Use Energy-Efficient Lamps & Fixtures

Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Make your next light fixture an ENERGY STAR®. Light fixtures that have earned ENERGY STAR approval combine high performance, attractive design, the highest levels of energy efficiency and they only work with low energy consuming bulbs. Affordability ENERGY STAR-approved light fixtures would use 75% less energy than standard incandescent ones.   Cost savings A torchiere is a portable lamp designed to direct light upward for indirect illumination. Replacing a 300-watt halogen torchiere with a 55-watt compact fluorescent torchiere, when operating for three hours every day, will save about $199 in electricity over the life of the compact fluorescent bulb. There is an additional cost savings, as the life span of halogen bulbs is only one-third that of CFLs, so in the same time frame you have to buy three halogen bulbs.  Health & comfort When shopping for indoor or outdoor light fixtures, look for ENERGY STAR. There are now a wide variety of ENERGY STAR-approved light fixtures, from desk and floor lamps to hardwired lighting, offering choices to suit your needs and decor. ENERGY STAR has lighting for indoor and outdoor residential use. Environmental considerations To qualify for ENERGY STAR approval, fixtures must use at least three-quarters less energy than comparable standard fixtures. These energy savings benefit you and the planet.

What you need to know

Qualifying fixtures for Power Smart lighting rebates

(Examples only: some products may not be available)

Benefits of ENERGY STAR light fixtures and CFLs

Indoor fixtures come with pin-based CFLs, which use 75% less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

Qualified light fixtures and CFLs carry a two-year warranty – double the industry standard – making them perfect for hard-to-reach places because the bulbs do not need to be replaced as often. 

Where to install

• Install linear fluorescent light fixtures for general lighting in kitchens, laundry or utility areas. If you are remodeling or even planning a new home, install permanent fluorescent fixtures where design permits. There are a wide variety of fluorescent fixtures and lamp colours on the market today.
• ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures and CFLs are perfect for hard to reach places because you do not need to replace the bulbs as often.
• ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures and CFLs are great for front porches. Check the bulb's packaging for the minimum starting temperature and ensure it is the right design for the location [PDF].

ENERGY STAR torchieres

• A torchiere is a portable lamp designed to direct light upward for indirect illumination. Most of the light is thrown against the ceiling and reflected back, making it provide far more light than a standard lamp for the same light output.
• A Compact Fluorescent torchiere uses a fluorescent lamp, typically a circular or D-shaped compact. Torchieres that use halogen lamps are more common in homes. Halogen torchieres typically use 300-watt bulbs, which can become fire hazards due to the extremely high temperatures that they reach. Typical halogen torchiere floor lamps can burn dangerously hot – up to 1,100°F. Unfortunately, you cannot use a CFL in your halogen fixture.
• Compact fluorescent torchieres use approximately 75% less energy than halogen torchieres to produce the same amount of light. ENERGY STAR qualified torchiere lamps use bulbs that are cool to the touch.
• Compact fluorescent bulbs last three to five times longer than halogen bulbs.
• Like halogen torchieres, compact fluorescent torchieres come in a variety of styles including dimmable or three-level lighting. Check the packaging to make sure you are buying the correct style for your needs.

Other ways to maximize the energy efficiency of your lighting

• Keep light bulbs and fixtures clean – dirt will reduce light output.
• Install linear fluorescent light fixtures for general lighting in kitchens, laundry or utility areas. If you are remodeling or even planning a new home, install permanent fluorescent fixtures where design permits. There are a wide variety of fluorescent fixtures and lamp colours on the market today. Consult with a lighting designer or visit a lighting showroom to determine what's best for your application.
• The size of fluorescent tubes is given by a T number (i.e. T8) and corresponds as well to the energy they draw. Reducing from T12’s to T8’s, you can still use the same lighting fixtures. If you switch to more energy efficient T5’s, you will need to change to new fixtures. Contact the Recycling Council of BC to find out where to recycle your old strip lighting fixtures. 1 800 667 4321 or 604 RECYCLE (732 9253) in the Lower Mainland.

FAQ

Find answers to all your ENERGY STAR light fixture questions on the ENERGY STAR Canada website.