Whatever type of lighting you decide upon, expect a wide choice of
fixtures with varying levels of energy efficiency. To select the most
efficient fixture for your needs, keep the following tips in mind:
Look for fixtures that have been designed specifically for the purpose
you have in mind. For reading, choose a lamp that provides highly
directional light. For general room lighting, select a fixture that
provides light over a broad area.
Avoid buying fixtures with features that limit light output. Heavy or
dark-coloured shades and bowls, for example, can significantly reduce
light levels. Instead, look for features that will enhance useful light
output, such as lighter-coloured shades and fixtures that direct the light
where you want it.
A fixture with a single bulb gives more useful light than one with
several bulbs having the same total wattage. For example, four 25-W bulbs
produce little more than half the light of one 100-W bulb (and one bulb is
cheaper to buy than four).
