LED technology has transformed the lighting industry over recent years and it is soon to be the only option on the market. With incandescent bulbs already unavailable, plans are now in place to phase out halogen light bulbs. Meaning if you haven’t already, it’s probably time to start thinking about making the switch to LEDs in your kitchen.
Inefficient halogen bulbs are still used in millions of kitchens across the UK, but by 2018 the sale of them will be banned as part of the governments energy-saving drive.
The techi bit…
The move follows the prohibition of traditional incandescent bulbs, which have been phased out to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but now the European Commission & UK Government believe that halogens should also be replaced by energy-saving LEDs. The intervention was originally proposed for September 2016 but last year European member states voted to postpone the regulation for another 2 years. That means that all bulbs must be at least energy-efficiency class B by September 2018 to be eligible for sale in Great Britain. This will effectively remove all halogen-style bulbs from the market, leaving LED bulbs as the only option for your existing and new kitchen lighting.
The benefits…
This will have massive benefits for you and the environment. Halogen bulbs produce an excessive amount of wasted energy, which is harmful to both the environment and your wallet. Although the initial cost of an LED fitting is higher, the savings you will make in the long run will more than offset that initial difference, and with continued advances in technology and the increase in market share the prices of LED lighting is falling all the time.
The low wattage of LED lighting means that your energy consumption can be reduced by over 90% which will significantly reduce your electricity bills. 90% of the energy used with halogen bulbs is wasted and converted into radiant heat, meaning LEDs are also a much safer option as they will not over heat and do not produce UV or IR rays.
LEDs also last much longer, with an average lifespan of 12 years, compared to just 1.5 years with a halogen alternative.
This means less replacement bulbs and less maintenance, which will also save you money in the long run. In many cases, the lifespan of an LED fitting can ultimately outlive the kitchen itself.
But best of all, along with these savings, there is no compromise when it comes to the strength and quality of the light that’s emitted. When they first came out, LED bulbs emitted a bluish light that many found harsh compared to the light cast by traditional bulbs. However, LED’s are now available in a range of assorted colour temperatures including natural white (daylight), cool white, and warm white, so there is a shade to suit any style of kitchen or you can select emotion lighting that allows changing light outputs from a remote control to complement your mood and environment any given time.
The options…
The rapid development of LED technology continues to offer new possibilities for kitchen design and LED’s innovations have given so much more choice in how you can light up your kitchen. Examples from Schuller kitchens offer inbuilt LED standard or emotion lighting to their cabinets that are discrete and effective allowing for maximum effect with no separate bulky light fitting of old. Or the option to under-light worktops to illuminate handless grip-ledges gives a great appearance to any modern kitchen, the options and choices go on and on.
There is no doubt that this latest intervention in the market will lead to even further development in LED technology. To make sure you’re equipped for this significant change, start considering your LED lighting options for your current or new kitchen now.