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Posts Tagged ‘lights’

When Is The Time Right To Upgrade Your Lights?

November 13th, 2009 No comments

Everyone who wants to save money and reduce energy consumption should inspect their home since many houses have old light fixtures which are in dire need of updating. However, many ask about when the best time to upgrade lights is. Actually, lighting needs to be brought up to date whenever something new is out and even if you have a newer home or one that meets the present day building code standards, you should still examine everything.

Everyone using incandescent lighting is wasting money and therefore it is important to replace all old bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. The main problem with regular light bulbs is that most of the energy they need is turned to heat instead of light and that is also the reason why they have to be off when replaced or they are too hot and will burn the skin.

CFL give off the same light, with less wattage than a regular bulb. While you are replacing them, you should be looking at the fixture itself. If they are old, or cracking or if they sound like their shorting out when you turn on a light, you should replace the whole fixture. Not only is it wasting money, chances are if it’s making sounds, there may be a short somewhere, which could cause a fire.

Fluorescent lights have a component inside which is known as a ballast. The function of the ballast in a tube light alters the electrical current activating the gas inside it. The older version one having a magnetic mechanism would buzz or flicker. Aside from that it had noisy parts which also made it less efficient. The new CFL lights do not have this problem since now the electronic ballasts are built in.

You should upgrade you lighting if you are still using incandescent lights and fixtures, or have the old ballast style fluorescent. You should have a professional come in and do an assessment, they can tell you exactly what you need. In many communities there are energy assistance programs that can help pay for these replacement costs. You should check with you local agencies for more information.

As far as upgrading your lights goes, it is probably best to keep up with the new technology as it becomes available and although you may not be able to afford it every time something new comes out you can keep informed on it till you can.

If you think it will be too expensive to replace everything then just start off with small things like replacing incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs. These are more expensive to purchase, but you will soon feel the savings when it comes time to pay the electric bill.

You can find out more information on when and how to upgrade your lighting through many sources, both online and in your community. If you are not familiar with all these new technologies, you should really educate yourself. Get familiar with the terminology, study up on the different kinds of lights available, CFL’s, and even LED lights are available. One thing that is important for your safety, if any of your fixtures are acting like there is something wrong, replace them immediately, or you may have a fire on your hands.

For those in the market for puck lights one of the many locations to consider placing your lighting might be as wall lighting.

Negative Effects Of Florescent Lights

November 12th, 2009 No comments

A large percentage of people are now using compact florescent lights so as to minimize their utility charges. The most appropriate reason behind the phasing out of use of incandescent lights is, energy efficient lighting.

A florescent light is a long glass tube that is filled with gases like low pressure mercury vapor and argon, neon, xenon or krypton. And one would feel shock hearing that florescent lights also consists of some very harmful effects.

Lifespan of florescent lights is much shorter than incandescent lights. Moreover, the lamp matures sooner due to frequent switching. The basic reason for this is, every time the tube light is turned on, the electron emitting surface of the cathode gets eroded. The lamp cannot start if all the emission material is gone.

Emission of ultraviolet rays is the fatal and mortal effect of florescent lights. A research unfold this truth about these lights and the death causing effects of them. Ultraviolet rays can cause many acute and chronic disorders. Moreover, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn and skin cancer as well. These can even deteriorate the paintings and fabric.

As above stated, florescent tubes consists of mercury which is the most toxic chemical when inhaled. Mercury vapors profane the environment when a tube light ruptures. Therefore, one should use a towel to draw the broken particles of the tube. Also, dispose both the towel and the broken parts of the tube properly.

Magnetic ballast installed in a florescent lights leads to some abnormalities like autism, epilepsy and vertigo etc. This is due to the fact, magnetic ballasts causes flickering of light that in turn cause these problems to both light sensitive and insensitive people.

Florescent lamps are less cost effective since these consists of a large number of components for example, ballast, starter and choke. This in turn makes florescent tube light an expensive source of home lighting. Moreover, florescent lamps are a bit noisy as they produce audible buzzing noise as they grow old or if there is some imperfection in the ballast.

People should make more and more use of environmental friendly light source instead of using these florescent lamps. Moreover, care should be taken for disposing off the tubes.

Scott Rodgers is a great author when it comes to extensive electrician works. His stupendous knowledge has been fueling business opportunities for a host of workers, ranging from Wellesley Electricians to Plymouth Electricians .