Energy saving light bulbs - your concernsReplacing light bulbs

Traditional light bulbs are being phased out and replaced with energy saving bulbs

Less efficient traditional light bulbs are being phased out by retailers and manufacturers between now and 2012 under new EU rules. Find out exactly which light bulbs this affects, and what to look out for next time you're shopping for replacement light bulbs in our handy light bulb Q&A.

Plus - take a look at our independent review of energy saving light bulbs to find out which ones performed best during our testing.

Why are traditional light bulbs being phased out?

The switch from traditional, less efficient light bulbs to energy saving bulbs is part of an EU initiative to phase out all bulbs with poor energy efficiency ratings by 2012. This started last year with the withdrawal of all 150 watt (W) bulbs.

Switching to energy efficient light bulbs is better for the environment and can save you money on your electricity bills, too. The phase-out is expected to save a million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2020 across the EU.

Energy saving halogen light bulbs and LED lights are also available.

Many retailers in the UK - including Argos, Asda, B&Q, Homebase, Ikea, Sainsbury's and Tesco - have already begun phasing out supplies of the most energy-guzzling varieties of light bulbs on a voluntary basis, ahead of the EU regulations becoming mandatory.

What do you mean by 'traditional' light bulbs?

This is another name for incandescent light bulbs, which can be clear, coloured or frosted, and use older technology to generate light. Traditional bulbs are less efficient than newer CFLs or pearl halogen bulbs. According to Defra: 'the traditional light bulb has not changed for over a hundred years since Edison and Swan - the time of Queen Victoria - and these bulbs waste 95% of electricity as heat.'

The roll-out of energy saving light bulbs is taking place gradually, with the least efficient incandescent varieties being replaced first.

When will the mandatory phase out of these light bulbs take place?

After these dates, manufacturers will no longer be able to distribute certain types of light bulbs, and retailers won't be able to order new stocks of them in.

1 September 2009

• 100W or above incandescent light bulbs
• Non-clear (frosted / pearl) lamps must be minimum A-class

1 September 2010

• 75W clear incandescent lamps

1 September 2011

• 60W clear incandescent lamps

1 September 2012 

• All remaining clear incandescent lamps (40W and 25W)

1 September 2016

• Phase out of C-class retrofit halogen lamps

Voluntary retailer scheme

You may have noticed that many major shops - including Tesco, the UK's largest light bulb seller - have already begun the switch to more energy efficient light bulbs. They agreed to stop stocking 100 watt light bulbs in January 2009 and will continue their voluntary phase-out ahead of the mandatory EU timetable:

January 2009

• 75-100W A-shaped bulbs

January 2010

• 60W A-shaped bulbs

January 2011

• 40W A-shaped, and 60W golf ball-shaped and candle-shaped bulbs

Energy saving light bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs

Will retailers still be able to sell old-style light bulbs?

Yes - you may see traditional light bulbs for sale for a short time after the phase-out deadline passes, particularly in smaller stores that haven't signed up to the voluntary retailer scheme. Under the new rules, retailers will no longer be able to buy new stocks of that type of traditional bulb, but can sell off their existing stock.

Will light bulb packaging change?

You might notice a subtle change to light bulb packaging from 2011.

The number of watts is currently what most of us look for on light bulb packs when deciding which strength of light bulb to buy. Watts measure the amount of electricity a bulb consumes. 

From 2011, more prominence will be given on light bulb packaging to lumens, which are used to measure the quantity of light that a light bulb produces. You'll already find lumens on light bulb packaging, but featuring this in a larger size will encourage shoppers to compare bulbs on the light they will emit rather than the electricity they use. Watts will still be included too.

Can I save money with energy saving light bulbs?

According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), even though energy saving light bulbs are slightly more expensive than traditional varieties, you'll usually make back the difference in electricity savings in a year. The EST estimates that one energy saving light bulb - which can last up to 10 times longer than a standard bulb - can save you up to £6 a year in electricity in the case of regularly used lights.

The amount of savings you can make will also depend on the light bulb brand - take a look at our review of energy saving light bulbs to see which light bulbs came out on top during our testing.

Do I need to replace my traditional light bulbs now?

No - you can either continue to use traditional light bulbs in your home until they need replacing, or you can switch to energy saving light bulbs straightaway to start making savings on your electricity bill.

What about different shaped light bulbs and fittings?

Energy saving light bulbs come in a range of different shapes and sizes these days - including candle-shaped and smaller globe-shaped bulbs - so you should be able to find an energy saving version of the type of light bulb you want.

It's now also possible to use energy saving light bulbs with dimmer switches - check the specifications of the light bulb to see if it's a compatible type before you buy.