ENERGY efficient lighting has become an increasingly important part of house construction, says Ilumalite Australia general manager lighting George Stylianou.
"Energy efficient lighting is any lighting that produces light more efficiently than traditional halogen and incandescent lights," he said.
"So, even compact fluorescent lighting is energy efficient, but the trend has moved to even more efficient LED lighting.
"LED lights use a light-emitting diode (hence the acronym) instead of a halogen burner, which is what was originally used in domestic down lights."
Mr Stylianou said it was important to choose the right LED for the greatest energy efficiency and amount of light required for the situation.
"Choose a quality brand, because the likelihood of that brand having all the correct approvals and safety requirements required by Australian Standards is greater than an unknown brand," he said.
"With LED lighting the adage still applies that you get what you pay for.
"An efficient light source is not just about replacing your existing inefficient light source with an LED globe.
"Sometimes a whole new fixture is required, because using a new LED light in an old fixture may not enable the new globe to work efficiently.
"LED lights are not just downlights — they come in all shapes and sizes.
"It can be a strip under your kitchen cupboards, the floodlight lighting up your driveway or the downlight in your lounge room — it can even be the traditional looking globe in your bedside lamp.
"The technology makes it a very versatile light source."
More information: lightingcouncil.com.au
