The Benefits of LED Lights

Technology is advancing these days at what can only be called light-speed. Aspects of everyday life are continually being improved upon, and this is especially true for the light bulb industry. With so many new rules and regulations regarding energy consumption and eco-friendly electrical appliances, the old halogen bulbs are slowly being outlawed in favour of modern alternatives such as the LED light. LEDs, or 'light-emitting diodes' have come to prominence in the last few years to coincide with traditional incandescent bulbs being taken off the market. Companies such as BLT Direct, one of the UK's largest suppliers of lighting solutions, have huge ranges of LED lights on offer. But what's so good about LEDs?

The biggest difference between traditional bulbs and LED light bulbs is their life expectancy; an incandescent light bulb can last for up to 5,000 hours where an LED light has an average lifespan of 100,000 hours – that's 11 years of continuous operation! This makes the LED not only good to use as a regular lighting solution, but ideal for lights which may be in difficult places to access, impairing the ability to change them regularly. The staggering lifespan also contributes to money-saving; a single LED may cost more than an old-fashioned incandescent bulb but money will be saved over the number of replacements that will have been escaped by using an LED.

The savings also translate to power and energy, keeping electricity bills lower than ever. LED bulbs operate at 80% efficiency, meaning that LEDs convert 80% of their energy into light, as opposed to the mere 20% of the older types of bulb. If all lights in all homes were changed to LEDs there would be massive effects for electricity bills. Unlike halogens or incandescent bulbs, LEDs produce light and no heat, upping their efficiency massively. They also don't produce any harmful UV radiation, meaning that they don't only help to cut energy costs, but carbon footprints too. When it eventually does come to changing an LED light bulb (in many decades' time), they are easily recyclable as they don't contain any Mercury and will not damage the environment.

LEDs are just as adaptable as halogen and incandescent bulbs, if not more so. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit any light fixture. The selection of colours they are available in is also fairly extensive, from the decorative blue, red and green to shades resembling daylight which can be used to brighten up any room without access to natural light.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

A Guide To Common Bulb Bases

Choosing a bulb for a light fixture can be tricky business; there are so many different wattages and colours, with varying sizes to choose from. One of the most confusing aspects of choosing light bulbs can be getting the base right; every DIY expert has, at some point or another, managed to find him or herself with the wrong bulb to match a fixture. BLT Direct, one of the UK's leading suppliers of lighting solutions, have a huge selection of light bulbs with many different types of base; here are the five most popular bases they stock.

The bayonet cap is probably the most familiar light bulb to the majority of customers, with it's familiar shape and the easy-to-follow 'push then twist' action used to connect it to the light fixture. They come in two sizes, 22mm and 15mm, and they are most commonly used for mains voltage lamps. There are occasionally some variants, such as the 3-pin bayonet cap, but for standard household fittings the basic bayonet cap, known as a 'BC', will suffice. This Box Of 10 GLS 60-watt Pearl bulbs are a very common and standard bulb with a bayonet cap, created to fit a variety of applications and available at BLT Direct for just £10.49.

Another of the most well-known light bulb bases is the Edison screw, named after the inventor Thomas Edison who was credited with creating the electric light bulb as we know it today. There are many different sizes of Edison screw base so it is worth checking any fixtures for the exact measurement before purchasing. As in the name, the Edison base screws into place and are usually used in domestic settings. They are used the world over, and the fact that the base comes in many different sizes means that it is versatile and adaptable. Also available in a standard shape and a 'warm white' shade, BLT Direct has a Box Of 10 Energy Saving GLS light bulbs which come with the Edison screw base and are available for £11.99.

GU10 bulbs are coming into prominence with the slow phasing-out of halogen bulbs; it is important to know which sort of fixtures these bulbs will fit. They are seen as like-for-like replacements for their outlawed halogen cousins, with more energy-saving capabilities and a longer life. The GU10 bulbs are generally twist and lock bulbs, similar to bayonet caps, and will generally fit many domestic fixtures such as desk or ceiling lamps. Single GU10 Energy-Saving 11-watt light bulb are available in wonderful daylight colours from just £4.99 at BLT Direct.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Get Some Much Needed Daylight With BLT Direct's Daylight Bulbs

With the UK spending more time in darkness than we do in light for the next few months over Winter, it is unlikely that many of us will get to see much daylight whilst going about our working day. However, BLT Direct, one of the UK's leading suppliers of lighting solutions, has in stock a range known as daylight light bulbs. It can often feel dull coming home in the dark to artificial light, but these light bulbs are made to simulate natural daylight. They provide a much whiter light than the traditional 'yellow' bulbs and enable us to distinguish colour as effectively as we do in daylight. Users of these daylight light bulbs report less eye strain when living or working in a naturally-lit area.

