Residential Light Fixtures Now Part of ENERGY STAR^® in Canada

The adoption of ENERGY STAR for residential light fixtures is expected to boost sales of energy-efficient fixtures in Canada, as many consumers look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when purchasing household products and equipment. ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures can reduce electricity consumption and costs for lighting by about 66 percent compared to standard fixtures. Saving energy also reduces environmental impacts associated with the combustion of fossil fuels.

In order for the ENERGY STAR specifications to come into effect in Canada, Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations had to be amended (effective November 15, 2006) to have the minimum power factor for ballasts used in residential light fixtures reduced from 0.9 to 0.5. This is the same minimum power level for ballasts that is used in the United States.

Many ENERGY STAR qualified residential fixtures not previously available in Canada due to the power factor regulation can now be sold here. Canadian fixture manufacturers may also qualify their products to the ENERGY STAR criteria. As a result, consumers should gain access to a greater assortment of ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures, in various price ranges.

Indoor light fixtures, outdoor light fixtures and recessed downlight retrofit kits intended for residential applications can qualify for ENERGY STAR.  These fixtures are available for virtually every application in the home and come in hundreds of popular styles, including table, floor and desk lamps, as well as hard-wired styles for ceilings, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and porches.

To qualify for ENERGY STAR:

• fixtures must consume at least two-thirds less energy than a conventional fixture
• fixtures must use bulbs that last at least 10 000 hours (about seven years, assuming normal usage of four hours per day)
• ceiling fans with lighting must be 50 percent more energy efficient than a standard fan/light combination and must move air up to 20 percent more efficiently than a standard model
• fixtures must offer a two-year warranty (double the industry standard)

Many Canadians are already taking advantage of energy-efficient lighting technology by switching to ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lamps, which use two-thirds less energy and last 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. ENERGY STAR qualified residential light fixtures will give them another option for reducing their home's electricity consumption and related environmental emissions.