So many ways to save
Our extensive collection of energy saving light bulbs offers a wide range of earth friendly alternatives to the traditional lamps in your home.
Superior choices
With so many products to choose from, you won't need to compromise on features, light quality or style when you select a product from Philips' broad range of energy saving lamps.
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Energy smart
Choosing Philips energy saving light bulbs makes complete sense, as it means good things for both your wallet and the planet.
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Energy saver facts
Learn about the basics of energy efficient lamps in order to make an informed switch to energy saving light bulbs at home.
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EU directive
Get answers to your questions about how the new European Union legislation will affect consumers.
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Creating your home atmosphere
Our Simulate with Light tool helps you visualise the look of energy saving lighting in different parts of the home.
Experience it
Compare products and savings
Learn the differences in energy savings and costs between energy efficient lamps and traditional bulbs using our Savings Calculator.
Discover your possible savings
Energy smart
Compared to "traditional" lamps, Philips energy saving lamps use less energy to generate the same amount of light, last longer and do not need to be replaced as frequently. That means that making the switch is not only good for the environment, but good for your pocket too.
Economically smart
Are you aware that you can save up to 80% in home energy costs by using energy saving lighting?
Our
Savings Calculator lets you explore just how the savings stack up when you decide to upgrade to Philips energy saving lamps.
Environmentally smart
By simply switching over to energy saving lighting solutions, Europe can save an equivalent of 38 tons of CO2, 156 barrels of oil and 52 power stations. It's a simple way to save the planet.
The smart switch
This handy
Philips Replacement Guide ![]()
(3 Mb EN)
explains which Philips energy saving lamps you can use to replace your "traditional" light bulbs.
Energy saver facts
Energy saving lamps come in three main varieties for the home: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), LED based lamps and halogen lamps. Each is available in a whole range of shapes and sizes so you can obtain the same light quality you are used to from "traditional" lamps.
Replacements for "traditional" lamps
At a glance, find and compare the energy saving wattage alternatives to replace your traditional incandescent and halogen lamps.
Traditional lamps
Incandescent or halogen
25 W
35 W
40 W
50 W
60 W
75 W
100 W
150 W
200 W
300 W
500 W
Replacement lamps
Energy savings
with energy saver halogens
25 W
28 W
35 W
42 W
53 W
70 W
105 W
140 W
200 W
350 W
Energy savings
with energy saver halogens
28 W
42 W
Energy savings
with energy saver compact fluorescents
5-6 W
7-9 W
11-12 W
14-16 W
18-20 W
23-27 W
Energy saving lighting and your health
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain very small and safely contained amounts of mercury (as do the "traditional" fluorescent tubes that are widely used today). The use of mercury is required for any fluorescent lamps in order to radiate light. However, mercury is not emitted and therefore they are completely safe to use.
Disposing of compact fluorescent lamps
Contact your local recycling authorities for information about the correct electronic waste disposal procedures in your area.
How to dispose of a broken compact fluorescent lamp
It is very unlikely that a broken lamp with mercury in it will have an impact on your health. If a lamp breaks, ventilate the room for 20-30 minutes. Remove the broken parts using gloves and put them in a closed plastic bag in the disposal bin. Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the broken lamp.
Understanding the cost of energy savers
Over its lifetime an energy saving lamp can save around £70 just by replacing a 100 watt incandescent with a 20 watt energy efficient light bulb. The purchase price of energy saving light bulbs has traditionally been more expensive than "traditional" incandescent lamps because they are more complex to produce.
Common myths about energy saving lamps
Myth
Energy saving lamps will not fit in many luminaires.
Fact
Philips offers a wide range of very compact energy savers in various shapes so that they fit in virtually any luminaire.
Myth
Energy saving lamps radiate a dull, pale light.
Fact
Philips energy savers radiate light of consistently high quality, supporting the rich colours of your home; when seeking extra sparkling light, opt for Philips energy savers with clear bulbs (which include LED based lamps and halogen lamps).
Myth
CFL energy saving lamps take up to 5 minutes to reach full brightness.
Fact
Philips CFL energy savers provide high brightness within seconds - look for the Quick Start logo. In addition, all halogen and LED based energy savers provide full brightness instantly.
Myth
Not all energy saving lamps can be used with common home dimmer switches.
Fact
Philips offers a wide range of dimmable energy savers, including CFL and LED based lamps. All halogen based energy savers dim exactly like incandescent lamps. Make sure you check the information on the packaging for details.
EU directive
In March 2009, the European Union legislated the gradual phase out of energy inefficient lamps in homes, industry and public buildings in order to conserve significant amounts of energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
What does this mean for you?
Starting in September 2009, energy inefficient light bulbs will gradually disappear from retailers' shelves, so you will no longer be able to buy them. But do not worry as there are plenty of alternatives available to you in energy saving lamps that help reduce your energy bill and preserve the earth's resources.
What is the phase out schedule?
Sept 2009
All frosted/coated lamps
All clear lamps of 100 W and up, below energy efficiency class C
Sept 2010
All clear lamps 75 W and above, below class C
Sept 2011
All clear lamps 60 W or higher
Sept 2012
All clear lamps below 60 W
Sept 2013
Increased performance standards will be put into place
Sept 2016
All clear lamps below class B
Not affected are:
Directional lamps like spotlights.
Lamps for special purposes (e.g. appliances) and linear incandescent lamps with a special base
You can continue to use "traditional" lamps
It is not illegal for you to continue to use "traditional" lamps in your household. The new EU law only regulates sales by retailers, but we strongly recommend switching to energy-saving lamps. To help you along, download the
Philips Replacement Guide ![]()
(3 Mb EN).
More helpful lamp packaging
The new EU directive also affects the information provided on the packaging for energy saving lamps. Extensive product information will be required and implemented by 2010 at the latest. All packaging will state the wattage of a lamp, the energy level and the light colour.
What does this mean for the EU?
Currently, 14% of the electricity used in Europe is spent on lighting. However, by simply changing five inefficient lamps for energy saving bulbs you can save 1640 kg of CO2 and reduce your energy bill by £425. Just imagine the impact if everyone did this!