With halogen lamps gradually being phased out, looking for alternatives has never been more vital. The Energy Saving GU10 7 Watt Daylight bulb is considered to be a genuine replacement for the traditional halogen bulbs. The colour of lighting is measured on the Kelvin (K) scale – lower colour temperatures tend to contain more red light and therefore appear 'warmer', with higher colour temperatures containing more blue and appearing 'colder'. The standard light bulb generally sits around 2700K , whereas the GU10 daylight bulbs at BLT Direct are 6500K; much closer to natural daylight than the bulbs the majority of people currently use. These bulbs also have incredible lamp life, lasting for approximately 8,000 hours and saving on average 80% on running costs. The potential saving on electricity over just one of the bulbs' estimated lifetimes is £31.68 – this bulb is available for just £4.99.

The daylight bulbs come with a whole range of bases, including the popular GLS base. The Energy Saving GLS 11 Watt Daylight bulb are a like for like replacement for the old GLS types, and are an ideal solution for new installations, where more focus is placed on energy consumption. These bulbs are hugely energy-efficient, with 70% reduction on heat output, 80% reduction in the energy it consumes and a massive 90% reduction on UV output. Purchasing just one of these bulbs for £4.99 can save you £47.04 over the lifespan of the bulb. They provide a relaxing, daylight hue without compromising on energy-saving restrictions.

Using daylight bulbs in a commercial space can also be extremely beneficial; boosting productivity in the workplace or improving the aesthetic of a retail space. BLT Direct also stock daylight fluorescent light bulb tubes, in all voltages and wattages. Their Fluorescent T5 Daylight Tubes save 80% on running costs, making them green and eco-friendly, whilst also taking lighting solutions off your mind, for the next 10,000 hours at least, as that is their expected lamp life. There are currently daylight tube lights available at just £2.17 each for a 6-watt bulb, going up to £5.99 for the 80-watt counterpart.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Stock Up For Winter Nights With BLT Direct

The clocks have gone back and the dark nights are drawing in much earlier for the residents of the UK. From now until next March, we spend more time in darkness than we do in light. This means that people will be looking for innovative and effective ways to brighten up their homes without breaking the bank. BLT Direct has been a leading supplier of lighting solutions for the best part of a decade, with a great selection of energy saving light bulbs, halogen lamps, LED lights and all sorts of light fittings. Their special offers are great for anyone looking for stylish ways to illuminate their home this winter.

The kitchen is always a much-used room in the winter months, whether sending the children off to school with a hot breakfast inside them, cooking a warm stew on a cold evening or spending the last days before Christmas preparing a turkey. The 13 Watt Fluorescent Smilight Tube Lights currently on offer at BLT Direct are a great addition to the underside of cupboards in any kitchen, providing a warm white light which is not only practical when preparing food, but also looks welcoming and homely and fitting with all colour schemes. The recommended retail price (RRP) of each tube light is £9.99, but BLT Direct is currently offering a set of three 420mm long lights for just £14.93, a saving of more than 50%.

Winter has always been synonymous with the festive season, and BLT Direct’s fantastic range of decorative Christmas lights provides excellent choice for people with all budgets. Their 120 LED Blue Fairy Light Set is a sophisticated way to illuminate a Christmas tree or the outside of a house and comes with 8 different pulsating controllable via a remote. Add a splash of colour to your Christmas decorations - the elegant 6-metre set with an additional 5-metre wire is currently in the clearance section of BLT Direct and priced at just £9.99, saving 33% on the previous price.

BLT Direct also has a wide variety of conventional bulbs on offer, with both 60-watt and 100-watt GLS bulbs (more commonly known as a standard light bulb) currently on sale. The bulbs have a bayonet base, compatible with a huge range of existing light fittings and lamps. With the intended phasing out of the incandescent light bulb, prices of these types of bulbs have been pushed up, and they will soon be impossible to find at a reasonable price. Stock up now at BLT Direct, where prices remain low and stock is plentiful. A box of 10 GLS Pearl bulbs (100-watt or 60-watt) costs just £10.49 (excluding VAT).

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Cut Energy Costs This Winter With BLT Direct

After a brief Indian summer where Britain spent a week walking around in flip-flops and sunglasses, the UK has finally succumbed to it's trademark cold winter. With the onset of wind, rain and even some snow forecast, temperatures have dropped dramatically within the last few weeks and residents of freezing Britain will be turning up the heating for the first time in months. Not only is the meteorological climate dropping, but the economic climate is facing tough times, with energy providers driving prices sky-high and making it more expensive than ever for people to heat their homes through winter.

BLT Direct, a leading UK supplier of light bulbs, is offering the perfect method of saving money and to even out the energy bills. Their range of energy-saving lightbulbs come in all shapes and sizes, at a budget price to suit everybody. Energy-saving bulbs have dramatically reduced running costs, consuming much less power and resulting in lower electricity bills. The bulbs are also much longer-lasting than conventional halogen bulbs, lasting for up to 15,000 hours and practically ridding us of the need to replace them, saving even more money.

