Firstly, replace all the older flourescent tubes (silver end) with the newer & brighter ones (green end).
The older tubes are with input 36W & output 54W. The green ones with input 36W while the output 80W, which are brighter while consuming the same power.
 |
| Old conventional flourescent tube |
 |
| Newer & brighter Green flourescent tube |
 |
| On the Green tube packaging |
Those who use 2 to 3 conventional tubes, eg. in office, can now use lesser tubes, eg.1 to 2 green tubes, hence some saving on electricity & flourescent tubes.
The cost is around RM4.50 for the 4-foot conventional tube while the Green one is around RM5.50. I bought mine in Camar Letrik in Paramount Garden (near New Seaview Restaurant). Other shops along that road will cost extra RM0.50 to RM1.00. It will cost even more in Hypermarkets or shops in Shopping Complexes. Cost around RM9.90 in Giant or Ace Hardware.
 |
| 18W bulb equivalent to 100W conventional |
 |
| Cost me RM6.90 when Ace Hardware got promotion. |
Being equivalent in power, Philips Tornado bulbs are shorter than Philips Essential Energy Saver bulbs by 1 to 2 inches, depending on the wattage. It cost slightly more. I'm using Tornado bulbs in lamps that require shorter bulbs, eg.. Uplights.
 |
| 24W equivalent conventional 125W |
 |
| Cost me RM15 at Camar. Ace Hardware RM25. |
Hey, wait a minute. All those new bulbs are using the Edison screw (E27) fitting.
 |
| Edison Screw type |
|
My sockets are of the older Bayonet style. So how?
 |
| Bayonet type |
Philips Energy Saver bulbs do come with Bayonet type socket but those are more expensive as they are not much in demand. On average, those cost from RM20 onwards, depending on the wattage.
 |
| Bayonet type bulb |
However, there is a cheaper solution. Use a Bayonet to Screw converter!
 |
| Bayonet to Edison Screw converter. Cost around RM2.00 each. |
 |
| Philips Tornado bulb with Bayonet to Edison Screw converter |
I'm using an Ikea Uplight with Philips 24W Tornado Warm Colour bulb to light up my living room, to give it a warm & cozy feeling.
As a security measure, my Uplight will automatically turn On using a Timer from 6.30pm to 11pm & from 5am to 7.30am. People will think there's people at home. I also On my porch flourescent light & the back light from 7pm to 7am to deter burglary. Many houses in ss3 Petaling Jaya have been broken into. Most, if not all, of them do not switch on their porch light & back light at night. For just a few Ringgit extra per month in electricity, it is better to light up. Easier for police patrol to check on your home.
 |
| Plug-In Timer cost RM20.00 at Ace Hardware. |
When switching to newer & greener technology, we will incur some higher cost initially but in the medium to long run, it will benefit our wallet & the environment :D
