choosing light fixtures

Light fixtures differ a lot. Not all light fixtures allow high quality light and energy savings.

The light quality doesn’t depend only on the quality of the bulbs. The savings allowed by qualified energy efficient fixtures are significant, which means lower electricity bills.

Fluorescent and LEDs fixtures

First of all, prefer CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and LED fixtures.

They are more expensive but in the end you will save on energy bills and also on bulb replacements (bulbs will last much more: about 7 years of regular use in the case of CFL fixtures, and the double or more of that value in the case of LED fixtures).

Qualified fixtures

Qualified fixtures use fewer watts and will distribute light more efficiently and evenly.

Energy Star qualified fixtures are in the high-efficient light fixtures class. Their fluorescent fixture carry a 2-3 year warranty (the double of the industry standard).

Types of energy-efficient fixtures

There are now a wide number of energy-efficient fixtures styles for CFL (fluorescent bulbs); and a much narrow offer of LED ones...

This variety involves hundreds of decorative styles both in the portable fixtures and hard-wired category. You will easily find high quality table, desk and floor lamps as well as front porch, kitchen ceiling, dining room, under-cabinet, hallway ceiling or bathroom vanity fixtures…

Where to find qualified fixtures

New qualified CFL fixtures (Energy Star and others) can be found in lighting showrooms, specialty stores at most home centers. LED fixtures are also becoming common, but not as much as the CFL ones.

Convenient features

Some light fixtures come with special features, that should be considered. Dimming (indoor models) is one of such features. Some outdoor models come with automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors, which can be convenient.

dedicated fixtures

New dedicated LED and Fluorescent light fixtures boost the electric current not only to start the bulb but also to regulate the electricity flow to the bulb.

The quality of their elements and design is critical to ensure a quiet start-up and rapid operation without blinking or flickering – a reason to prefer these qualified and dedicated light fixtures instead of using old incandescent fixtures with new fluorescent or LED bulbs.

Color and Light Quality

A qualified light fixture will also help you to get the right light and color, in strict relation with the bulb light output (measured in lumens), its color (which can be more/less “cool” or “warm”) and its CRI (color replication).

See: Lights quality