The Energy Saving GU10 Light Bulbs are now popularly considered as a direct replacement for the standard halogen bulbs which are slowly being filtered out of production. The bulbs fit any GU10 light fitting and come in a range of different colours and wattages. The shape of the bulbs and the lighting they produce make them perfect for accent and effect lighting. It's been predicted that GU10 lightbulbs can provide up to an 80% reduction in running costs, leaving you with much more money to keep the house warm through the colder months. The bulbs are environmentally friendly and highly luminous thanks to state-of-the-art technology. BLT Direct has the GU10 lightbulbs starting at just £4.99 each.

BLT Direct also provides direct energy-saving replacements for GLS bulbs. The energy-saving lightbulbs are exactly the same size as the standard GLS bulbs but instead of consuming pointless energy, they are more energy efficient, reducing costs and protecting the environment whilst still providing the same amount of light. With the standard incandescent bulbs slowly being taken off the shelves, now may be the perfect time to stock up on their environmentally-friendly replacements, just in time to cut down your energy bills over Christmas.

With the days becoming shorter and the hours of darkness becoming longer, it's important that your energy-saving light bulbs last, as during winter we need to use artificial light for much larger portions of the day. BLT Direct's fantastic Dusk To Dawn Sensor Lamps have a unique sensor built-in which automatically switches on the light at nightfall and off again when the sun comes up the next morning. For areas that require constant illumination throughout the night, such as landings or hallways, these cutting-edge light bulbs are the perfect choice. The lifespan of these bulbs is estimated at around 8,000 hours, and they are fitted with a bayonet cap which will fit a large number of existing light fittings. The Dusk To Dawn Sensor lamps are currently on sale at just £15.99.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

BLT Direct – One-Stop-Shop For Christmas Lighting Needs

Supermarkets have already started to stock up on advent calendars and tinselly decorations, with Christmas offers appearing in adverts on television. Consumers are urged to start their Christmas shopping early to get ahead of the crowds and the inevitable onslaught of celebrity books, calendars, DVDs and other novelty items will soon be upon us.

It is often remarked that Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier every year, but there's no harm in being prepared for the festive season. When it comes to decorating the house over the Christmas period, everyone wants to have the stand-out house on the street. All it takes is one person to place a light-up reindeer on the lawn and the whole street will be in silent competition over whose house can look the merriest. With the darker nights drawing in, why not provide some cheerful lights on the outside of your house to alleviate the gloom as the cold winter weather sets in?

BLT Direct, an online supplier of lighting solutions, is home to all your Christmas light display needs, whether it be the traditional fairy lights or the more modern energy-saving models hitting the shelves. To add a classy touch to your array of lights, choose the Snowing Outdoor Icicle Lights, starting at £39.99 for an 8.9 metre set and going up to £79.99 for a fantastic 27.9 metres. The LED lights have low energy consumption and are brighter than conventional bulbs. With 8 different pulsating settings controlled by a remote, you can really get that wintery feeling of icicles on your roof. The set also includes a static mode to act as ordinary fairy lights, sure to brighten up any window display.

If you're looking for something a little more discreet in your Christmas decorations, BLT Direct's range of Christmas tea lights are perfect. With three different styles, a Santa, a snowman and a tree, the battery-operated lights are great for brightening up your Christmas dinner table or for placing along the mantepiece in between your Christmas cards. The LED lights change colour and add warmth and simplicity to to any home over the festive season.

If you already have your Christmas lights display under control, why not think about giving a light-based educational gift to one of the younger members of the family? BLT's excellent selection of Educational Lighting Sets make great gifts for children or grandchildren, providing entertainment and helping them to learn about lighting, electricity and electronics, in compliance with the Key Stage 1 & 2 curriculum.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

What Are Solar Photovoltaic Systems?

In recent years there has been a lot of emphasis placed on conserving energy, being energy efficient and being eco-conscious. With the planet heating up at an alarming rate, measures are being taken to slow the onset of global warming and we are constantly encouraged to be more conscious of our carbon footprints.

There are many ways we can all go about being more 'green' and environmentally friendly. Recycling is more commonplace that it has ever been before, more people are abandoning their cars to cycle or use public transport, Fairtrade and organic products are taking up more and more aisles in our supermarkets – but what of the more dramatic ways of cutting our carbon emissions?

Solar panels have long since been in the periphery of public awareness – we have known that they exist but haven't come across them too often, especially not in homes. But now in these eco-conscious times they grow more and more popular in domestic use and are completely viable as a way of generating your own power and cutting costs of energy bills. The correct term for the systems is 'photovoltaic' – photo coming from the Greek word 'phos', meaning 'light' and volt, an electricity measurement unit. Literally, photovoltaic translates as 'light-electricity'.

