Epc4less: Energy Lights Increase Energy Performance Certificate Rating Only By One Point

Epc4less, are Domestic Energy Assessors in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They are responsible for surveying houses for Energy Performance Certificate. According to them, it is concluded that properties having energy-efficient lighting will have a slightly better rating as compared to the properties having ordinary bulbs.

In fact, epc4less explain that having low energy lights will increase the EPC rating of a property marginally. In the long run, it is better to have energy-saving bulbs fitted on your property, but it may take 5 years or more to make your money back. This article explains why.

How does it work?

Energy-efficient bulbs are compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and are different from the traditional bulbs that are incandescent lamps. CFLs and incandescent bulbs produce light in distinct ways. In an incandescent bulb, the wire filament inside the bulb glows when it heats due to the current passing through it. In CFLs, current goes through the tube that has argon and a small number of mercury vapours in it. This produces invisible light that excites the fluorescent coating (phosphor) on the inner side of the tube, which then produces visible light.

Initially, CFLs need a little more energy to turn on, but once the electricity starts moving freely through the tube, they use 70% less energy as compared to incandescent lamps.

Environmental Impact of energy-saving lights

The low power consumption of these energy-efficient lights means that these bulbs contribute less to the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Each energy-efficient bulb saves roughly around 2000 times its weight in carbon dioxide emissions over its operational life – which is usually between 5-8 years.

Now you can buy different forms of energy-efficient bulbs – including the ones that can easily fit into downlighters and spotlight fittings.

Having 10 spotlight bulbs of 9 watts each instead of 10 with 60 watts each means that the same lighting space will take 90 watts instead of 600 watts.

Technical issues to consider

Energy-efficient bulbs have a small amount of mercury in it just like the traditional bulbs. This does not present any issues when operating the bulb, but it must be disposed of properly. Mercury filled bulbs should never end up in landfills and must be recycled. Recycling is available in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in several locations, where bulbs are disposed of appropriately.

Cost

The cost of replacing your traditional bulbs with the energy-efficient ones depends on how many rooms you have in your house and the type of bulb you are exchanging your old bulb with. Energy-efficient bulbs costs between £1 to £2 whereas the energy-efficient spotlights costs between £3 to £5.

Impact on Energy Performance Certificate

Properties having energy-efficient lights have 1 to 3 additional points in their energy performance certificate rating as compared to properties that have traditional bulbs. It stands true when the comparison is made with properties of the same style, size, and age of built. The price of an EPC varies depending on the size of the house. Expect to pay £60 to £80 for your Energy Performance Certificate for a semi in Belfast.