With a 14% hike in electricity prices and regular load shedding, South Africans are looking for ways to reduce their electricity consumption when the lights are on and keep their homes illuminated when the power is out. A strategic approach to the current power crisis will save you money and the inconvenience of fumbling around in the dark. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some of Eurolux Lighting's solutions.
LED
Swapping out older bulbs for LEDs may seem like an obvious option, but for those who don’t fully understand their benefits, there may be some reluctance. When LED bulbs were first introduced to the market, their price point was considerably higher than their incandescent counterparts. This is not the case in 2019 and they now retail for almost the same price as regular light bulbs. So why make the switch? An LED bulb will illuminate your home for 15 000 to 30 000 hours while an incandescent bulb only offers up to 2 000 hours of light. Still not convinced? An incandescent bulb uses 42W of electricity to emit the same level of illumination as a 6W LED. Updating old technology for new will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace your bulbs as often, plus you’ll use less electricity thanks to the low wattage power of LEDs.
SOLAR
No power, no problem. Solar lighting doesn’t require standard electric power because it makes use of a photovoltaic cell which converts sunlight into electricity. This electricity is then stored in a battery which supplies the electricity to the light so that it illuminates your outdoor area. Solar lighting also offers the convenience of easy installation and can be moved to different locations around your garden with ease. The Lutec range, in particular, has proved to be a popular choice as it offers solar panels in combination with powerful LED modules.
DAY/NIGHT
It's common knowledge that a well-lit home acts as a deterrent for intruders. But if you're not going to be home for long periods of time, leaving lights on throughout the day and into the night can also have an adverse effect because it's a sign that no one is home. It also wastes a lot of electricity and is a quick way to increase your electricity bill. That's where day/night bulbs come in. They're an economical, no-fuss lighting solution that provides you with peace of mind and saves you money. Day/night bulbs have a photocell that registers the brilliance of ambient light and activates when the light levels reach a certain level. This enables them to automatically switch on at dusk and then off again at dawn. Day/night bulbs are also great for lighting garden paths, gate posts, and front door areas so that you don't run the risk of tripping in the dark when trying to get into your home. Larger properties may benefit from a day/night floodlight to keep the garden well-illuminated when the sun sets.