How do these systems work? Solar photovoltaic systems are panels which have a thin layer of semi-conducting material placed over the top, not dissimilar to the smaller versions used on calculators and watches. When this material is exposed to sunlight, the electrons inside the atoms which comprise the material are knocked loose and flow through the material to create what is known as a direct current, or a DC. The direct current cannot be utilised to power a home and so it is channelled into an inverter, which transforms it into an alternating current, or an AC. The alternating current can then be used to heat your water and supply your home with electricity.

The system is eco-friendly and a great way to play your part in protecting the environment, but there are also cost-related benefits that add more weight to the cause. Not only does converting to solar energy diminish the worry of ever-rising energy costs from all the main companies, you can also turn a profit. Any energy not consumed by your home can be sold back to the national grid – the average 4-bedroomed house fitted with 2.5kw solar panels using a normal amount of electricity can earn up to £850 per year tax-free by selling back their generated energy.

To find out more about using solar panels in your home, visit www.ellwoodelectrical.co.uk or Tel: 01473 712 868.

How can solar Photovoltaic Systems Help Reduce Energy Bills?

In this eco-conscious world that we live in, carbon footprints and energy consumption is at the forefront of our minds. In the average household, between 25% and 35% of the energy used is wasted. With so much emphasis constantly placed on recycling, using public transport rather than our own vehicles and energy efficiency, it is hard to know where to begin with our own personal save-the-planet mission.

If you are a homeowner, the focus will also undoubtedly be on energy bills. After the recession, at a time when the nation is just getting back on its feet, energy bills have been steadily rising, with the six major energy suppliers (EDF Energy, British Gas, Scottish Power, E.On, Scottish & Southern Energy and Npower) all planning to up their prices this year.

There is a solution to both the issue of eco-protection and price. Reports claim that the production of solar photovoltaic systems has doubled every two years since 2002, making it the fastest-growing method of solar power in the world. It is now considered the leading renewable consumer energy source.

Solar photovoltaic systems are panels which have a thin layer of semi-conducting material (similar to the small ones used on watches and calculators). When exposed to sunlight, the electrons inside the atoms which make up the material are knocked loose and flow through the material to create a direct current, more commonly known as a DC. This is then carried from the solar panels through to an inverter, which changes the current to an alternating current (AC). This can then be used as energy to power your electricity, heat your water, etc. Many worry that, living in England, where sunshine is hard to come by, their solar panels won't be effective but this isn't the case – the panels made in Europe are designed to generate power even on cloudy days (of which there are many in this country).

When a home doesn't require energy from the main energy suppliers, the owner will undoubtedly be saving money. When energy prices rise, which they have been steadily doing, it has absolutely no effect on those powering their own homes. Not only can the solar photovoltaic systems save you money, it can also turn a profit. In April 2010, the government also announced a 'Feed-In Tariff', to encourage homeowners to generate their own energy. Any energy you don't use from the solar panels is effectively sold back to the national grid, with you pocketing up to £850 a year in payback (tax-free). The 'Generation Tariff' earns you a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of energy you create and the 'Export Tariff' earns you an income for the energy you sell back to the grid. This tariff is guaranteed by the government for 25 years.

To find out more about using solar panels in your home, visit www.ellwoodelectrical.co.uk or Tel: 01473 712 868.

Christmas Lights At BLT Direct

Now that September is in full-swing, many towns and cities across the UK will undoubtedly turn their attentions to Christmas festivities and the famous Christmas lights switch-on. The annual events, usually hosted by pop stars, TV stars and other celebrities, generally attract crowds of thousands and every city wants their Christmas lights display to be the most impressive – which is why preparations have to start so early!

In a similar way to High Streets across the country, many people like to decorate their house for Christmas, and everybody wants their lights to look the most spectacular on their street. The most prepared will start putting their lights up in October or November, and will most likely already know exactly what their display will look like. Once that first light-up Santa appears on a lawn, the floodgates will open. Why not get ahead of the crowd and start planning your seasonal display now?

From the traditional coloured fairy lights to the latest energy-saving bulbs, BLT Direct, an online supplier of light solutions, is home to all your Christmas light display needs. With fantastic ranges of both indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, BLT Direct aims to make your house stand out from the crowd this Winter. Conventional Straight Christmas Lights start at just £7.90 for 40 bulbs of the LED variety, which use around a tenth of the energy of filament bulbs, and provide a brighter light. Safe to use outdoors as well as inside, string these lights up around your garden or create a pattern in your window to let Santa know you're home and impress your neighbours and guests.

For the eco-conscious among us, trying to reduce our carbon footprint, BLT Direct sells Solar Christmas Lights for excellent prices. 100 LED lights with a solar kit costs just £19.99 and is 9.9 metres in length. The kit will save on your electricity bills throughout the entire festive season, leaving you free to treat yourself to an extra present come Christmas Eve.

