Ceiling-directed floor lamps – or torchieres – are a common lighting choice in homes across Canada. They could become even more popular in the years ahead with the introduction of new models that are far more energy-efficient, last longer and are safer to use.

Traditional torchieres use halogen lamps ranging from 300 to 600 watts. These lamps not only consume a lot of energy, they operate at extremely high temperatures and can pose a safety hazard if placed too close to curtains or other combustible materials.

Lighting manufacturers have tackled these issues by designing torchieres that use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These fixtures have all the attributes of a halogen torchiere – crisp white light, dimming capabilities, low glare and portability – but are at least six times more energy-efficient, last about five times longer and operate at a much lower temperature.

What does this mean for the homeowner? Aside from the obvious safety benefits, torchieres that use compact fluorescent lamps are a bargain to operate. A typical halogen torchiere turned on four hours a day would consume almost $44 worth of electricity each year (assuming a cost of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour). An energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp, on the other hand, would consume only about $8 of electricity per year.

These energy savings can quickly cover the extra purchase cost of compact fluorescent torchieres and lamps. These lamps are also good for the environment because their lower energy consumption minimizes the production of greenhouse gases.

When shopping for a torchiere lamp for your home, make sure you consider a model that uses a compact fluorescent lamp. And when purchasing these lamps, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to ensure that you are getting a high-quality, energy-efficient product.

For more information on energy-efficient lighting and other ENERGY STAR qualified products, call Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency toll-free at 1 800 387-2000 or visit energystar.gc.ca. Or write to Energy Publications, Office of Energy Efficiency, c/o S.J.D.S., Gatineau, Quebec J9J 3N7.