Name: Philips Hue White Ambiance Smart Light Bulb – E14 Small Edison Screw, Bluetooth, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit, New
Brand: Philips
Price: 22.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

The Comprehensive Kelkoo Buying Guide to Light Bulbs in the UK

In the pursuit of illuminating our homes, offices, and other spaces, choosing the right light bulb is crucial. This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of light bulbs, shedding light on the different types, their features, energy efficiency, and more.

Types of Light Bulbs:

LED (Light Emitting Diodes): These are the most energy-efficient bulbs on the market. They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan of up to 25 years. Top brands include Philips and Osram.
Incandescent Bulbs: The oldest type of bulb, they offer a warm, inviting light but are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
Halogen Bulbs: These offer a bright, white light perfect for task lighting. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs but less so than LEDs.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): These use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer, but they take a while to warm up and reach full brightness.

Understanding Energy Efficiency:

LEDs are the most energy-efficient bulbs, followed by CFLs, halogen, and then incandescent bulbs. Energy efficiency not only impacts your electricity bill but also the bulb's lifespan. For example, a Philips LED bulb can last up to 15 times longer than its incandescent counterpart.

Lumens, Watts, and Colour Temperature:

Lumens measure light output, while watts measure energy use. For example, an 800-lumen LED bulb uses only 10 watts, compared to a 60-watt incandescent bulb.

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K). Lower numbers (2000K-3000K) produce a warm, yellowish light, while higher numbers (3100K-4500K) produce a cool, white light.

Bulb Fittings and Sizes:

In the UK, the most common fittings are the Bayonet Cap (BC) and the Edison Screw (ES). Always check your light fixture for the correct fitting type before purchasing a bulb.

Smart Light Bulbs:

Smart bulbs allow you to control your lighting from your smartphone. They can change colour, dim, and even sync with your music or TV. Brands like Philips Hue and LIFX lead the market in this sector.

Where to Buy and Safe Disposal:

You can purchase light bulbs from various online retailers like Amazon and in physical stores such as B&Q and Homebase. When disposing of used bulbs, particularly CFLs which contain a small amount of mercury, it's important to follow local recycling regulations.

UK Regulations and Standards:

The UK follows EU regulations on light bulbs, which mandate the sale of energy-efficient bulbs. This means incandescent bulbs are being phased out, making LEDs, CFLs, and halogens the standard choices.

In conclusion, when shopping for light bulbs, consider the type, energy efficiency, brightness, colour temperature, and fitting. Whether you're looking for a standard LED bulb, a feature-rich smart bulb, or something in between, this guide should make your shopping experience on Kelkoo a little brighter.

This guide was crafted with the assistance of AI on 23/09/2023. Kelkoo does not endorse any of the brands mentioned.

Light Bulbs