Question. There were some break-ins in my neighborhood this past year, so I want to install some outdoor security lighting which can also be used when entertaining. What are my options and which outdoor light fixtures are energy efficient?
Answer. Installing outdoor lighting is one method of reducing the risk of nighttime break-ins, but it should be planned with a variety issues in mind. Most outdoor lighting consumes a lot of electricity, contributes to global warming, and creates problems for nocturnal wild life. Also, in many major cities outdoor lighting contributes to vast amounts of light pollution making it difficult to enjoy a starry night. More information about light pollution and it's effects can be found at IDA
What Makes a Good Energy and Enviromentally Efficient Outdoor Light?
The keys to energy and environmentally efficient outdoor lighting are selecting the proper type of bulb, light fixture design and shortest on-time period. Using just two 150-watt floodlights at night can increase your electric bills by up to $100.00 per year. With fixed floodlights, would-be thieves can often figure a way to get around them.
In areas where you will not need the lighting for entertaining, install motion-sensing light fixtures or add-on motion-sensing switches. This greatly reduces the amount of on-time, increases the bulb life and reduces light pollution. Since the light is not on when the intruder arrives, he does not know to avoid it until it switches on from his movement. This generally scares him away.
For areas where you want the outdoor lighting for both security and entertaining, select fixtures which direct the lighting downward in the specific areas needed. This minimizes light pollution in the night sky and may allow you to use lower wattage bulbs to save electricity. Add-on shields are available for existing floodlights you have already have.
As you would indoors, use fluorescent tubes and CFL'S (compact fluorescent lights) outdoors. These are four times more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. The light quality is now available in similar color rendition.
Some CFL's may not perform properly in temperatures under 32 degrees. If you find this to be a problem, use halogen bulbs or LEDs. Halogen bulbs are not as efficient as CFL's or LED's, but they are 15 percent more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs and last twice as long. Halogen bulbs produce a very white light which is excellent when entertaining and it may enhance the appearance of your landscaping.
Although they are substantially more expensive to install, LPS (low pressure sodium) outdoor lighting fixtures are very efficient. They use less than 15 percent as much electricity as incandescent bulbs. The only drawback is that they take time to heat up and come to full brightness and the light is a no chromatic yellow.
The newest most expensive outdoor lighting uses LED's. These LED's use much less energy and last up to 50,000 hours. They main problems are low light levels and cost.
Light bulbs a.k.a. lamps are a very important factor in a recessed lighting layout plan. Different light bulbs affect different light levels, color and recessed fixture spacing, which in turn could result in different moods. In the end choosing the lamp is just as important as choosing the right recessed light fixture.
Here are a few questions you should ask your self at this level of your recessed lighting layout.
Do you want the room to feel warm and cozy? Or Bright and efficient?
Will the space in your project be for performing tasks, or will it be a relaxed space just needing light to walk through safely?
Do you have artwork, statues or entry ways that need special lighting techniques to enphasize their presents.
