The Lighting Reference Guide is a practical guide, designed to provide information on commercially available lighting technologies. It can help you identify your energy efficiency opportunities as well as which technology is best for you. ![[PDF]](/web/20061218192751im_/http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/images/iconpdfsmall.gif){kind=small}
(1.2 MB PDF)
Lighting Information
Make the Change from Incandescent to Compact Florescent
CFLs are lessexpensive, more efficient and reduce air and water pollution. Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer . Every incandescent that you replace with a CFL will also keep a half-tonne of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.
The average household has at least 30 lightbulbs... Add up your potential saving!
Current Fixture/Bulb Type |
Locations |
CFL Suggestions |
Savings |
||
Outdoor |
|
Porch |
9-15 W CFL |
|
Up to $22 |
Table and Floor Lamps Type A |
|
Living room |
9-26 W CFL |
|
Up to $33 |
Pendants over tables, Type A |
|
Kitchen |
15-26 W CFL |
|
Up to $22 |
Potlights with PAR bulbs |
|
Kitchen |
23W |
|
Up to $20 |
Globe fixtures over bathroom mirrors and on ceilings |
|
Bathroom |
8-15 W |
|
Up to $7 |
Chandelier bulbs |
|
Dining room |
4-9 W |
|
Up to $ 4 |
Lighting Equivalents: 60W Incandescent = 15W CFL
Which Bulbs Do I Replace?
Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) come in many shapes and sizes, and can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used. Making the right choice on which bulbs you should replace will maximize your savings.
Start with those that are left on for extend periods of time, either on purpose or by accident For example, a kitchen bulb or garage bulbs. Your savings will depend on the bulb wattage and the number of hours it is turned on. There are many different CFLs - one size fits all is not available, so consult your retailer for specific recommendations.
Replace your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient CFLs
Compared to a 100-watt incandescent bulb, over its useful life, a 25-watt fluorescent light bulb saves 360 kilograms of coal used to produce electricity.
Click here for an incandescent-to-CFL savings calculator.
CFL Limitations:
Although CFLs are an excellent source of energy efficient lighting, they are not suitable for all lighting applications:
- On/Off cycling : CFLs are sensitive to frequent on/off cycling. Their rated lifetimes of 10,000 hours are reduced in applications where the light is turned on and off very often.
- Dimmers : Not all CFLs can be used on dimmer switches. They can be used a three-way switch but may be incompatible with electronic timers.
- Outdoors : CFLs can be used outdoors, but should be covered or shaded from the elements – check the package to made sure the bulb is suited for outdoor use.
- Clearance: Ensure any fixture where you install a CFL has adequate clearance for the bulb.
Important Note: Handling and Disposal of CFLs
CFLs contain small amounts of mercury. We encourage you to dispose of your used bulbs in an environmentally friendly manner - the best solution is to save spent CFLs for a community household hazardous waste collection.
