Energy saving spotlights

[magnatom]

We've just had a new kitchen installed (knocking the wall down between the kitchen and the dinning room. We also had the lighting changed. We now have 8 spotlights (50W GU10). If we want to light the whole area up that means 200W, which is a little higher than I'd like.

I know there are energy saving equivalents, however, I've read elsewhere that they aren't quite up to the job yet. Does anyone have any experience of this. I would like to replace them if the light quality is good.

 

[GrasB]

I have GU10 LED bulbs in the kitchen & if you like cool(er) light they're great. I'd go to a lighting specialist that will let you see the bulb in action & not buy blind as you've got to be picky plus possibly swallow £35 each costs. That said once up & running they're rather nice I've found.

 

[marinyork]

Yes. They work fine, they will cost you though.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

We've just had a new kitchen installed (knocking the wall down between the kitchen and the dinning room. We also had the lighting changed. We now have 8 spotlights (50W GU10). If we want to light the whole area up that means 200W, which is a little higher than I'd like.

I know there are energy saving equivalents, however, I've read elsewhere that they aren't quite up to the job yet. Does anyone have any experience of this. I would like to replace them if the light quality is good.

I've had much experience with GU10 fittings!
There are LED ones and CFL ones. The CFL ones we've put into our kitchen - not as spots, as a cluster on the ceiling - and they are great. (They do take a few seconds to warm up properly though).
We tried putting them into our lounge (also set of three) but they didn't fit.

I've tried LED ones and find them not up to the task yet. The light is usually the wrong colour. However, for what you're after (not lighting up a room, but as spotlights) they could actually work. (thinking about it!)

PM on the way.

 

[Davidc]

I've used 3 types. All are too expensive for my liking, but cheaper over a few months than using the 50w ones.

........

The CFL ones are fine, but take about 30 seconds to reach full brightness, against the 1/10 second that the latest light bulb replacements take. Presumably they'll catch up sometime.

LED ones come in two types and several powers.

The 3W single LED ones are instant, fairly bright (supposed to be the same as a 10w MR11 but I don't believe it). I'm using 3 in a set we leave on all evening in the kitchen but the colour is the same as my bike front light and not too pleasant.

The 1w version of the same idea is too dim for any use I have.

The 3w multi LED ones are a better colour than the single LED ones but not as bright.

 

[magnatom]

I've had much experience with GU10 fittings!
There are LED ones and CFL ones. The CFL ones we've put into our kitchen - not as spots, as a cluster on the ceiling - and they are great. (They do take a few seconds to warm up properly though).
We tried putting them into our lounge (also set of three) but they didn't fit.

I've tried LED ones and find them not up to the task yet. The light is usually the wrong colour. However, for what you're after (not lighting up a room, but as spotlights) they could actually work. (thinking about it!)

PM on the way.

Ah, I shouldn't have said spotlights, I meant downlighters! It is the main light in the room. Perhaps LEDs aren't the way to go yet. CFL, maybe....

 

[Coco]

If you're only using 200W to power 8 x 50W bulbs I'd stick with them



Seriously though, I'm not a fan of bulbs that don't start right away. especially in a kitchen where you may only pop in for a few minutes. YMMV.

 

[magnatom]

If you're only using 200W to power 8 x 50W bulbs I'd stick with them



Seriously though, I'm not a fan of bulbs that don't start right away. especially in a kitchen where you may only pop in for a few minutes. YMMV.

Oops! I still keep think about the dining room and the kitchen being seperate. 400W of course!

I must admit as long as it starts fairly quickly, I'm not too worried about them warming up.

 

[wafflycat]

Got them in kitchen, bathroom & shower room (CFL). Had them for years now. The newer ones seem to be better than the old ones. So far I've not found that using them renders me unable to locate the bath, shower, loo, sink or cooker due to gloom..

 

[wafflycat]

Seriously though, I'm not a fan of bulbs that don't start right away. especially in a kitchen where you may only pop in for a few minutes. YMMV.

Ye gods, what type of energy-saving bulbs are you using that haven't gone on when you're in the kitchen for a few minutes? Mine come in in ooohh.... under a second or so.

 

[Coco]

Ye gods, what type of energy-saving bulbs are you using that haven't gone on when you're in the kitchen for a few minutes? Mine come in in ooohh.... under a second or so.

I like my light to come on at the speed of light. Hate that 1 or 2 seconds 'warming up' light. especially when I'm only forraging.

Magnatom, perhaps you could strap a couple of Hope 1's to the ceiling?

 

[magnatom]

I like my light to come on at the speed of light. Hate that 1 or 2 seconds 'warming up' light. especially when I'm only forraging.

Magnatom, perhaps you could strap a couple of Hope 1's to the ceiling?

Mmm. Now there is an idea. My wife has been looking at some tastefull wallpaper murals for one of the walls. I could have bike lights lighting the kitchen, a nice cycling related (TdF?) mural on the wall, any other suggestions?

 

[Coco]

Get a photograph of your bikes in front of a scenic view. Have that made into the mural. Then you can park your bikes directly in front of the mural in the nice warm and dry house and no-one would notice

 

[magnatom]

Get a photograph of your bikes in front of a scenic view. Have that made into the mural. Then you can park your bikes directly in front of the mural in the nice warm and dry house and no-one would notice

Me likey!

 

[HJ]

Take a look at this web site, you should be able to find what you are looking for there...