Lighting

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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Making the switch to compact fluorescent lamps is a wise and responsible choice. Replacing a 100-W incandescent with a 25-W CFL will save approximately $30 in electricity over the life of the bulb. Use this guide to help you buy the best bulb for the job. You can also download our CFL Fact Sheet [PDF, 502 Kb] to help you shop for CFLs.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Keep these features in mind when buying CFLs:

• Purchase CFLs that are ENERGY STAR® certified. Products with this label will have high environmental and energy efficiency standards.
• Compact fluorescent lamps come in numerous shapes and sizes to fit into most regular lighting fixtures, so you can find ones that will work with the lamps you already have. Take a sample incandescent bulb with you to the store for easy matching.
• Purchase CFLs with the lowest mercury content available. There are some on the market with mercury content as low as 1.4 to 2.5 mg.
• Colour temperature refers to the shade of white light, identified by Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and measured in Kelvin (K). Warmer colours correspond to lower Kelvin numbers, while higher numbers indicate a cooler, bluer light. 2700-3000 K bulbs project soft white or "warm" light. Bulbs with a slightly higher K rating (up to 3500 K) can be optimal for reading. As the K rating increases (to 4100, 5000 and 6500K), the effect is increasingly bluish light that enhances cooler colours (blue, green, violet). The higher K-rated lights are often referred to as "daylight".
• Some bulbs are labelled with a CRI (colour rendition index) value, which indicates how true colours appear under the light. Higher values indicate "truer" colours. Incandescent bulbs usually have a CRI rating of 100. All ENERGY STAR rated CFLs have a CRI rating of at least 80, which makes the colours similar to an incandescent.
• Claims about CFL to incandescent wattage equivalents will vary somewhat among manufacturers, since there are no formal standards for the measurements. As a guide, a 3:1 ratio, incandescent to CFL wattage, yields similar light output.  Look for CFLs that produce the same amount of light (measured in lumens) as the bulb you are replacing. Typically, the following conversions will apply:

• Most CFLs can work with timers, but not all timers are compatible with CFLs. Check with your timer's manufacturer to be sure.
• Dimmable CFLs are available but regular CFLs cannot be used with dimmer switches or three way (tri-light) switches. Using a regular CFL with these kinds of switches will decrease bulb life and may break the bulb.
• To use CFLs outside, read the labels to ensure suitable temperature and position. Keep them covered or shaded from the weather. Cold temperatures can reduce CFL luminosity. There are also CFL floodlights available that can be used outside in a range of temperatures without additional covers.
• CFLs may not hold up to the stress of power surges. Using them in areas such as workshops may not be advisable.

Product Cost: $3–$10
Cost Savings: $3/yr per bulb

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Automatic lighting controls

There are various kinds of automatic lighting controls that can work to reduce lighting energy use. Think of your home lighting as a system and determine the lighting you need for each area at any time.

Dimmer switches

Dimmer switches can reduce energy use and make lighting more versatile. Many compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are not suitable for use with dimmers. Read the packaging to ensure you get ones that are.
Product Cost: $10–$250

Timers

Timers can make your energy use more efficient by allowing you to program lights and electronic appliances to turn on and off at specific times. Look for timer mechanisms that have manual override and a good power disconnect. Some digital timers do not operate CFL lamps efficiently. Check with the vendor or manufacturer when buying timers for CFL products.
Product Cost: $20–$200
Cost Savings: N/A

Motion sensor

Look for a motion sensor with an adjustable lapse time so you can set it where it won't be falsely triggered by breezes in nearby trees.
Product Cost: $50–$150 (with light $50–$250)
Cost Savings: N/A

Occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensor systems can save energy in the workplace. They are customizable according to the features and function of your space. You will likely have different needs for offices, storage areas, bathrooms and parking but all kinds of spaces can be effectively covered.
Energy Savings: 15 to 80% of your lighting energy, depending on sensor location.

Photocell

Ensure you select photocells that can be used with time clocks. The timer can be connected to a series of photocells to shut them off at a preset time so they won't be on all night.
Product Cost: 120 V photocell control unit $15–$40, plus installation by a professional.

Astronomical timeclock

Many high-end timers have astronomical dials and quartz drive carryovers. They compensate for seasonal changes and keep time for up to seven days in a power outage. They are however a more expensive option than photocells. They can be mounted remotely, near electrical panels and one timer can control a bank of lights.
Product Cost: For a 120 V, single circuit, astronomical dial, quartz drive carryover timeclock, approximately $500. Most often professional installation is not required.

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Making the most of natural light

Daylighting does not have to involve purchasing any equipment. However, some homes are not set up to catch sunlight. To take full advantage of the available light, consider some of these options.

Light shelves

Light shelves are white or reflective metal shelves that fit onto the inside or outside of windows. They are designed to reflect sunlight up to ceilings where it will be dispersed and reduce the need for general overhead lighting. Light shelves work most effectively on south or west facing windows. Most light shelves have the capacity to provide natural overhead light for areas 30 to 40 m from the light source.

Some factors to consider in determining their suitability: obstacles to the light's reflection (walls, corners, etc.), paint colour and reflectivity (light colours make better reflective surfaces) and whether your furniture can be arranged to take best advantage of the light source. A highly reflective shelf surface will retain a more focused light onto the ceiling. A rougher, less reflective material will provide more dispersed coverage.
Product Cost: about $1,000 installed

Paint colour and sheen

Ask a professional painter or paint retailer about appropriate paint sheens and colours to maximise daylight in your home. Use low VOC or zero VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based paint, which is less toxic to you and the environment.
Product Cost: $40–$60 for 4 l. Covers about 26 m² (about 280 sq. ft.). Price can vary widely with brand, type and retailer.

Non-toxic paint

The Healthiest Home website sells non-toxic paint and wood treatments online.

Energy efficient windows

If you are installing or purchasing high efficiency windows, consider the size of the windows and where to locate them for efficient year round natural heat and light. Look for ENERGY STAR approved windows for the best energy efficiency.
Product Cost: Varies widely depending on dimensions and type. Check out available rebates.
Cost Savings: Efficient well-located windows can save on both heat and light expenses.

Home location

Whenever possible, buy or rent your home where there is good lighting and ideally southern exposure. Good light exposure does not have to cost more. Make it one of your location criteria.
Cost Savings: N/A

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