In advance of the new Energy Star Residential Lighting Fixture program criteria (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=fixtures.pr_light_fixtures ) and the new 2005 California Title 24 code (http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2005standards/index.html), which take effect this month (October 2005), Halo and IRiS recessed lighting brands have introduced new energy efficient compact fluorescent downlights to their family of residential recessed housings.

Environmental Impacts

The awareness and demand for Energy Star residential product is growing nationally due in part to the tremendous energy and economic savings when you compare compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) over equivalent incandescent lamp sources (INC) for recessed lighting.

Lamp life for these CFLs is 12,000 hours vs. 750 to 2,000 hours for INC’s. With the rule-of-thumb ratio of a factor of 4 between fluorescent and incandescent wattage, with equivalent lumen (light) output, we figure, for example, the 26W CFL has comparable lumen output to the 100W INC. The energy savings between CFL and INC is about 75%. Energy saved can be measured in dollars, for example a 26W CFL costs $6 per year vs. 100W INC that costs $22 per year to operate at 6 hours per day at 10 cents per kWh.

The efficiency of CFLs equates to reduced demand on the electrical power grid and reduced emissions from electrical power generation. These were key drivers behind the new California code that will require fluorescents in the home, and the kitchens specifically must utilize high efficacy (fluorescent) sources. New housing starts in California for 2005 are an estimated 144,000 single family and 61,200 multifamily, which translates to 800,000 - 1,500,000 recessed housings for kitchens alone in California. You can see why other states including Washington (Seattle), Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are following California’s lead.

Comparison: Compact Fluorescent vs. Incandescent

 

75% More Lumens per Watt of Energy (LpW)

66 LpW CFL vs. 16 LpW INC

 

10x Longer Rated Life means longer lamp replacement cycle and reduced landfill waste

5 Years CFL vs. 5 Months INC

 

75% Energy Savings CFL vs. INC =

Cost to Operate (10cents/kWh @ 6 hours/day)

• 13W CFL = $3 vs. 50W INC = $11
• 18W CFL = $4 vs. 75W INC = $17
• 26W CFL = $6 vs. 100W INC = $22
• 32W CFL = $7 vs. 125W INC = $27
• 42W CFL = $9 vs. 150W INC = $38

Solutions

Halo’s new H270 Series (H270ICAT, H271ICAT and H272ICAT housings) are offered in 13, 18 and 26 watt lamps, with IRiS P532ICAT and P732ICAT offered in 32 watt and 42 watt lamps.

The housings are both Air-Tite™ and IC (Insulated Ceiling) rated which meet restricted air flow code requirements and can be installed in direct contact with ceiling insulation. The Air-Tite™ feature saves energy by preventing airflow from a conditioned room into the attic. The Halo housings accept a choice of 17 trims and the IRiS housings accept a choice of 8 trims, including reflectors, baffles, lenses, wall washers and shower light trims.

hese Halo and IRiS products offer the latest in electronic ballast and compact fluorescent lamp technology. The electronic ballast offers quick starts, high efficiency, and flicker free performance, without the typical ballast noise or “hum”. The compact fluorescent lamps used with these housings offer high visual comfort with high Color Rendering Index (82CRI), high lumen output, long life (12,000 hours) and low wattages (13, 18, 26, 32 and 42 watt), compared to equivalent incandescent lamps. These Halo and IRiS Energy Star Solutions are ideal for kitchens, baths, hallways, closets, laundry rooms and utility rooms, among other areas of the home .