BLT Direct knows that having the best display is all in the detail, and that the light show has to continue indoors. The very traditional Candle Bridge Arch Lights provide a warm and cosy feeling for your home during the cold festive period. Place them in the window, on a dinner table or on a mantlepiece to add style and simplicity to your Christmas decorations.

Undoubtedly some people will stop at nothing to have the best display, not just on their street, but in the country. To achieve some truly dramatic illumination, try BLT Direct's Coloured LED Flood Lights, available in a whole assortment of different colours. The lights cost just £44.99, a saving of 36% on their recommended retail price of £69.99. For basic radiance try the warm white lights, or to create an even more seasonal atmosphere, why not try both red and green? The flood lights are available separately, or as a colour changing light for the same price.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

The End Of The 60-Watt Lightbulb - Stock Up Today

Legislation by the EU will soon come into action prohibiting the sale of 60-watt incandescent lightbulbs all across Europe. The ban will be enforced on September 1^st 2011, halting the production of the conventional bulbs in favour of more energy-efficient lighting methods. Whilst it will not be illegal to sell any of the restricted products that were purchased before the ban came into effect, retailers will be forbidden from restocking the filament bulbs from the beginning of September onwards.

The ban is the latest stage in a worldwide plan to gradually phase out incandescent lightbulbs, a proposal which has already been wheeled out across the United States of America and has seen the production and sale of 100-watt bulbs brought to an end. In an era where we are more conscious of the environment and our carbon footprints than ever, the notion that the majority of the energy that is fed into the traditional incandescent light bulbs is converted to heat rather than the intended light is considered to be too inefficient for manufacturers to continue production. The new legislation endeavours to encourage people to convert to more modern energy saving light bulbs.

The truly eco-friendly LED lightbulbs, which can last for up to five years longer than typical incandescent lightbulbs, are being recommended as 'green' replacements. LEDs, or 'light-emitting diodes', can require just 7 watts of power to create the same amount of light generated by a typical 60-watt bulb, and there are claims that replacing just one incandescent bulb with an LED can cut electricity bills by £5 per year, such is their effectiveness. They barely emit any heat and as such, are considered the perfect option for Christmas lights and other decorative purposes. There has been some speculation and research into the fact that the newer GU10 lightbulbs, whilst considered the best in energy saving lighting methods, may not produce as much light as the older alternatives and though this may have been true in the past when the research was carried out, the production techniques and the processes used to create such bulbs have certainly developed since then.

With the imminent ban approaching fast and demand for incandescent bulbs soaring, many retailers have pushed up the prices of the long-established 60-watt bulbs to increase their profits while they can. But for those people who want to stock up before the restriction comes into effect, without spending extortionate amounts of money, there is a solution. The traditional 60-watt bulbs are still available to buy from BLT Direct, an online supplier of light solutions, in a wide variety of shapes and colours and with a great range of bases and attachments, starting at just £1.43 each or as a box of ten at only £12.59 (VAT included).

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Energy Saving Lightbulbs?

We all know that energy saving light bulbs boast significant advantages over the traditional incandescent bulb. Miles of column inches and acres of virtual space in the form of web pages have been given over to the benefits of energy saving light bulbs. Magazines, newspapers, radio stations and DIY experts have been extolling the virtues of less wasted energy, smaller heat production and longer lamp life for so long that most households have switched onto eco-friendly lighting alternatives as incandescent bulbs have worn out and been replaced. But, do you know if you’re really capitalising on your switch to being green?

Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail has recently completed a research project into how best to use energy saving lightbulbs and the most efficient ways to use them to truly benefit from the savings on offer. They discovered that…

1. Be careful where you position the bulbs: After speaking to a lighting technology firm, the newspaper discovered that the position of a bulb can make a real difference to its lifespan. Lights that are recessed or enclosed in some way will fare poorly against their advertised life spans – although energy savers like GU10 bulbs emit around 80% less heat than their old fashioned counterparts, some heat will become trapped around the bulb and disrupt its performance capabilities if it is too tightly enclosed.

2. Although we normally associate turning lights off when we leave a room as being better for the environment, an architect interviewed by The Globe and Mail advised that energy saving light bulbs should be left on for a minimum of four hours at a time in order to maximise the number of lit hours they will run for. Leaving bulbs on for an hour or less can reduce the potential operating span of the bulb by up to 50%.

3. As well as considering whether or not the bulb will be too tightly enclosed and its ability to function for longer than an incandescent bulb impeded by the residual heat, The Globe and Mail spoke to Popular Mechanics, who advised against placing low energy bulbs next to front or back doors as the vibrations caused by slamming the doors could also shorten lamp life.

Energy Saving Light Bulb Wins $10 Million Government Prize

An energy saving light bulb has won a coveted $10 million award funded by the US government. Scooping the Brighter Tomorrow Lighting Prize was a long term commitment and required the production of a light bulb that was both highly efficient and high quality. It was also required to be a realistic mass market alternative to the common light bulb which is being phased out in American amidst a fierce political and consumer debate about viable alternatives.

