Lighting shouldn't cost the Earth

In reply to Mr Kerswell's letter regarding low energy lighting. I can inform Mr Kerswell that his facts are totally untrue. I am an electrician, who has worked on various energy efficient properties.

It is our duty to save energy where we can and lighting in our homes is one of the areas that we can all save.

My own home has nothing but energy efficient lighting, using LED and fluorescent lights.

To get more light you should increase the wattage. If seven watts is equivalent to 60, and the bulb you are replacing was that size, then you should go for the next size up, an 11-watt.

In regard to cost, the purchase cost is greater but the burning hours of the energy efficient lights will far outway the extra cost. If he did pay £7.50 for his bulb, then quite frankly he was ripped off. I have recently purchased these lamps for 49p from Netto in Shrewsbury.

The other lighting that a lot of people choose is down lighters. These lights are the recessed type in the ceiling. They have now got these in LED or fluorescent. The light output is good and they last a great deal longer so you are not forever changing them. These also save you on electricity and they help save the planet.

The only downside to these energy efficient lamps is that you cannot dim them, and they do take a minute to warm up.

If Mr Kerswell would like any advice on reducing his CO2 emissions and saving himself some money then I would be only too happy to advise him.

Mr S Madin, SDM Electrics Ltd, Shrewsbury