Home >  Residential > Energy Saving Tips

Better Globes

Homes around the world have used incandescent light globes for 125 years and while these globes have been useful in illuminating our lives, they use a large amount of energy. In fact, up to 90 per cent of the energy they consume is wasted, mainly as heat.

The good news is there’s an alternative that’s energy efficient and cost-effective – the Compact Fluorescent Light globe, commonly known as a CFL. CFLs are far better for the environment as they can create the same amount of light as a conventional incandescent globe using less energy.

While the initial outlay to purchase a CFL is slightly more than an incandescent globe, it has a life span that’s about eight to ten times longer, making the long-term cost far less. Of course, reduced energy use means lower energy bills.

CFLs vs Incandescent globes

• CFLs produce far less heat than traditional globes and create the same amount of light using nearly a third of the energy.
• CFLs last eight to ten times longer.
• CFLs cost more to buy but can pay for themselves in lower energy bills.
• Changing to CFLs can cut your lighting costs by 66 per cent.
• CFLs produce less greenhouse gas emissions because they use less energy.
• Less energy use means lower energy bills and the average home can save more than $80 a year by switching to CFLs.
• CFLs help you save money, as well as the environment. 

See how much you can save by using our Better Globes Calculator.

Calculate your savings

* Estimates based on 4 hours use per day, electricity tariff of 13.94c/kWh (inc.GST) and greenhouse intensity of 0.992kg C02 Information based on table produced by WA' Sustainable Energy Development Office  www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Synergy Globe Recycling Project

Synergy has launched a globe recycling pilot. Recycling locations are now available.