Monday, December 26, 2011

Demise of the Incandescent Bulb

!±8± Demise of the Incandescent Bulb

I was watching a TV show the other night about 2 guys who make a living by digging up what they call pieces of history (I call it junk) and reselling them as antiques. Most of the treasures they found came from the 1930's to the present day with some items much older. Each decade leaves treasures for future generations to find and call antiques. A good example would be 8 track tapes from the 60's and 70's which gave way to cassette tapes in the early 1980's. Cassettes were replaced by Compact Disks in the 90's which in turn have been replaced by MP3 players and instant downloads to our phones. It got me to thinking about what we will be leaving as antiques from this decade. What would the one thing our grandchildren will remember from the 2010's be?

In a flash of insight, the light came on over my head! Incandescent lighting itself becomes an antique beginning in 2012. Something everyone of us has taken for granted our entire lives will be phased out completely by 2014. Incandescent lighting is such an energy hog that the government is banning its use entirely. What does the government support as a replacement? Compact Fluorescent lights.

CFLs are being pushed at us constantly. They do use a significant amount of less energy over incandescent bulbs but all of us who have used them know how questionable the light being produced really is. CFLs are based on 70 year old technology that was originally designed as a temporary fix during WWII as a way for factories to keep operating 24 hours a day. Research shows that fluorescent lighting is not good for us by any means. You can find information on how lighting affects our health all over the internet with some of the articles dating back to the 80's but still we are being encouraged to use them.

Comparing an incandescent bulb to an 8 track tape would make the cfl bulbs compare to cassette tapes. The MP3 and instant download equivalent in lighting technology today would be Light Emitting Diodes. LEDs are actually an old technology as well with the first ones dating back to the early 60's. It has only been in the last three to four years the ability to produce white light needed for everyday illumination has been commercially available. In most instances, LEDs use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and 50% less energy than cfl bulbs. LEDs do not have the toxic Mercury gas contained in cfls. LEDs do not produce heat which helps to shrink our carbon footprint.

I suspect the symbol of a bare bulb coming on over our head when we get an idea will long outlive the memory of an incandescent bulb. Future antique hunters will be drooling over an actual working incandescent bulb in someone's attic probably within the next 20 years. Come to think of it, I think the CFL bulbs will become collectors items as well.


Demise of the Incandescent Bulb

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Incandescent to CFL Bulbs

www.safetyissues.com Simon says: Never try to remove a hot light bulb with the power still on. So you want to change your old traditional bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. CFL bulbs are great bulbs because they save on greenhouse emissions and gasses and cost a lot less than other bulbs. Let me tell you a safe way to remove any kind of light bulb from a light socket. Turn off the light and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Using a glove or a kitchen towel, gently turn the bulb counter clockwise, be careful not to squeeze to tight. If changing the bulb at night, turn on another light or a flashlight to help you see better. Oo, ah.. Don't worry. I know how to dispose it off, properly. If you break one, it releases small amounts of Mercury so first of all, make sure the room is well ventilated and air conditioning is off. This will help lower Mercury levels. Use stiff paper to pick the broken pieces and then sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Never clean it up with your bare hands. Do not use broom or vacuum cleaner because brooming will break the mercury into smaller droplets and spread them, and vacuuming will put mercury into the air and increase exposure. If vacuuming is needed do it only after all visible materials are removed and dispose the vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose it off in a glass jar with a lid or in a sealed plasic bag. You know these bulbs are really good, but if you are not ...

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

!±8± Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Incandescent Bulb

The fat bulbs that most of us have been using for general lighting in bedrooms since childhood are known as incandescent light bulbs. These lamps have been the standard for a long time due to the natural, warm light they produce and their undeniable low price. These bulbs are also very easy to put on a dimmer control in comparison to other lamp types.

The main problem with incandescent bulbs is that they consume two to three times more energy than the alternatives. This coupled with a much shorter lifespan (up to 1,500 hours) than its competitors makes incandescent bulbs an expensive option. This has led to a worldwide movement to ban their use before 2014 for the sake of energy. Some countries, including those in the European Union, have already begun this ban.

