Questions & Answers about
ENERGY STAR® for Light Fixtures
What's the difference between ENERGY STAR qualified and standard light fixtures?
What makes a light fixture ENERGY STAR qualified?
Why should I select ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures for my home?
How much do ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures cost?
Do ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures come with a warranty?
Where can I find ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures?
Are ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures intended for indoor or outdoor use?
Are ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures dimmable?
Can ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures be used with a timer?
Why have ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures not been available in Canada?
What is a ballast?
How does a product earn the ENERGY STAR?
What's the difference between ENERGY STAR qualified and standard light fixtures?
Most ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures come with pin-based compact fluorescent lamps that are tested to last at least 10,000 hours (about 7 years, on average) versus standard incandescent bulbs, which last about 1,000 hours. Some ENERGY STAR qualified outdoor fixtures save energy by using a motion sensor that turns the light on only when someone is present or uses a photocell that automatically turns the light on at night and off in the morning.
What makes a light fixture ENERGY STAR qualified?
To qualify for ENERGY STAR, residential light fixtures must consume at least two-thirds less energy than a conventional fixture and use bulbs that are designed to last at least 10,000 hours. 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. ENERGY STAR qualified residential fixtures must also offer a two-year warranty, which is double the industry standard
Why should I select ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures for my home?
ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures deliver the same bright light as a standard fixture but use about 66 percent less energy. Saving energy not only saves money, it reduces environmental impacts associated with the combustion of fossil fuels. Purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified residential fixtures also means you will spend less time and money replacing bulbs, since the compact fluorescent lamps used in these fixtures typically last about seven years.
How much do ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures cost?
The cost varies. Some models cost the same as their traditional counterparts, while others may cost more. But keep in mind that because ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures use two-thirds less energy, you will save on energy costs for as long as you own and operate the product.
Do ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures come with a warranty?
ENERGY STAR manufacturers provide a two-year warranty on their qualified lighting fixtures, which is double the industry standard for traditional fixtures.
Where can I find ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures?
ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures are sold at most hardware stores, home improvement centres and lighting specialty stores. If you can't find qualified fixtures in a retail outlet, ask a salesperson for help (most fixtures can be ordered from the manufacturer's catalogue). You may also be able to buy some ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures on the Internet. An up-to-date list of qualified fixtures is posted on the U.S ENERGY STAR Web site [This link opens a new window]
Are ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures intended for indoor or outdoor use?
ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures are available for virtually every application inside and outside the home. Qualified fixtures come in hundreds of popular styles, including table, floor and desk lamps and in hard-wired styles for ceilings, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and porches. Just look for the ENERGY STAR symbol on the product packaging or literature.
Are ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures dimmable?
Some ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures have a dimming capability. Check the product literature or ask a salesperson for assistance if this is a feature you want. As well, make sure you purchase compact fluorescent lamps that offer a dimming capability (in other words, match the lamp with the fixture).
Can ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures be used with a timer?
Some models can be used with a timer. Check the product literature or ask a salesperson for assistance if this is a feature you want.
Why have ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures not been available in Canada?
Although residential light fixtures have been included in the United States ENERGY STAR program for some time, their availability in Canada has been limited due to a regulatory barrier. Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations were amended (effective November 15, 2006) to resolve this problem by reducing the minimum power factor requirement for ballasts used in residential light fixtures (ballasts used with F32T8 lamps with CRI>75 at 120 V) from 0.9 to 0.5, which is the same level used in the U.S. This opened the Canadian market to ENERGY STAR qualified models.
What is a ballast?
An electrical ballast is a necessary device that controls the amount of current flowing in an electric circuit to start and operate a lamp. Fluorescent lamps require a ballast to regulate the flow of power through the lamp.
How does a product earn the ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR participating manufacturers must certify that their product meets the strict energy efficiency guidelines to be able to place the ENERGY STAR symbol on their product. As technology advances and more energy-efficient products make it to the marketplace, ENERGY STAR reviews the guidelines for each product category and strengthens them as necessary to ensure that, generally, only the top 25 percent of products in each category can earn the ENERGY STAR symbol.
|