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It can cost up to twice as much to heat an open-plan room that has downlights as one with a single-bulb ceiling light.

Most recessed downlights have large ventilation air-gaps that keep the light bulb (and your house) cool, by venting warm air from your living areas into the roof space. "Little chimneys” - as downlights are known in energy-efficiency circles - could be robbing you blind.

Highlights of this report


Downlights downside


These fittings waste energy in a number of different ways. Read more

About our test


What we tested, what the ratings mean, and how we tested. Read more

Test results


See how the heat loss varies with different fittings and bulbs. Read more

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