Lighting
Lighting contributes around 8% of a typical household power bill. [1.]
Learn here about how you can make some small changes to get big savings on your lighting bill.
On this page
- Home lighting requirements
- Energy efficient lighting
- Efficient light bulbs for less - subsidies
- Types of efficient lighting
Home lighting requirements
Most homes require:
- general lighting for all-over illumination
- task lighting to light up specific work or activity areas
- accent lighting to create a mood or highlight a feature.
Energy efficient lighting
An energy efficient lighting system makes use of natural light particularly from north-facing windows and uses the right light for the right task.
Efficient light bulbs for less - subsidies
Energy efficient light bulbs cost more to buy but they work out cheaper in the long run as they use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs.
You can often pay less for your efficient light bulbs - find out more about the Electricity Commission's efficient lighting subsidies.
Types of efficient lighting
When it comes to efficient lighting you’ve got a range of choices. These are the main types of efficient lighting currently available in New Zealand. Different lighting types have different uses, so make sure you're getting the right light for the right job.
New generation halogen incandescent light bulbs
These look the same as traditional incandescent light bulbs, but they use around 30% less electricity to make the same amount of light and last twice as long. These bulbs work well with dimmers.
New generation halogen incandescent bulbs are already stocked in some shops and are expected to become more widely available over coming months.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
CFLs are the most well known type of efficient light bulb. They are good for general household lighting and can be used in place of traditional incandescent bulbs in many situations. They’re also very efficient – good ones use up to 80% less electricity than a traditional incandescent bulb, and can last 8-10 times longer.
CFLs come in an increasingly wide range of shapes, colours sizes and functionalities. Some of the new generation ones can even be used with dimmers or in downlights – check the box before you buy and consult a professional if you’re unsure.
A good quality CFL lasts from 6000 to 15,000 hours. We recommend you choose a bulb that lasts over 8000 hours (approximately 8 years). Check the box to find out the lifetime of the bulb.
Find out more about compact fluorescent lamps.
Energy saver halogens
These are around 30% more efficient than standard halogen lights. They generally provide directional light, so they’re good for task lighting and highlighting features.
Linear/circuline fluorescent tubes
These use the same technology as CFLs so they are also very long lasting and efficient. They’re good for task lighting in areas like kitchens, bathrooms and workshops.
Light emitting diode (LED) light
These are extremely efficient and long-lasting – they last up to 50 years – though they’re relatively expensive. They’re good for guidance and effects – for example, striplighing in hallways and outdoors, or tree up-lighting.
Take action
Check your home lighting requirements
1. Use energy efficient products.
2. Make the most of natural light.
3. Choose lights appropriate for purpose:
- when spot lighting for long periods, such as over kitchen benches, use fluorescent or low voltage quartz halogen lights
- avoid vented recessed down lights and many incandescent spotlights
- install fluorescent lights where lights will be left on for a long time, such as in family rooms, in the kitchen and for security.
For more information about planning your lighting requirements for a renovation or new home, go to the lighting and landscaping pages in Your building design.
You can also find good tips for efficient lighting design in the Light Years Ahead fact sheet PDF [5.40MB].
Calculate your energy spend
Find out how much you can save on lighting by using the online calculator.
Know how to dispose of CFLs safely
CFLS contain a small amount of mercury (4mg). This will not put you at risk but a broken CFL should be disposed of carefully.
Check the Guidelines for safe use and disposal of household lamps. [Ministry for the Environment website.]
Your local council may provide a lightbulb recycling or HazMobile collection service. [HazMobile website.]
Phasing out the least efficient lighting
Inefficient light bulbs are likely to be phased off the market starting from the end of 2009 - so you will still be able to choose what lights you use but you'll know that the bulbs you buy aren’t energy wasters.
One of the types of bulb to be affected is the traditional incandescent light under 150W (i.e. the normal pear shaped lamps, including the most common 40W, 60W and 100W), which will likely disappear from the end of 2009.
But with more efficient replacements coming onto the market, like new halogen incandescent bulbs, you may not even notice the difference – except for the savings to your power bill!
Find out more about future plans for lighting.
More information
- About lighting options and standards [EECA website.]
- Lighting options and ways to reduce your lighting bill [Smarter Homes website.]
- Energy efficient lights [Level website.]
- Fluorescent lamps. [EECA website.]
- Waitakere City Council guide to home Light and lighting. (PDF, 70 KB.) [Lighting booklet.]
- The safe use and disposal of household lamps (PDF 123 KB) [Ministry for the Environment website.]
Note:
[1.] BRANZ Study Report SR 155, 2006.