How to choose an energy saving lamp?

When we come to the store and see the prices for this type of light bulbs, it becomes interesting why their cost is ten times higher than the cost of an incandescent lamp. Let's try to figure out what kind of lamp it is and why we need it so much.

How to choose the right energy-saving lamp?

The cost of such a lamp is due to its "filling" and characteristics. Before choosing an energy-saving lamp, we will acquaint ourselves with its parameters:

1. Power. The choice in favor of energy-saving lamps is often due to their light flux and power. If you decide to buy products of an unknown brand, you can safely multiply this power by x4 and get an approximate equivalent to the power of an incandescent lamp. A good energy-saving lamp from a well-known and reliable manufacturer has a power that must be multiplied by x5.
2. Life time. For expensive and high-quality lamps, the service life ranges from 12000-15000 hours, cheaper analogs will not last more than 10,000 hours. Often it is in a cheap and no-known series there are defective lamps, which after 1000 hours begin to fade. It is better to buy lamps with a smooth start, they are more reliable and durable. The first minute the lamp will only warm up, burn not at full power. So frequent on-off switches can negatively affect the service life. After switching on, leave the lamp to burn for at least 5 minutes.
3. Coefficient of color rendition. The best energy-saving lamps have a value of this factor of at least R = 82. If the package is declared lower, then you risk buying a lamp that will give the effect of fogging. When translating the look at the light bulb, you can "catch a bunny", as with welding sparks.
4. After you have decided which one to choose an energy-saving lamp, specify its dimensions. As a rule, a lamp the incandescence is slightly smaller, and therefore an energy-saving light bulb may not fit in the luminaire.
5. The choice of energy-saving lamps is influenced by their price . If you buy a lamp in a good specialized store, ask the consultant about the product warranty. Most often a guarantee for such a light bulb for about a year. If within a year it has not coped with its functions, you will be replaced by it for free.
6. Before choosing an energy-saving lamp, be sure to check the type of the base . Before buying, specify the type of the base of your chandelier or lamp so that you do not have to go back and change the light bulb.