Getting into the habit of switching off your lights when you’re not in the room can make a difference to your energy bills. Let’s not forget other simple changes to your light bulbs can save you money in the long run.

A new report has delved into the costs of light bulbs and how much energy we are using. 4lite’s report has found the cost of energy is higher when using normal light bulbs but switching to LEDs could save consumers as much as £24 a year.

This may not sound like a lot right now but just think of how many light bulbs are in your home.

The latest lightbulb energy cost analysis by 4lite shows that from October 1 (when electricity prices rise to 24.5p per KwH), a traditional 100W incandescent lightbulb will cost just over 7p per day. This is based on three hours’ usage and equates to £29.40 a year.

This is just based on one bulb being used three hours a day. Multiply this by 10 bulbs across the home, this will cost an eye-watering £294 in electricity.

Meanwhile, a halogen bulb costs 5p per day. Yet again, used for just three hours of the day to run, equalling £21.17 per year. For 10 bulbs, this comes in with a running cost of £211.68 a year.

By comparison, a single LED lightbulb will cost just over 1p a day to run (based on three hours’ usage), equating to just £5.29 a year.

For 10 bulbs within the home, this would cost £52.92 a year in electricity – an incredible £264.60 less per year than incandescent bulbs and £158.76 less than halogen.

Make the LED switch

Modern LEDs are the most eco-friendly bulbs on the market, using 85 percent less energy. LEDs brighten instantly and power for 25,000 hours or more.

By using these bulbs for six hours a day you’ll not only be saving money on your energy bills, but you also won’t need to replace them nearly so often.

They are also completely free from toxic chemicals and generate virtually no heat so they are cool to the touch and safer for the home.

‘Banish energy-guzzling bulbs’

Kate Baker, a light and wellness advisor at smart lighting expert 4lite, said: “Banishing costly, energy-guzzling bulbs from the home can make a big difference to your energy consumption and therefore your bills. Saving hundreds of pounds off your home energy bills can be as simple as changing a light bulb.

“Whether by habit or just because they’re not aware, many consumers have not yet made the switch to LEDs for their home lighting but, with high energy costs, the LED switchover is unavoidable.

“LED bulbs are incredibly energy efficient and use considerably less electricity. They may cost a little more initially but the payback is fast – plus they are long lasting so they won’t need replacing so often. In addition, taking the next step by upgrading to LED smart bulbs can revolutionise your home lighting as well as save you even more.”