“You’d be amazed at the difference that the type of light bulb used makes on your energy bill,” commented Shani Duncan, Head of Appliance Traders’ Energy Division (ATL).
Duncan recommended consumers make the switch to LED bulbs to bring about immediate savings on future energy receipts. “LED bulbs use up to 89% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 years so with cheaper running costs and fewer replacements, you’ll see energy savings straight away,” she said.
Panasonic, one of the world’s leading ‘green’ electronics companies harnesses the use of LED technology, manufacturing a wide range of eco-friendly devices including the relatively inexpensive but effective bulbs. “Panasonic has the best LED bulbs on the market which are not only eco-friendly but also considerably affordable,” quipped Duncan. “They range from J$2500** upward which is remarkable for a bulb that you’ll only change twice in 50 years. The LED emits the same soft white light much like fluorescents but are more efficient, durable and have a long life span which makes them perfect for residential lighting”.
The Energy division head urged consumers to undertake an energy assessment of their homes to develop tailored conservation methods, “Every step towards conservation impacts our financial bottom line so the time is right to make the energy switch.” And for those looking to cut back even further, Duncan advises that there are a plethora of options, from small steps such as switching to energy-efficient bulbs or going completely off the power grid by way of solar panels. “Consumers have the option of going off-grid becoming fully reliant on their own photovoltaic (PV) system or they can introduce a grid-tie system which utilizes both the PV’s and the national power grid,” she advised.