The energy label for lighting indicates how energy-efficient a lighting product is. The label helps consumers make informed choices about products that consume less energy, which contributes to reducing energy consumption and lowering CO2 emissions . This label is part of the broader energy efficiency class used in Europe for electrical appliances, including lighting.
Features of the energy label for lighting:
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Energy efficiency class :
- The label has a classification system ranging from A+++ (very energy efficient) to D (less energy efficient). The labels are subject to change as new technologies and standards improve energy efficiency. A++ and A+++ are the highest classes, while D is the lowest.
- Lighting products that reach the highest classes, such as LED lamps , are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent or halogen lamps .
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Lighting technology :
- LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient and often receive the highest energy label (A+ or A++). They consume much less energy than other light sources, such as incandescent bulbs (which often carry a D or E label).
- Energy saving light bulbs (CFL) are usually given an energy efficiency class of A or B , depending on the technology and brand.
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Consumption in kWh :
- The energy label states the energy consumption of the lamp in kilowatt hours (kWh), which indicates the amount of energy the product consumes when used for 1000 hours.
- The lower the consumption, the more energy efficient the product.
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Lifespan :
- Many energy labels also provide information about the expected lifespan of the lamp, expressed in hours of use. This helps in estimating the long-term costs of lighting, as energy-efficient lamps often have a longer lifespan, leading to lower replacement costs.
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Light Output (Lumen) :
- The label lists the light output in lumens, which indicates how much light the bulb produces. Unlike old incandescent bulbs, which were measured in watts (W), modern bulbs measure their brightness in lumens. This makes it easier to compare bulbs based on their actual light output rather than their energy consumption.
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Color temperature :
- Although the colour temperature (for example 2700K for warm white or 5000K for cool white) is often not included as standard on the energy label itself, it is important to know, because it indicates the type of light (warm or cool) that the lamp emits.
Energy label for different types of lighting:
- LED lighting : This is currently the most energy-efficient option and usually receives an A++ label, meaning it has a high efficiency and uses little energy in relation to the amount of light it produces.
- Energy saving light bulbs (CFL) : These usually have an energy efficiency class from A to A+, depending on the specifications and technology.
- Halogen lamps : These are less energy efficient and are generally given a lower classification, such as B or C.
- Incandescent light bulbs : The classic incandescent light bulb is the least energy-efficient and used to be given an E or D label.
Importance of the energy label for lighting:
- Cost Savings : Energy-efficient lighting such as LED bulbs can lead to significant savings on energy costs because they use less energy than traditional lighting.
- Sustainability : Choosing lamps with a good energy label helps reduce the environmental impact , because they consume less energy and therefore contribute to a smaller ecological footprint.
- Longer lifespan : Many energy-efficient bulbs also have a longer lifespan, meaning they need to be replaced less often and you produce less waste.
How to read:
- The energy label is usually found on the product packaging. It provides a visual indication of the product's energy efficiency and, in addition to the energy class, also includes other information such as light output in lumens , energy consumption in kWh per 1000 hours, and lifespan .
In the future, we may see increasingly higher energy efficiency ratings as technologies like LEDs continue to evolve, which could mean even greater savings and lower energy consumption.