Sponsored by the US Department of Energy, the government-backed competition was created to President Obama’s administration to find a replacement for Thomas Edison’s ubiquitous invention. Designed to stimulate innovation and market adoption, the inaugural competition stated at the outset that it was setting the bar high ad that realistic prize candidates would have to develop a very special kind of lighting solution capable of transforming the way the United States is lit.

The winning energy saving light bulb design was a visionary product by Dutch firm, Philips. The bulb, dubbed the EnduraLED was subject to months of testing and data crunching before being declared the winner a whopping two years after the initial competition entry was submitted.

The Philips vision of the new generation of energy saving light bulbs underwent stress tests, lifetime tests and performance tests, carried out by a team of independent laboratories and field assessors. During the field tests, the prototype entry was used in everyday situations and its performance measured – these scenarios included being used in hallways, lamps and offices as well as stress testing involving exposure to extremes of temperatures, humidity and vibration.

After sailing through the tests, the EnduraLED was officially named as a replacement for the 60W incandescent bulb this week. The L-Prize award winning is an LED light bulb that directly replaces a standard bulb but, wastes less power to produce the same amount of light as its 125 year old predecessor.

The Philips EnduraLED boasts a $40 per bulb price tag but UK homeowners and purchase managers can tap into the same kind of energy savings with any one of the LED bulbs or other energy savers stocked by BLT Direct. The online retailer offers a wide choice of energy efficient lighting, including the popular GU10 bulbs which start at just £4.99.

To browse the entire range of energy saving bulbs from BLT Direct and buy online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Don’t Pay Over The Odds for Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Transport for London is paying anything from £100 to £1000 to change a lightbulb, each time one of their four million London Underground bulbs needs swapping. These figures, revealed by energy consultancy, Active Energy earlier this month shed light on just how much money is wasted by big businesses. An estimated £12 of the total cost is for the light bulb itself, with the rest of the bill being made up of logistics requirements such as site preparation and health and safety checks. In total, it is though that £400 million - £4 billion pounds per year is spent on the changing of light bulbs by the transport network.

These figures highlight just how easy it is to let energy costs escalate, confirms BLT Direct, suppliers of great value energy saving lightbulbs and lamps. The online retailer stocks a huge range of energy saving bulbs such as GU10 and LED light bulbs, all of which cost considerably less than the amounts being spent by Transport for London.

Suitable for use in the home and workplace, the BLT Direct website contains a handy wattage estimator, which helps those making the change from old style incandescent bulbs to an energy friendly alternative pick the correct product for existing fittings and fixtures.

A web site section dedicated to energy saving lighting also contains helpful hints about saving money on energy bills. It gives energy saving comparisons and a library of information about lighting, light bulbs and light fittings.

The site also makes it easy for businesses and homes to keep energy saving lightbulb costs down with a choice of brand name bulbs and special offers. The Energy Saving GU10 7 Watt (Daylight - 6500K) bulb is just one example, priced at £4.99 (reduced from £9.99). Other reductions include the Energy Saving Mini 9 watt PLEQ Lamp BC, reduced from £6.90 to £4.26.

To browse the entire range and buy online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

New Energy Saving Light Bulb Disposal Unit Helps Cut Toxic Waste

After years of research and development perfecting the technology behind energy saving light bulbs, fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are also getting a Mother Earth makeover thanks to a new machine recently unveiled in the United States.

Known as the Bulb Eater, the machine created by Innovative Technology and Environmental Solutions Inc, chomps up incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent tubes such as the ones commonly found in kitchens. It crushes the glass part of the bulb and contains the chemical content such as mercury encased within the bulb itself.

Fashioned out of a steel drum with interconnecting tubes and vessels, the simplistic appearance of the Bulb Eater belies its clever function. Around 60% of home owners throw their CFL bulbs in to their green rubbish bin along with other non-recyclable household waste according to a recent survey. Although these types of light bulbs contain only a tiny amount of mercury, incorrect disposal – in this instance throwing out with regular rubbish – means that mercury ends up in landfill and can leak out into the environment. Even with the small amount contained per bulb, having more the one in two households get rid of bulbs in this way means the quantity can soon mount up.

Although only a handful of the Bulb Eater machines are currently in existence (some in the US and one in the Philippines), they promise to make the humble light bulb even more environmentally friendly if rolled out on a larger scale.

Fashioned out of a steel drum with a series of interconnecting pipes and shoots, the user simply feeds the bulb to be disposed of into the Bulb Eater. It works by breaking down the bulb into smaller components such as shards of glass. The mercury and phosphorous chemicals contained within the device are separated within the Bulb Eater using two filters, preventing them from being released into the environment. Each single Bulb Eater can store 1 tonne of mercury, or 10,000 bulbs.