Halogen Bulb

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp that produce an intense light with higher color temperatures than non-halogen incandescent lamps. Halogens are most often used in track lighting systems, ultramodern light fixtures, and, believe it or not, headlights. The intensity of the light makes halogen lamps a good choice for task lighting. Halogen light bulbs tend to initially cost more than non-halogen incandescent bulbs but make up for the difference with a longer lifespan (2,000 to 2,500 hours) and higher energy efficiency.

The trouble with halogen bulbs lies in the fact that they produce a lot of heat. This makes halogen lamps a bad choice for workspaces in close proximity to a halogen lamp or for children's rooms due to safety issues. Note that you should never touch a halogen lamp with bare hands or leave flammable materials nearby. It is best not to leave with these lamps on for an extended period without someone close at hand.

Fluorescent Bulb

You more than likely associate fluorescent lamps with the long fixtures found in kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages. The fact is that fluorescent lamps comes in many different shapes and sizes and can be used for diverse purposes and in various light fixtures. Fluorescent lamps produce a large amount of white light that reveals detail without producing excess heat. This together with a low operating cost makes fluorescent bulbs a ideal choice for work areas. The lamps themselves tend to cost more than both incandescent and halogen bulbs since a ballast is required for the function of a lamp. However, fluorescent lamps last ten to twenty times longer (up to 25,000 hours) than incandescent lamps and is the most energy efficient of these three types, though the life of fluorescent bulbs may lessen if it is turned on and off frequently. Note that the life of a fluorescent bulb should be indicated on the packaging.

One downfall for the fluorescent lamp is that it produces a very white light that does not seem as natural or warm as an incandescent bulb. This light has also been connected with the fading of paintings since it contains a high amount of UV rays. You may also notice that the bulbs become dimmer towards the end of their life and may not turn on in extremely cold temperatures. Fluorescent bulbs have also been accused of being harmful to the environment due to the mercury and phosphor materials contained inside. Because of this used fluorescent lamps typically cannot be disposed of as regular trash. The disposal procedure is usually regulated by local government agencies.

Compact Fluorescent Bulb (CFL)

This type of fluorescent bulb has been offered as a replacement for the incandescent bulbs that may be banned by 2014. They are closer to incandescent bulbs in size but retain the energy saving properties.The two most common shapes are U-shaped and spiral. Recent developments have also led to a light that is more natural and similar to the light produced by incandescent bulbs.

Making the Switch to CFL Bulbs

There are a few things that you should consider when converting to compact fluorescents.

Size

Though smaller than standard fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent bulbs are nevertheless larger than incandescent bulbs. It is important to consider this since a compact fluorescent bulb might be to large for some of your fixtures.

Wattage

A fluorescent lamp produces five times more light than an incandescent of the same wattage. So if you are using a 100-watt incandescent lamp to light a room, a 20-watt compact fluorescent will produce roughly the same amount of light.

Light Temperature

The light produced by fluorescent bulbs typically has a bluish white quality that may not seem as natural as light from incandescents. You can get an idea of the color by taking a look at the color temperature indicated on the package. Light from an incandescent bulb typically has a color temperature of 2,700 K, so if you want a more natural light, you should purchase a compact fluorescent lamp of that same temperature. Bulbs with a temperature of 3,000 K to 3,500 K produce a neutral white light. Anything above 4,000 K will be closer to daylight.

In Conclusion...

There are actually many more types of light bulbs than the three described here. However these are the most popular for interior lighting. Less common types include LED (light emitting diode) and HID (high intensity discharge). Choosing the right light bulb is all in all a matter of preference and savings. Well, that goes for all but the ill-fated incandescent bulb...


Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Lowes Home Depot exoteric lighting to abstain DIY

NOT a how to, do not attempt. I highly recommend that you do NOT purchase any Lights of America product, although the fixtures are Made in America, the light bulbs according to the box says Made in China. I bought these outside lights at a high price of 50-60 a piece. One died after a couple months, the other I was more lucky and it died after about a year of service. The circuit boards or capacitors burn up, leaving a burned smell. Instead of throwing away a 50-60 dollar piece, the old board is disposed of and a .00 photo cell is drilled in and installed and a .00 light bulb holder is drilled and installed, followed by a .00 CFL. Work's great and puts out decent light. The original circuit board has a photo cell, they operate from dusk to dawn. If I did it over, just buy an exterior socket for a reflective bulb and a photo cell, you can do it for the 1/3rd of buying a junk assembly like this.

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Planning Ahead For a Kitchen Renovation

!±8± Planning Ahead For a Kitchen Renovation

Renovating your kitchen can add value to your home that is quoted as high as 70% return on your remodeling investment. This means if you spend ,000 on your re-modeling your kitchen it may boost the value of your property by ,000. Kitchen renovations are often dreaded, but the secret of success is in the planning.

The kitchen is one of the most frequently re-modeled rooms in a house. It is also one of the most used rooms, which raises an interesting point. It may be that it always gets a remodeling job because it is one of the busiest rooms in the home and therefore looks 'used' fairly quickly, but how do you renovate such a busy area?

Everyone gathers in the kitchen it is true, but this part of the kitchen's function can easily be moved elsewhere. This is not so with the other kitchen functions: i.e. food preparation, storage and meal clean-up. For a real renovation these functions will have to be moved to a temporary 'kitchen area'. Advance planning will be required to set up a second 'kitchen' before you dismantle the first.

The fridge will probably have to be moved out of its spot in the kitchen but not be able to travel too far due to its large size! You will also need a sink, a microwave and an electric toaster oven that is outside of the kitchen.

For a sink, you could look to your laundry room or a second bathroom. Both areas can be scrubbed out enough and remain unused for the duration of the few days when you will have no water, fridge or stove in your kitchen. Perhaps the top of the washing machine can double as some counter space.

You will also need to draw up a plan of menu's that can be easily prepared, brought in or heated up. Having to eat out should be avoided as it will involve some clean-up or clothes changing that will waste too much time.

In preparing for the reno itself, it is always a good idea to make three lists. These will include the features that you like about your old layout, the features that don't like and the new ones you want to include. Familiarize yourself with the latest innovations on the market.

Appliances with the new EnerGuide label will save you money on your energy bill. Consider new lighting, would you benefit from concealed-under-the-cabinet lighting? New compact fluorescent light fixtures are four times more efficient than standard bulbs. It is very inexpensive to replace only the cabinet doors on all your kitchen cabinets if you do not plan to alter the layout; check the Internet for details.

If you are changing your layout, ensure you follow the triangle set-up of stove, sink and fridge, but before you go to any of this trouble - double check that you will really be spending the money where you want it. Remember, paint, lighting and new cupboard doors are inexpensive and make a big difference!


Planning Ahead For a Kitchen Renovation

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

easy ablaze bulbs

www.easy-lightbulbs.com Welcome to easy light bulbs -- Leading Suppliers of every light bulb you will ever need! easy light bulbs is expert in the supply of energy saving light bulbs, halogen lamps and fluorescent tubes and stocks over 1 million light bulbs and lighting solutions at any one time. If you want to make your home more energy efficient, replace your existing bulbs or just change your style of lighting you've come to the right place. We can offer you a fantastic range of energy saving light bulbs to buy on-line alongside a number of other lighting solutions. Our extensive range of top quality light bulbs, easy ordering, reasonable prices and speedy delivery mean you'll never want to look anywhere else for light bulbs, halogen lamps and fluorescent tubes again. To back up this service, there is always someone on hand to give expert advice on what bulb to use, and where to use it for the best results. According to the Energy Saving Trust 'energy saving light bulbs use up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard light bulb but generate just as much light' making them an ideal solution for anyone looking to save energy and money. Here at the LAMP Company we stock a wide variety of energy saving light bulbs including energy saving candle bulbs, double, triple and quadruple turn bulbs, as well as globe, spiral and reflector bulbs. easy light bulbs stocks a full range of Fluorescent tubes including daylight fluorescent tubes, Triphosphor coated tubes, circular ...

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