"You were the light in the dark - but now it's time to say goodbye"Saturday the 1st of September 2018 the phase-out of halogen bulbs take effect, according to the Stage 6 of the consolidated Regulation (EC) No 244/2009). From this date mains voltage* halogen non-directional* bulbs (lower than the energy efficiency class B) do not longer fulfill the European Union's eco-design requirements. After this date, after nearly 60 years of brightening out homes, the halogen will be banned.Is it possible to buy halogen bulbs after the 1st of September?Yes, after this date you are still able to use and buy halogen bulbs. Suppliers and shops existing stock of halogens are still allowed to be sold when the regulation comes into effect the 1st of September. However after this date (main voltage non-directional) halogen bulbs are not longer allowed to be produced or imported to the EU.Why are halogen bulbs phased-out?The phase-out of halogen bulbs occurs within the framework of EU:s eco-design requirements which purpose is to regulate the number of inefficient light sources on the market. This step is designed to push both businesses and consumers into choosing energy efficient LED lighting in order to decrease the environmental impact and the carbon footprint in Europe. It is estimated that halogens phase-out will decrease with more than 15m tonnes of carbon emissions per year. This is equal to the annual electricity usage of Portugal.Will switching into LED bulbs lower the energy costs?Yes, LED bulbs have a higher initial cost than halogen but the main benefit is that LED bulbs are much more energy efficient than halogens. LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity compared to halogens. A residuary product from halogens is heat emissions. The heat emissions from halogen bulbs has a negative side-effect to school and office environments as they also work to heat up the indoor environment. LEDs do not emit any heat and therefore works better as light for indoor environments than halogens. The benefit of LEDs is furthermore their longer life of around 15-20 years compared with two years of a halogen. In the end you will save money on your energy bill, decrease the energy use and your consumption and maintenance cost by switching to LED.How do I know which LED bulb I should buy?We have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to find the correct LED bulb, go to LED bulbs and then use our filter to find the correct LED version. It's very easy, and by choosing LED, you make a sustainable choice! LED is ENERGY EFFICIENT, cheaper in the long term and better for the ENVIRONMENT. Still in doubt? Contact our customer service now!The generation that grew up using halogen bulbs learned that watt is equal to light. The higher watt the more light. But this is not true any longer. Since LEDs use less energy but emit the same brightness we need to choose led bulb according to their light output, measured in lumen. In the blog "What is lumen?" you will find all the information you need and how many lumen you need to find your led replacer.Which halogen bulbs are still available?There are some exceptions from this regulation: halogen R7s linear bulbs, G9 and G4 halogen capsules. These bulbs are compliant to the Stage 5 of the eco-design Regulation and therefore still available on the European market.R7s Linear BulbsG9 Halogen BulbsG4 Halogen Bulbs*main voltage - the voltage of the power supply of the national system. It is 230V for domestic use.*non directional bulbs - emit light evenly in all directions. Opposed to directional bulbs where light is emitted in a given angle.