Different Types of Light Bulbs and their Effects
NOTE: Lamp size is calculated by the number of 1/8 inch units across the widest part of the glass casing. Example - A21 = 21 one-eighth-inch units across, which is (2-5/8" across)
Incandescent A-Lamps
These lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition. Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wallwashing applications. A-Lamps work best with a reflector in the recessed trim. A-Lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. Low bulb cost - .99 to $ 1.39
Sizes = A15, A17, A19 (most Common) and A21
Lamp Life = 750 to 1250 hours
The A-Lamp is available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 5.99 and has a lamp life of 7000 hours. (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)
Incandescent BR and R lamps
BR and R lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp that directs light where needed. BR and R lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. BR and R lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. Low bulb cost - $ 1.39 to $ 2.39
Sizes = R20, BR30 and BR40
Lamp Life = 1500 to 2000 hours
The R and BR lamps are available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 6.39 and have a lamp life of 7000 hours. (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)
Halogen PAR lamps
PAR lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control. Halogen PAR lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. Halogen PAR lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39
Sizes = PAR16, PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38
Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours
Low-Voltage Halogen lamps
These lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control. Low-Voltage lamps have the best control of light output. Low-Voltage lamps require a step down transformer from 120volts to 12 volts. Low-Voltage lamps should be used for task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. Low-Voltage lamps can be used special low-voltage light dimmers to create a softer light. High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39 (fixture cost is usually a little more expensive as well)
Sizes = MR16, AR11 and PAR36
Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours
Low-Voltage Bi-pin halogen bulbs are available in LED energy saving lamps starting at $ 36.39 and have a lamp life of 40,000 hours.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)
CFLs consume up to 75% less energy than incandescent and halogen lamps. CFLs create a cool white light with a low color rendition although, technologies on CFLs are improving to provide softer light and better color rendition. Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wallwashing applications unless you use the R type CFLs that include a built-in reflector. CFLs work best with a reflector in the recessed trim. High bulb cost - $ 3.99 to $ 8.39
Styles = 2-pin, 4-pin, candelabra base and medium base
Lamp Life = 7000 hours
Suggested Light Levels for Various Applications
General or Ambient Recessed Lighting Layout
Should use low to medium light levels (5 to 20 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:
A-Lamps or BR30 lamps for ceilings 10' or lower
BR40, PAR30 or PAR38 for ceilings 10' or higher
Medium based R type CFLs (can not be used with a light dimmer)
With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet from the walls and 6 to 7 feet apart in a balanced pattern. With a 9 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3.5 feet from the walls and 7 to 8 feet apart in a balanced pattern.
My past post on lighting design software can assist you with a computer generated recessed lighting layout.
Task Recessed Lighting Layout
Should use medium to high light levels (35 to 55 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:
PAR30 lamps for ceilings 10' or lower
PAR38 for ceilings 10' or higher
With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet apart, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 4 feet apart positioned over the edge of the work space to avoid shadowing.
Accent Recessed Lighting Layout
Should 4 to 5 times more intense than the general or ambient light levels (60 to 100 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:
PAR30 or MR16 lamps for ceilings 10' or lower
PAR38 or PAR36 for ceilings 10' or higher
With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 18 - 24" from wall, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 30 - 36" from wall. Light framed art and photos at a 30 degree angle from the suggested distance from the wall. When lighting a free standing object use two lights from each side for a more dramatic appearance.
Wallwashing Recessed Lighting Layout
Should provide an even light level across wall with evenly spaced fixtures (35 to 55 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:
A19 lamps or Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Space fixtures 3 feet from the wall and 3 feet apart for even light distribution. Washing a wall gives you the feeling of a larger room.
Grazing Recessed Lighting Layout
Should emphasize wall textures with a shadowed appearance (20 to 25 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:
BR30, PAR30 or CFL
Space fixtures 6 - 9" from the wall and 12 - 18" apart for even light distribution. Grazing a brick, stone or heavy textured wall gives a deep shadow and light effect that will run down the vertical length of the wall.
These suggestions should assist you in understanding which light bulb you will want to use for your recessed lighting layout and you should know what type of light function you will want your recessed lighting to perform: General, Task, Accent, Wallwash or Grazing
Did you know that fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps all contain mercury?
Yes, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps and HID lamps are very efficient and are for the greater good of the Earth's future; they reduce energy consumption and save you money. But, they must be recycled or disposed of professionally because they contain mercury.
In California all Fluorescent Lamps must be Recycled as of February 8th, 2006
On February 8th, 2006 a bill was passed that said all fluorescent lamps and tubes are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded because they contain mercury. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 11, section 66261.50)
These lamps must be recycled and disposed of correctly
Every time a mercury-containing lamp is disposed of in the regular trash and picked up for disposal, the lamps or tubes are broken and the mercury in them is released in to the environment. These mercury vapors from the lamps can be absorbed through the lungs and bloodstream. Mercury from broken lamps can also be washed into our rain water and eventually our public waterways.
The effects of mercury poisoning are felt in the nervous system, endocrine, kidneys and other vital organs. Heavy exposure can lead to brain damage or ultimately death.
