LED Bulbs & Energy Saving For Low Voltage Garden Lights
LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) have become the modern standard for low electricity consumption and are now a mature product in the market place.
They have low heat emissions and their incredibly long life span is aided by better shock resistance characteristics. If the LED's you choose are IP68 rated then they are also suitable for underwater use.
They are available in white, warm white and 'blue' and are replaceable. In addition, coloured and changeable RGB (Red/Green/Blue) bulbs operated by remote control are also available.
If you already have 12v lighting but are using traditional halogen or other incandescent bulbs then you may be able to swap them (subject to fitting compatibility - see FAQ "What does MR11, MR16, GU5.3, GU5 mean? ").
Energy Saving
A simple summary of why LED technology is efficient when compared to older/traditional lighting is given below.
(If you are interested in home energy efficiency improvements visit Energy Saving Trust - A respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions.
They provide a clear and helpful guide to energy efficient lighting https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/lighting/
For Home Energy Tips and Getting the best out of your LED lighting visit
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/getting-best-out-your-led-lighting/
Summary
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are semiconductors that make old-fashioned light bulbs (incandescent) and even "energy savers" (compact fluorescent) look incredibly inefficient.
As an example, a typical 35W halogen equivalent LED will use as little as 4W to produce a similar level of light.
They also have the advantage of being "instantly-on". They do not suffer from warming-up slowly like some replacements for halogens.
James Russell, technical development manager at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "If customers are prepared to pay the up-front higher cost they will quickly calculate that they will see a return on their investment within the first couple of years – and will go on making financial savings for many more years. Customers will also not have the hassle of continuously replacing burnt-out halogen lamps." (see http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jun/08/led-lightbulbs-save-energy-bills)
LED bulbs come with advertised lifetimes of 10,000 hours and up, compared to the typical 1,000-hour lifetime of hot-running halogen bulbs.
There are many cost comparison websites but if you are unsure feel free to look at
https://www.expertelectrical.co.uk/news/cost-comparison-leds-vs-traditional-halogen-lighting/
If you want to understand what you may save please do drop us a note and we'll do our best to help.