CFLs, Fluorescent fixtures and LEDs save energy and money due to the efficiency measurement of lumens per watt.  A lumen is a measurement of light output.  A watt is the amount of power used to light the bulb.  Therefore, lumens per watt is light per power-unit and it is analogous to miles per gallon in a car.  The greater the lumens per watt of a light bulb the more efficient it is.

CFLs

CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp (a lamp is more commonly known as a light bulb). CFLs are an excellent alternative for general ambient lighting and can be used anywhere an incandescent household bulb is used.  They use ¼ the energy of an incandescent and last 6-10 years.

Fluorescent lights are omni-directional meaning they send light in every direction.  This natural light distribution is what makes CFLs such a fantastic option for ambient lighting applications.  CFLs come with a screw base (also known as Edison base) as a means for retrofitting incandescent fixtures with Edison sockets.  Today’s CFLs are comparable to incandescent in light quality and size, making the conversion a non-sacrifice.  ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs come in warm 2700K color options (as well as white, cool white and daylight options) and have a minimum CRI of 80.  Modern CFLs use rare earth phosphor coatings inside the glass tubing for near perfect color quality.  They also employ electronic ballasts which rid them of the flicker and hum of years past.

Despite the many advancements made with CFLs, they are often criticized when visible due to their twist appearance.  To alleviate the visibility of CFLs in open fixtures, there are specialty covered varieties that hide the twist inside. 

It is difficult to tell the difference between incandescent lights and high quality CFLs when used in the proper application.  However, because they are so easily interchangeable with incandescents, there lies enormous room for poor CFL applications.  Here are a few poor applications that the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program has seen in new homes.

Northwest ENERGY STAR Home builders are required to use one of three methods to meet the standard.  The most widely used method is the socket count method and the most commonly used product in the socket count method is CFLs.  Unfortunately, some subcontractors walk through a finished home and simply screw in the minimum number of CFLs in the first fixtures they encounter without regard for design and quality.  The photos above illustrate a home that needed only two more CFLs so two CFLs were used in a fixture with four sockets.  In addition, the CFLs are too long for the fixture and extend beyond the glass piece.  Lastly, the CFL is visible from the table and the majority of potential home buyers do not like to see the twist.  Possible fixes for this CFL dilemma:

• All 4 sockets need to be the same lamp type
• Use proper sized CFLs (check the MOL)
• Use Globe or A-line covered CFLs to hide the twist

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Similar to the example given above, the CFL used in the vanity on the right extends beyond the glass piece of the fixture.  Most contractors streamline their CFL order to a single sku CFL twist which explains why so many errors can occur with application.  Possible fixes for this CFL dilemma are:

• Install the vanity face-up
• Use proper sized CFL
• Use Globe, A-line or Flame covered CFL

The specific CFL dilemma above with a reflector covered CFL extended beyond the trim has the following solutions:

• Use proper sized reflector CFL (check MOL)
• Elevate the socket as high as possible in the can by use of wing nut adjustment

*All reflector CFLs will be required to pass high heat testing for the ENERGY STAR label effective July 1, 2009

Additional issues with CFLs:

1. Enclosed fixture CFLs must be used in completely enclosed fixtures.  Otherwise the UL Listing of the fixture will be voided.  Enclosed fixtures include flushmounts and recessed cans if not using reflector CFLs.
2. Dimmable CFLs must be used in fixtures on wall dimmer systems.  Otherwise the UL Listing of the fixture will be voided. 

Additional Links:
www.energystar.gov

Fixtures

Fluorescent fixtures are also a natural fit for ambient lighting applications due to their omni-directional qualities.  ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures are an option for Northwest ENERGY STAR Home builders using the socket count method and the lighting power density method.  The fixtures are a requirement for those using the Advanced Lighting Package (ALP).  The ALP is recognized and supported by EPA with custom marketing material opportunities for builders.  The ALP has adopted the nickname ‘fixture count method’ because any screw based CFLs used are not counted toward qualification of the home (the only way to meet the ALP is to use fixtures).  The ALP is described in detail under the Lighting Requirements section.

ENERGY STAR fixtures offer the same great color quality advancements of screw based CFLs but with an additional 4,000 hours.  This means that fixtures use an advanced electronic ballast, have great color rendering and color temperature due to the rare earth phosphors, and last ten years.  Of course, ENERGY STAR fixtures also use ¼ the energy of incandescent fixtures with incandescent bulbs.