Effective July 12, 2005 New York began prohibiting mercury containing lamps from being discarded.
Where should you recycle your Mercury-Containing Lamps?
The recycling of mercury-containing lamps is not as popular as it should be. Of the 670 million lamps discarded last year only 156 million are being recycled. There are some places that you can bring your lamps to and you can find those locations from the State Lamp Recycling Regulations and Contacts.
If you do not live close enough to a Lamp Recycling facility then EasyPak can pick them up for you and show you exactly how to begin.
Changing out your inefficient incandescent lamps to more efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps is definitly worth it. Compact fluorescent lamps consume about 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent sources. With this valuable trend becoming more popular the prices of the Compact Fluorescent Lamps are dropping fast.
With so many different shapes and sizes of compact fluorescent lamps which one do you use for the fixture you want to be more efficient? Click here to view How To Choose your energy star compact fluorescent lamp guide. This document shows many different types of CFLs and which fixtures they would work in. See actual models of compact fluorescent lamps.
What It has been proven that lighting is responsible for the consumption of 22% of all of the electricity produced in the US. The energy consumed by lighting can be drastically reduced by something as simple as changing out at least five highly used incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps. This simple change will save you money and help the growing fight to save our Earth.
www.OneBillionBulbs.com This energy savings calculator will help you determine how much money you can save when replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps. The energy savings calculator will also help you see how much green house gas emissions are not added to our atmosphere because of the change you have made.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Greenhouse Gases help sunlight enter our atmosphere freely. When the sunlight hits the Earth’s surface, some of that light and heat is reflected back towards space. Greenhouse gases absorb this light and heat and trap it in the atmosphere. The amount of energy sent from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the Earth’s surface roughly constant.
This is not the case when there are too many greenhouse gases present in the ozone layer. An over abundance of these gases are causing the current "Greenhouse Effect" that is responsible for the warming trend being felt all over world. The longer this trend continues the hotter our climate will get. Hotter temps mean the melting of the polar ice caps which means the elevation of our oceans. Yep say good bye to that beach side property in Florida.
Everyone has the ability to make a few simple lamp replacements and if almost every makes these changes than the world will be a cooler place. And you can keep the beach front property.
Most residential homes have some sort of outdoor lighting fixtures around the exterior of their home. Whether you are using decorative outdoor fixtures or industrial light fixtures for security you can still save energy by using Energy Star rated fixtures. The main problem that consumers have with the Energy Star rated light fixtures are their inability to dim the light and the bluish glary light out put. These myths have really become a thing of the past.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFLs are now being offered with dimmable ballasts and the CFLs of today are offered with warmer lumen output tones. Either way when you are thinking about outdoor lighting dimming is usually not an issue nor is a bluish tone. When choosing outdoor lighting Energy Star fixtures should be a must.
What Lighting Brands Make Outdoor Lighting Fixtures?
There are more and more lighting manufactures jumping on the Energy Star rated lighting band wagon. They are producing whole outdoor lighting series with wall mount fixtures, post mounts and chain hung all in the same family and finish. Lithonia lighting has won the American Lighting AssociationLighting for Tomorrow award on all three of their outdoor lighting fixture families. Minka-Lavery Outdoor lighting has twenty-three Energy Star rated outdoor lighting families that correlate with similar families that are in their indoor lighting line.
How Much Money Can I Save with Energy Star Outdoor Lighting?
Energy Star rated outdoor fixtures help reduce energy consumption which helps reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions that are readily destroying our Earth's Ozone layer. The depletion of our Ozone layer has created a warming trend that will continue to melt polar ice caps that will raise ocean waters and eliminate beachside living. As well as the ecological concerns you can save a good amount on your energy costs and on having to buy and re-lamp light bulbs.
Below is an example of how much you can save with Energy Star rated outdoor lighting fixtures. For this example we will imagine two separate homes that are the same size. One home will use the 9 non-Energy Star rated incandescent outdoor fixtures from the Minka-Outdoor Ardmore family and one home will use 9 Energy-Star rated CFL outdoor fixtures from the Minka-Outdoor Ardmore lighting family.
