Why is my smart LED bulb rated G (Bad!)?
Why the “G” Rating Looks Worse Than It Is
- Label reset: The EU rescaled energy labels in 2021. What used to be A+/A++ is now often F/G.
- Higher bar: Few current consumer LEDs reach the new top categories.
- Still efficient: A “G” smart LED is vastly more efficient than old incandescent bulbs.
EU vs. Hong Kong Energy Labels
Not all energy labels are created equal. The same smart LED bulb can look very different depending on where you buy it:
| Feature | EU Label | Hong Kong MEELS |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | A → G (7 steps) | Grade 1 → Grade 5 (5 steps) |
| Coverage | Many appliances + lighting | Selected appliances + CFL/LED lamps |
| Typical LED rating | Often F or G (due to stricter reset) | Usually Grade 1 (best) |
| Purpose | Push innovation, harmonise EU market | Consumer clarity, regulate key local appliances |
Bottom line: A bulb that looks “bad” in Europe with a G rating would almost certainly be Grade 1 in Hong Kong. Same bulb, different scale.
Real Costs in Hong Kong
Assumptions: 3 hours/day use; electricity at ~HKD 1.17 per kWh.
| Bulb Type | Annual Electricity Cost | Bulb Cost (per 3 yrs) | Average Annual Cost (3 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | ~77 HKD | ~17 HKD | 83 HKD |
| CFL | ~18 HKD | 20 HKD | 25 HKD |
| LED | ~12 HKD | 30 HKD | 22 HKD |
| Smart LED | ~12 HKD | 80 HKD | 39 HKD |
How Smart Makes It Better
So far we’ve looked at the numbers — cost, lifespan, and efficiency. But the real advantage of smart LEDs isn’t just in the electricity bill. It’s in the way they fit into daily life:
- Convenience: Control lights from your phone or voice assistant. No more fumbling for switches when your hands are full.
- Energy savings: Automate schedules so lights only run when needed. Motion sensors can switch them off when a room is empty, trimming waste even further.
- Security: Use randomised lighting patterns when you’re away. A flat that looks “lived in” is a simple but effective deterrent against opportunistic break‑ins.
These features don’t add much to the running cost, but they do add a lot of value — making smart LEDs not just efficient, but also practical and protective.
Quick Note: What is a CFL Bulb?
CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp. These were the first “energy‑saving” bulbs that became popular in the 1990s and 2000s, more efficient than incandescent bulbs and lasting longer (around 8,000 hours). But LEDs have now surpassed them in efficiency, lifespan, and safety.
The Bottom Line
Even with a “G” label, a smart LED only costs about HKD 12 a year in electricity. The main difference is the purchase price, not the energy use. And since LED prices have dropped so much, most households already default to LEDs. Today, the real decision is whether the convenience of smart features (remote control, dimming, automation) is worth the small extra upfront cost.
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Let’s keep building a smarter, more energy‑aware Hong Kong — together.
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