EU Rulings (starting in September) for the | | | | with traditional bases means the slightly higher |
| phasing out of incandescent bulbs, in favour of energy | | | | purchase price will be easily offset by the energy |
| saving, halogen and CFL alternatives. Although the | | | | savings over time, and the reduced hassle and cost |
| ruling involves replacement of higher wattage | | | | of not having to replace them so frequently. Low |
| incandescent bulbs in the first 2 years, all, including | | | | energy golf ball bulbs give of less heat too, and may |
| lower wattage will definitely be gone by 2012. | | | | therefore be more beneficial in saving any colour |
| However, the energy saving alternatives to golf ball | | | | fading or heat marking on lamp shades. |
| light bulbs are available now, and there’s no reason | | | | |