Minka-Outdoor Non-Energy Star Rated lighting package
(1) Outdoor Lighting Chain Hung Pendant (5x60watts) 8994-61
(2) Large Main Entry Wall-Mount (5x60watts) 8993-61
(2) Large Post Mount (3x60watts) 8996-61
(3) Medium Wall Mount Garage (1x100watts) 8990-61
(1) Small Wall Mount Side Entry (1x100watts) 8997-61
Total fixture package cost = $ 2,806.80 with free shipping
Total lumen output = 1660 watts
Average annual usage utilizing timers and photo cells = 1500 hours
Average Energy cost calculated at $.08 per kilowatt-hour $ 199.20
Incandescent Lamp Life = 1500 hrs, total lamps = 25 & lamp cost = $ 1.50
Lamp Replacement cost = $ 37.50 per year
7 year energy cost, re-lamp cost = $ 1,656.90 (does not included labor to change lamps or gas used to drive to the store to buy lamps)
The US is the largest consumer of inefficient energy in the world. We spend 250 to 270 billion dollars a year on the cost of that energy consumption and about 20% or 50 to 55 billion is consumed by our lighting. Incandescent lamps are responsible for 45% of that energy consumption but only produce 14% of all the light produced by various light sources. Research said by Optoelectronics Industry Development Association
The energy used by the US is just plain energy abuse. We drive down the street when we can walk and our public transportation systems are not where they should be so we drive to work in a 5 passenger vehicle or SUV by our selves. Our main residential source of light the incandescent lamp is a little more efficient in heat production verses light as a candle. This is why we are in need of alternate energy efficient lighting sources. This brings us to the sister of the Light Emitting Diode the Organic Light Emitting Diode or OLED.
OLED and How it Works
Organic Light Emitting Diodes are thin layered 2-dimensional film sheets that emit light using very low voltage of 3 to 5 volts, kind of like thick layers of dense paper. The OLED can be set to emit a color even white light with a high number in the color rendering index. OLEDs can be manufactured to fit any shape or design and can be adhered to any solid substance like glass or metal. This flexibility of design will definitely have a major impact on the lighting industry in years to come.
What are the Main Qualities of the OLED?
Environmentally Save and Energy Efficient
Inexpensive
Flexible in Design
Able to Emit any Color in the Spectrum
Long Life
What OLED designs Exist?
This is an OLED lamp designed by Makoto Tojiki and is named the "Archimedes Dream" the full story on this design can be found at Inhabitat.
Since 1879 when Thomas Edison created the first incandescent bulb, our main light source has been that pear shape medium based incandescent appliance bulb. This inefficient bulb will soon be banned in countries around the world. California and Canada will ban the sale of incandescent bulbs by 2012. Australia will have them banned by 2010. These governments understand that incandescent bulbs are five times less efficient than compact fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are up to five times more efficient than compact fluorescents.
Why Get Rid of the Incandescent Light Bulb?
Lighting in all forms consumes over 20% of the electricity produced in the United States according to the US Department of Energy. If the majority of the US began to switch to the LED source for their main light out put it could cut energy costs in half by 2027. This energy savings is equivalent to the use of 500 million barrels of our ever so precious oil. This would drastically reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that are creating the warming trend known as global warming.
Light bulb life comparison:
Incandescent bulbs - 1000hrs
Compact Fluorescent Lamps - 10,000hrs
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - 50,000hrs
Are we Ready to Make the Switch to LEDs?
The LED technology is still rapidly progressing as the costs are dropping. Over the last two years the LEDs have doubled in energy efficiency and brightness according to the leading LED manufacture Cree, Inc. There is some time before the LED will produce a light that will resemble the yellowish tone like the warm and comfortable incandescent lamp. The costs of LEDs are still to high for the average consumer. A 5.8 watt LED medium based bulb is $50.00 which is equal to a 25watt incandescent bulb that can be purchased for under a dollar at your local super market.
