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Light Fixtures, Energy Efficient This DIY Basic, brought to you by Allied Trade Universe, tips on energy-efficient light fixtures.

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E  WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO Watch the Video

• Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, and replacing light fixtures with energy efficient ones can save up to 75% on energy costs.

• When shopping, the Energy Star label (figure A) means a fixture meets strict guidelines for energy efficiency.

• When removing the old light, making notes will help in wiring (figure B) the new one.

• You can avoid mistakes on the ladder by doing a dry run, assembling your light on the floor first (figure C).

• If you can use the old mounting hardware (figure D), it’ll save a step or two.

• Outdoors, energy-efficient fixtures save money by utilizing CFL bulbs, and shutting off automatically in daylight.

• Sealing the base of your fixtures will help keep out moisture (figure E).

• You can also save energy by ditching overheads in favor of task lighting and under cabinet lights in the kitchen.

• A reading lamp in the bedroom does the job better at a fraction of the cost.
  

• Energy Star qualified lighting uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting while producing bright, warm light. It also produces 75% less heat and lasts up to 10 times longer. Energy Star bulbs must last at least 10,000 hours (about seven years of regular use) and carry a two-year warranty, double the industry standard.

• The five most commonly used fixtures in a home are the kitchen ceiling lights, living or family room lamps, and outdoor porch or post lamps. If every American replaced their five most frequently used fixtures or the bulbs with Energy Star qualified fixtures or bulbs, there would close to $8 billion saved each year in energy costs, preventing greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.

• You don’t have to give up style and function to have energy-efficient fixtures. They come in hundreds of decorative styles, including portable fixtures and hard-wired options, indoor and outdoor lighting, as well dimmers and motion sensors.

• When wiring, make sure you use properly sized wire nuts and secure them with a piece of electrical tape. All fixtures should be properly grounded. Always turn the power off before working on electricity and test it with a circuit tester. Place a piece of tape over the circuit to prevent it from being inadvertently turned back on by someone before you finish.
  

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