While you may not currently be able to recycle with the Bulb Eater if you live outside of the United States, you can do your bit by correctly sorting used light bulbs from regular waste. Ensuring you replace the incandescent bulb with an energy saving lightbulb will also contribute to a greener planet. To browse a full range of energy saving bulbs, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Brighter LED Light Bulbs Better For Kitchens

The old saying goes that the kitchen is the heart of the home but, until now it has been difficult to find lighting that reflects this cosy image. Many home owners will agree that finding just the right kind of light for a busy kitchen – and hub of the household- can be quite a task. LED bulbs have had a reputation for casting out an almost clinical blue light, which is fine when you need clear visibility for cooking and cleaning but can make actually eating and entertaining guests in the kitchen less practical.

The good news for those who have lots of summer parties planned and a full social calendar of BBQs and dinner parties to look forward to is that LED light bulbs have undergone something of a makeover. Brands like Philips have used new technology and ‘tuneable lights’ that are whiter than their bluish predecessors, making them a perfect match for kitchen lighting requirements. These same bulbs also work well in a bathroom or cloakroom, where white lighting can give a clean and fresh feel.

LED bulbs have increased in popularity in recent years as they have established a reputation as an energy saving light bulb. With this burgeoning demand, a range of LED lighting solutions can be mixed and matched to create the perfect kitchen lighting set up. BLT Direct, the energy saving lightbulb specialist stock hundreds of different styles of LED bulb. They have reported an increase in clients wishing to install LED bulbs and tubes in their kitchens, replacing traditional incandescent, energy-eating lights.

Gary Baker from the firm said, “We have certainly witnessed an increase in demand for products like LED fluorescent tubes and LED downlighters. Downlighters in particular are very popular with homeowners as they are available in a range of light colours giving real freedom to be creative and create a mood that befits the environment – choices of daylight and warm light for example were not possible a few years ago but now make ideal kitchen and bathroom lighting installations.”

LED light bulbs have a very long life which makes them an attractive and practical prospect for difficult to reach places. They also offer as much as a 90% saving on running costs compared with incandescent lightbulb alternatives, making them a cost effective solution in busy areas such as the kitchen were lights will be on for long periods.

To find out more about LED light bulbs and to buy online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Brighter LED Light Bulbs Become a Reality

A lightbulb manufacturer has released the first ever LED light bulb capable of lighting a room to the same output as a traditional 75W incandescent bulb. Philips have launched the energy saving light bulb this month in the United States, giving hope to those who have a need for LED light bulbs but want brighter light sources in their homes or workspaces than those associated with LED technology.

Proponents of energy saving light bulbs have long touted the benefits of Light Emitting Diode bulbs which use significantly less energy that old style light bulbs, which are widely regarded as being massively inefficient from an environmental perspective, using almost 100% of the energy they receive to generate heat rather than light.

By contrast, the new 75W equivalent energy saving LED light bulb launched by Philips is claimed to last 25 times longer than its incandescent counterpart and use 80% less energy during its lifetime. These savings add up to economical and environmental benefits with cheaper energy bills and longer periods between replacement attractive incentives for home owners and business purchase managers alike.

LED light bulbs have been regarded as an energy saving favourite for some time now as they can be used in a variety of locations and situations. However, until the launch of the EnduraLED A21, wattage was somewhat limited which meant the energy savings had to be weighed against the fact the light output was dimmer than some alternative energy saving bulbs such as compact fluorescent lamps and even halogen bulbs. Popular models such as the GU10 are already available in a range of wattages, with the GU10 13/14 watt light bulb an existing alternative to a 75W traditional bulb.

To find out more about energy saving light bulbs and buy online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Has your workplace switched on to the benefits of energy saving light bulbs?

An increasing number of public places, museums and other buildings around Britain are switching on to the benefits of energy saving lightbulbs. Many are retiring their inefficient and out-dated lighting solutions in favour of those that save vast amounts of money in addition to slashing CO2 emissions – and the results are everywhere, for all to see.

Still not convinced? Take the example of Torre Abbey in Torquay. Torquay Council worked alongside staff at the abbey and an external company to replace the old style bulbs used in the all-night floodlighting (which illuminates a public footpath) with long-lasting energy efficient diode lamps. These energy saving lamps require less maintenance and provide clearer light than the previous orange sodium lighting. Even the abbey itself saw hundreds of its incandescent light bulbs replaced with LEDS, leading to a 22.5% reduction in electricity use for the council, resulting in a saving of 22,300kg of CO2 emissions and £3,346 each year.

Another much-visited public facility to benefit from energy saving lightbulbs recently was Wanstead Museum in the London borough of Wanstead, which replaced its own light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, working alongside the Green Tourist Business Scheme to make the museum more sustainable whilst also promoting a green agenda to the wider community.

Then there’s the example of Bristol City Council, which recently announced a four year plan to convert its presently sodium street lights to use energy-efficient white bulbs instead. Expected savings for the first full year in operation are £338,000, whilst the authority has also estimated that it will save more than 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – drastically cutting Bristol’s carbon footprint.