The commercial industry has already taken to the LED savings, in Portland, Oregon they replaced over 90% of all their traffic lights. In 2001, this Energy Savings Project cost Portland 2.2 million dollars and had an annual energy and maintenance savings of $ 400,000.00 this would have a net payback with in less than 3 years. As well as there cost savings Portland has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced accident liability from burnt out lamps and reduced added waste from burnt out lamps in their landfill areas.
How will Compact Fluorescent Lamps fit in to the Energy Wise Trend?
I believe the light source of choice over next 3 to 7 years will be compact fluorescent lamps. Compact fluorescent lamps are about at the right price and the color tones of the light emitted is getting very close to that of the incandescent replacement. There is currently a variety or decorative light fixtures for residential applications and the energy savings is currently five times that of incandescent. CFLs are definitely a step in the right direction. What changes can you make now to increase energy efficiency in the lighting in your home?
Money is tight now and our earth's ecosystem is suffering because of the way humans have abused our energy sources. This problem has grown out of control and we are already starting to see the effects it is having in the most north and south regions of the world. The over use of our current energy sources are polluting our atmosphere and are creating a warming trend that will soon devastate the coastal areas that many people live in. I believe that there is still something that we as individuals can do.
Why Should we be Concerned About Light Energy Consumption?
We use lighting every day and every night whether you are from the North Pole, Asia, America or anywhere else in the world, light in all forms is used for many reasons. People use light for safety, ambiance, performing tasks, driving at night, late night construction, looking in a drain pipe for that lost piece of jewelry or countless other things. Light sources come in many different forms from the kerosene lanterns used in rural villages in India to the high powered sodium highway street lights in Orlando, Florida
Anyway we look at it, luminous light output is an energy source that we have the ability to control with simple changes. These simple changes start with one person and take very little effort at all. Take this educated statistic in for example:
If every American home changed out just five high-use light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR Rating, each family would save about $60 every year in energy costs, and together we’d save about $6.5 billion each year in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from more than 8 million cars. Said by Energy Star
This has to start with us as an individual.
Energy Star Light Technology is Changing
Years ago fluorescent lighting was thought of as that draining office light that took all the energy out of you. The problem is that the light sources were so efficient that that theory lasted as long as the lamps did. Most of these older fluorescent energy efficient lamps have a higher Kelvin temperature in the high 4000Ks resulting in a blue toned, harsh and bright light output. Most incandescent (most inefficient light source outside of fire) lamps have a warmer 2500K to 2800K producing a more intimate light output.
Below is Kelvin temperature description:
1800K - Very warm - Candle or a clear sunset
2700K - Warm - Average incandescent lamp
3500K - Reddish white - Theatrical Lighting
4100K - Cool - Most fluorescent lamps
5000K - Very Cool - Clear Summer day light
7500K - Icy Blue white - Standing on one of our melting glaciers
Today fluorescent lamp technology is readily available in warmer tones matching the intimate incandescent light output color. As well fluorescent lamps are available with dimmable ballasts that allow the user to reduce and intensify the light output.
What Lighting Changes can You make?
By making a simple plan and a few simple lighting fixture changes you can help.
Let me first give examples of different types of light sources which are also called lamps or bulbs. Annual energy cost is calculated at $.08 per kilowatt-hour.
Incandescent light source - average life is about 500 to 1500 hours or 6 months to a year - this is the least efficient light source other than fire. A 75watt lamp running for 2000 hours in a year would have an annual energy cost of about $ 18.00 and you would have already had to change the lamp. Low initial cost.
Halogen light source - average life is about 2000 to 5000 hours or 2 to 3 years - Halogen lamps are about 10-15% more energy efficient than incandescent light sources. Medium to high initial cost.
Fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – average life is about 6000 to 10000 hours or about 3.5 to 7 years. Energy Star rated light fixtures and sources must last up to 10000 hours or 7 years. Fluorescent light sources are up to five times more energy efficient than incandescent. Medium to high initial cost.
The steps below will show you how a few simple changes can increase the energy efficiency in your home.
