Good to know !
Nowadays, more and more energy is consumed by lighting. In Switzerland, it represents about 15% of the whole electric consumption.
Large energy savings can be made. A plan to progressively withdraw from sale the incandescent bulbs and some halogen bulbs is in hand and will end in 2016.

Why should I change the bulbs in my house?
- To save a very precious and expensive energy
- To reduce my electricity bill
If the first point is obvious, the second one is not. In fact, the change requires to buy new generation bulbs that are 5 to 15 times more expensive than our old incandescent and halogen bulbs.
If you aren't convinced yet, use our calculator. It will produce some interesting results. You have to define the following parameters :
- The number of bulbs
- Tthe number of years
- The category : standard bulbs, spotlights or lightning tubes
- The wattage
- The average hours of use a day
Led or fluorescent bulbs ?
![]() |
![]() |
Fluorescent | LED |
|
|
|
|
Received ideas about LED bulbs
- We spend a lot of energy to make them.
-
Wrong !The manufacturing of LED bulbs represents only 5% of their whole energy consumption.
- They generate electromagnetic pollution.
-
Wrong !The light-emitting diodes use an almost direct current. Some measurements made by the EPFZ demonstrate that LED bulbs emit radiations so low as incandescent bulbs.
- They do not withstand dimmer switches.
-
Wrong !Nowadays, most of LED bulbs withstand dimmer switches. If they do, a symbol is printed on the packaging.
- They are sensitive to on/off cycles.
-
Wrong !Unlike most bulbs, the LEDs are not sensitive to this parameter.
- They do not heat up.
-
Wrong !In relation to other bulbs, the heat emission is insignificant.
So, why LED bulbs ?
- They will last 5 to 10 times longer than other bulbs.
- They consume 3 to 4 times less energy.
- They do not contain mercury nor fluorescent powder.
LED bulbs are a good alternative to fluorescent bulbs because their major problem is recycling. However, 98% of LED bulbs components are recyclable.
If you are not convinced yet that LED bulbs are better than fluorescent bulbs, we propose watching this documentary made by “France 2”.
Must I change immediately ?
What do I do with worn out bulbs ?
In Switzerland, the recycling of some bulbs is subject to OREA.
All the bulbs, except the incandescent bulbs (classic and halogen) are concerned, that is to say :
- Fluorescent bulbs
- LED bulbs
- Lightning tubes
The incandescent and halogen bulbs can be eliminated with the domestic rubbish.
If a crossed out recycle bin is printed on the bulb cap, it means that you shouldn’t put it in the bin.