The cost and environmental advantages of energy saving lightbulbs

It hardly needs emphasising that in such a tough economic climate, many businesses are seeking ways of cutting costs, particularly when it comes to energy use. By investing in energy saving lightbulbs and other measures to cut electricity costs it is possible to slash up to to 30% from running costs.

To find out more, visit http://www.bltdirect.com.

More Style Conscious Energy Saving Lightbulbs On The Way…

If you've been putting off the switch to energy saving light bulbs for style reasons, a new push to create more eye-catching, interior friendly lamps that are also kind to the environment may have you rushing to make a change.

We all know the many benefits of energy efficient light bulbs, from helping to lessen our energy consumption and hence, our presently immense dependence on our planet's finite resources, to considerably slashing the energy costs of our homes or businesses. Nonetheless, you may be reluctant to invest in energy saving lamps if the only examples that are out there to buy are badly lacking in the style to which we have all become accustomed.

Thankfully, help is at hand. That's because a wide range of energy efficient light bulbs are now emerging that are more pleasing to the eye. Take the example of GE Lighting. The company has responded to the common complaint of many customers of fluorescent bulbs that their appearance can leave a room feeling colder and more industrial than is the case with conventional lights – namely, by perfecting the technology to create bulbs that don’t have quite as artificial an appearance.

The work of companies such as GE is demonstrating that it’s becoming increasingly unnecessary to forgo aesthetics in favour of environmental friendliness. Indeed, the energy saving lightbulbs that GE has developed are far from mere stylish substitutes for the 'real deal'. Nonetheless, it’s also true that the occasional energy saving bulb used at home isn’t going to do too much to prevent larger scale damage to the environment. It is for this reason that so many business owners, lighting designers and architects are joining forces on larger-scale projects in which these cutting-edge electrical and lighting technologies can be implemented.

Some of the technologies that GE has been working on are still in development, whilst others are available right now. Indeed, not only are energy saving light bulbs set to become more stylish in the coming years, but so are the lighting management technologies that are associated with them. In the development of one new system of highly efficient fluorescent bulbs, for example, GE has incorporated an automatic photo sensor that detects the amount of natural light in a room and alters the light level accordingly.

LED light bulb technology has also progressed in recent years, with such firms helping large corporations like WalMart (owners of ASDA supermarkets) with the integration of Fluorescent and LED lightbulbs. If there’s one thing that is for sure, it’s that energy saving light bulbs have truly developed their sense of style in recent years – and are set to become more stylish still.

To browse a wide range of energy saving light bulbs, find out more about energy savings and to purchase online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com.

Could you save money on your energy saving light bulbs as a result of the government’s new ‘collective shopping’ initiative?

Those who are looking for the cheapest energy saving lightbulbs have been awarded with a boon with the news that a new government initiative has been announced that allows people to do exactly that – by clubbing together with their neighbours for better deals.

The so-called ‘collective shopping’ measure is just one of several announced by consumer minister Ed Davey as part of the Better Choices, Better Deals initiative. Although the scheme will be piloted later this year with a focus on helping people to save money on energy saving products such as light bulbs, the measure is designed to eventually save the consumer money on a wider range of products.

Mr Davey said that the measure would hand more power to consumers, saying that individuals could save money on such products as light bulbs by harnessing “the power of the crowd”. The government has said that if the pilot is successful, it will expand the scheme, and as part of that process will aim to recruit 5,000 community organisers to help to arrange collective-buying deals in their local areas.

One of the proposed manifestations that such a deal could take is signing up as a group with an intermediary organisation or business. This organisation would then transfer the households ‘en masse’ between energy tariffs so that they were always assured of being on the best one.

Other ways of saving money on your energy costs

The collective buying scheme was far from the only one in the government initiative to be of interest to those looking for cheap LED lightbulbs. That’s because the government also announced the “mydata” scheme, to which more than twenty big companies – including energy suppliers and retailers – have thus far signed up.

The scheme is designed to give the customer more information on how they spend their money, which they could then analyse, hopefully discovering ways of saving even more money as a result. It raises the prospect that if you are dissatisfied with the amount of money that you are presently spending on your energy costs, you could access independent advice on which suppliers are offering the best alternative deals for your individual needs.

What else can I do to save money on energy saving lightbulbs?

If you can’t wait for the measures of the Better Choices, Better Deals initiative to reach your community, bear in mind that there is still plenty that you can do to save money on your lighting.

Energy saving lighting is far from merely an environmentally friendly gesture, as it also allows you to save money on your energy costs, meaning that it makes plenty of sense to install your lighting in as many different places as possible in your home, including both the exterior and the interior – in the case of the former, just keep an eye out for energy saving garden lighting.

To browse a comprehensive range of energy saving lightbulbs, discover more about energy savings and to buy online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com.