First, identify the parts of your home where you use the most light. Typically the most light is used in the laundry room, kitchen and bathroom. Closets, home offices and breakfast areas use a lot of light but usually not for long periods of time.
Second, make a list of the different types of light sources used and then the different types of sockets in the areas of the most light used. The two main types of incandescent lamp sockets are medium base and candelabra base.
Third, if you do not want to change the existing light fixtures in these areas then most of the time you can just change out the regular incandescent lamps to a more energy efficient lamp (fluorescent or halogen lamp). And or you can combine energy efficient light sources with dimmable light sources.
Light dimming is also an easy way to extend incandescent lamp life and increase energy efficiency. By extending the lamp life you reduce the amount of times you need to replace the lamp. This reduces the labor involved in relamping and also reduces the materials used to manufacture new lamps.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are available with medium based sockets and candelabra based sockets. CFLs come in 3-way (low, medium and high light levels), dimmable and standard models. These CFLs are also now available in the 2700-3000 Kelvin temperatures to match the intimate color out put of the incandescent light sources. The cost of CFLs range from $ 6-14.00 and you can even purchase them at your local supermarket.
These small changes in your home can make major impacts on our Earth’s future.
Lithonia Lighting an AcuityBrands Company has introduced a new marketing concept for their new residential lighting line, Light Concepts. Lithonia Lighting is the world's largest lighting manufacture and over the past 60 years most of their energies have been in the commercial industry. This industry focused on builders, electrical suppliers and large commercial projects. Lithonia Lighting has been successful in their ventures up to today and now has introduced the Light Concepts lighting line with some fun and innovative marketing strategies.
Marketing Lighting through Education & Brand Awareness
After recently attending the Lithonia training seminar in Orlando, Florida I was educated on a lot more about lighting than just the Light Concepts Line. These young knowledgeable leaders Mike Virag and Katelin Thompson began with the Lithonia Lighting story, facts on the new types of fluorescent light sources, then progressed into the value in energy efficient products and finished on how these products are a piece of the puzzle to our Earth's ecological survival.
Lithonia's team also educated us on their website www.lightahome.com which displays all of their Light Concepts product and the recommended usage. The LightAHome website has educational Energy Star info, press release info and spec sheets on all of their Light Concepts products. It also has great recommendations on using specific products in certain spaces for maximum energy savings.
The Light Concepts catalog takes on a fun green look. Lithonia's young, new and fun ideas are all applied to this new product line showing their dedication to the future of energy savings. Lithonia Lighting is leading the lighting industry in the energy conscious green movement.
You can download the Light concepts catalog here in Adobe format.
The Majority of the Light Concepts Lighting Line is Energy Star Rated
Lithonia's new Light Concepts product line has a variety of energy efficient lighting for almost every residential application. Light Concepts has achieved Energy Star Partner of the year award for 2006 and their Energy Star Rated Ferros complete residential lighting family earned the Lighting for Tomorrow award in 2005. This new contemporary lighting concept will open doors for the Lithonia Lighting Company while at the same time conserve our world's precious energy consumption.
Light Concepts by Lithonia Training Schedule
April 30th- May 4th: Vancouver, BC, Canada (confirmed)
May 6th-8th: Conyers (confirmed)
May 29th- June 1st: Salt Lake City, UT (NOT confirmed)
June 11th-15th: Denver, CO (NOT confirmed)
June 25th-29th: Alberta, Canada (NOT confirmed)
July 16th-20th: Chicago, IL (NOT confirmed)
August 6th-10th: San Diego/LA, CA (NOT confirmed)
August 20th-24th: Dallas, TX (NOT confirmed)
October 8th-12th: Seattle, WA (NOT confirmed)
I believe education to be one of the best forms of marketing so we hope to see you at one of the next Lithonia training seminars. Leave a comment if you are interested in attending any of the above seminars.
