TIPOF
TIPOF
THEWEEK
Using energy-saving light bulbs instead of standard bulbs can reduce energy consumption by 80%, while giving the same light output.
Northern Ireland producer Johnston Weir uses energy-saving fluorescent bulbs in his layer houses, which contain more than 10,000 hens. "Each bulb only uses seven watts of electricity/ hour and lasts about two to three years."
For the same light output, fluorescent bulbs only use a fifth of the energy consumed by a standard light bulb, adds the Farm Energy Centre, Stoneleigh. Energy monitoring has shown the cost of using standard bulbs is more than the cost of fan ventilation in pig units.
But the centre advises considering bulb replacement costs and the time taken to change them before considering changing to fluorescent lights.
Compact fluorescent bulbs, which can fit into existing light fittings, are ideal for piggery and poultry housing, but they cannot be dimmed. Instead, fluorescent tubes can be dimmed with the correct fittings installed. Also, remember fluorescent bulbs and tubes can have problems starting in low temperatures, warns the centre.
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