Linear fluorescent fixtures are typically utilitarian in design with a double ended pin based tube.  Linear fixtures are seen in laundry rooms, kitchens and baths. 

CFL Fixtures are now available as decorative fixtures that can replace nearly any incandescent decorative fixture.  Due to the squat configuration of the bulb, these fixtures can be made to compliment any style home.

There are over 16,000 ENERGY STAR fixtures on the market and many manufacturers willing to convert their incandescent lines to GU-24.  ENERGY STAR fixtures use a pin- or GU24- based fluorescent bulb which ensures long term savings for the life of the fixture rather than the bulb.  When the pin- or GU24- base CFL burns out, another pin- or GU24- base CFL must be used in the ENERGY STAR fixture where as retrofitting incandescent fixtures with CFLs will not prevent the use of incandescent bulbs in the future.

An additional benefit of using pin- or GU24- based fixtures is that the fixture is designed around the bulb for a perfect fit, making it as beautiful as it is efficient.  Fixtures are growing increasingly popular with builders who feel encumbered by the burden of a good fit and well applied CFL.

To take advantage of EPA’s marketing materials for the ALP, access the links below and/or contact your Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes representative.

Builder Tools - Market your Fixture Package:
Advanced Lighting Fixture Count Brochure Builder Marketing Template (PDF)
Advanced Lighting Fixture Count Overview (PDF)
Advanced Lighting Package Builder Brochure (PDF)
Advanced Lighting Package Energy Bill Savings Chart (PDF)
Advanced Lighting Package for New Homes (PDF)

LEDs

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.  LEDs are quickly becoming the common term for what is actually Solid State Lighting (SSL) much like a lamp is commonly known as a light bulb.  SSL defines technology which uses semi-conducting materials to convert electricity into light.  SSL is an umbrella term encompassing both LEDs and Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs).  LEDs are non-carbon based materials that provide light when an electric current passes through it.  OLEDs are carbon based materials that provide a diffuse light source over large surfaces.  LEDs are more advanced technologically and are the first SSL products to appear on the market. 

LEDs produce directional light which lends well to accent and task lighting applications.  LEDs provide efficient alternatives to halogen and other directional incandescent lights.  An LED is sold as a system with the fixture (including heat sink) and driver.  Each piece of the system is integral to the function of the diode and production of light and each impacts the efficiency of the LED system.  This is why it is imperative for consumers to ask questions and research products.  The LED market has grown so fast that industry standards are forced to play catch up.  In the absence of standards, some manufacturers are unfortunately labeling products based on the efficacy of the diode alone.  The inconsistent labeling makes it impossible to compare products or understand what is being sold.  The Department of Energy (DOE) has taken an active role in developing industry standards by implementing the SSL Quality Advocates Program.  Established as a means to accurately quantify manufacturer claims, joining the SSL Quality Advocates Program is an indication that the manufacturer has pledged to label its products accurately using results from a valid LM-79-08 test, the Approved Method for Electrical and Photometric Measurements of Solid State Lighting Products.

This label is entered into voluntarily by manufacturers in an effort to provide a level playing field for all LED products,  Much like food packaging labels in the grocery store, the label gives consumers the ability to compare products.  The label is not intended to signify quality products but to provide buyers reliable information on which to base buying decisions.

LED manufacturers wishing to test and label their products as ENERGY STAR are required to use this label as well.  As of September 20, 2008, Select LED categories became eligible for ENERGY STAR qualification.  Many of the ENERGY STAR testing procedures take up to 9 months to complete which means there will not be lots of LED qualified products in stores before spring 2009.  The following categories of LED product were included in the September 2008 standards:

• Under-cabinet kitchen lights
• Shelf mounted display and task lights
• Portable desk lamps
• Recessed down lights
• Outdoor wall mounted porch lights
• Outdoor step lights
• Outdoor pathway lights

Note that the 7 eligible categories contain products that perform accent or task light functions.  The directional nature of LEDs make ambient light applications inefficient to date.  As LED and OLED technologies advance, omni-directional categories will be added to the ENERGY STAR criteria. 

LEDs are being marketed as ‘chemical free’ because they do not contain mercury.  They are also extremely efficient, cold resistant and vibration tolerant.  An Additional benefit to using LEDs for outdoor lights is the absence of bug-attracting wavelengths.  In residential applications, LEDs have been successfully incorporated into kitchen under cabinets, recessed down lights and outdoor lights.  It will be exciting to see the lighting industry evolution created by SSL.