Energy efficient or Energy Star Rated lighting are becoming more and more popular. The main problem I have run into with people wanting to convert there light sources to a more energy efficient source is that they think compact fluorescent lamps are not dimmable. Fluorescent lamps are dimmable with a special dimming ballast and fluorescent dimming control.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are Dimmable
Dimmable ballasts have been available for fluorescent tubes for years it is only recently that dimmable fluorescent ballasts have become available for CFLs. These dimmable CFLs make it very easy for anyone to save energy with there existing lighting. Sylvania makes a dimmable CFL that can retro fit almost any application. Minka-Lavery Outdoor just came out with a full Energy Star and Dark Sky rated outdoor lighting line.
The following are dimmable CFLs and what type of incandescent lamp they would replace.
Mini Spiral or standard spiral CFL replaces the standard appliance A bulb
What are the savings to make my lighting more efficient?
The R30 dimmable CFL can retrofit into most 6" aperature recessed downlight fixtures providing dimmable light at at least a 40% energy savings. The intial cost of the CFL is usually $ 14 to $ 19 dollars compared to $ 1.50 to $ 3.00 for the incandescent lamp. The energy consumption of this one CFL should be about 124.8 kWh/yr at an average cost of .07 cents per kWh that is about $ 8.74 a year. The Incandescent costs about $ 13.00 per year to run. The CFL has an average lamp life of 10,000 hours while the incandescent lamp only has 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
With in two years you will have saved a few dollars in energy costs, will still not have to drive up to the store to buy bulbs or change the lamp for another two years. Using CFLs also create less of a need for the manufacturing of lamps reducing the cunsomption of raw materials used to create the lamps.
BlogLighting.com is an information source to help people solve their lighting and ceiling fan problems. We also focus on Energy Star devices and energy efficency in general.
In areas where you will not need the lighting for entertaining, install motion-sensing light fixtures or add-on motion-sensing switches. This greatly reduces the amount of on-time, increases the bulb life and reduces light pollution. Since the light is not on when the intruder arrives, he does not know to avoid it until it switches on from his movement. This generally scares him away.
As you would indoors, use fluorescent tubes and CFL'S (compact fluorescent lights) outdoors. These are four times more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. The light quality is now available in similar color rendition.
Although they are substantially more expensive to install, LPS (low pressure sodium) outdoor lighting fixtures are very efficient. They use less than 15 percent as much electricity as incandescent bulbs. The only drawback is that they take time to heat up and come to full brightness and the light is a no chromatic yellow. 
Article created on Oct 31 by colby
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Light bulbs a.k.a. lamps are a very important factor in a recessed lighting layout plan. Different light bulbs affect different light levels, color and recessed fixture spacing, which in turn could result in different moods. In the end choosing the lamp is just as important as choosing the right 
Incandescent A-Lamps 
This is not the case when there are too many greenhouse gases present in the 
Most residential homes have some sort of 
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
There are more and more lighting manufactures jumping on the 
Below is an example of how much you can save with Energy Star rated outdoor lighting fixtures. For this example we will imagine two separate homes that are the same size. One home will use the 9 non-Energy Star rated incandescent outdoor fixtures from the Minka-Outdoor Ardmore family and one home will use 9 Energy-Star rated CFL outdoor fixtures from the Minka-Outdoor 
Incandescent Lamp Life = 1500 hrs, total lamps = 25 & lamp cost = $ 1.50 
The energy used by the US is just plain energy abuse. We drive down the street when we can walk and our public transportation systems are not where they should be so we drive to work in a 5 passenger vehicle or SUV by our selves. Our main residential source of light the incandescent lamp is a little more efficient in heat production verses light as a candle. This is why we are in need of alternate 
This is an OLED lamp designed by 
Incandescent light source - average life is about 500 to 1500 hours or 6 months to a year - this is the least efficient light source other than fire. A 75watt lamp running for 2000 hours in a year would have an annual energy cost of about $ 18.00 and you would have already had to change the lamp. Low initial cost. 
Halogen light source - average life is about 2000 to 5000 hours or 2 to 3 years - Halogen lamps are about 10-15% more energy efficient than incandescent light sources. Medium to high initial cost.
Fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – average life is about 6000 to 10000 hours or about 3.5 to 7 years.