Energy-Efficient Options

Given the prevalence of downlights in US homes, potential energy savings from high-performing, energy-efficient downlights would be significant. Lighting accounts for 15-20% of household electricity use. DOE estimates there are at least 500 million recessed downlights installed in US homes, and more than 20 million are sold each year. Both CFL and LED technology can decrease downlight wattage by 75% or more.

The high-temperature environment in recessed downlights has plagued attempts to use CFLs in this appplication, but more than a dozen reflector CFL products proven to perform well at elevated temperatures are now on the market (see product listing at www.pnl.gov/rlamps). Recent developments in LED technology and luminaire design also look very promising, in terms of both light output and efficacy.