By 2020, all Halogen lights will be banned in Australia, lighting the way for LED lighting installation to dominate the market. This move by the Australia Government is set to save families and small business hundreds of dollars each year off their energy bill. Following in the footsteps of the EU, halogen bulbs will be banned by September 2020 giving consumers time to adapt to the change.
The environment Minister Josh Frydenberg confirmed that all territory and state leaders had all agreed to phase out halogen and incandescent bulbs. This means that within two years halogen lights will disappear from Australian shops and homes ensuring the more energy efficient and environmentally friendly LED lights will dominate the market.
What are the 3 Main benefits of swapping from Halogen to LED lights?
- Energy Savings
Halogen bulbs use up to 4 to 5 times more energy than the LED equivalent. Swapping to LED bulbs may save you hundreds off your power bill. Halogen bulbs lose about 80% of their electricity as heat. LED lights also have a much longer life span, saving you money on bulbs in the long run. The Government estimates the switch will save Australian consumers a whopping 1.5 billion dollars over 10 years! - More Environmentally Friendly
Changing from Halogen bulbs to LED bulbs will reduce the energy usage for the entire Australian grid by up to 5.5 million tonnes by 2030. LED lights are also free of toxic chemicals. Most halogen and fluorescent bulbs contain a variety of chemicals such as mercury which are dangerous for the environment. LED bulbs are 100% recyclable and non-toxic – helping you reduce your carbon footprint by up to 33%. - Better Quality
LED lights are tougher, stronger and built with more durable components making them perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They can be exposed to vibrations, wind, rain and shock with no damage to the bulb. They are also ideal in extreme cold or hot climates.
How will these changes affect the everyday consumer today?
Sales of Halogen bulbs will continue to decrease over the next 2 years and in as little as 12 months could start to disappear from shelves altogether. Many consumers are already using LED lights and globes and prefer them.
Are all lights compatible with LED equivalents?
No. Using LED’s is not as simple as screwing them into your old fittings. Some old fixtures will cause lights to flicker or buzz annoyingly. You may need to swap your dimmers over too. Dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs often do not like LED bulbs. Your best bet is to have a lighting consultation with your local electrician.
If you are after a FREE Lighting Consult or advice about switching to LED’s. Give us a call today.
Want to know more about the benefits of LED lights? Check out our LED lighting upgrades page.