Wait… what? If you are a Canadian reading this blog, you know you have nothing to worry about. For our friends south of the border, you know it’s a problem.
Here is a quick article breaking down the U.S. government’s position on the laws behind light bulbs.
We all win when our environments are ‘greener’. Helping the planet is in everyone’s best interests, as we all know. There is an even greater need to upgrade if there is a health hazard associated with the issue. There is, of course, a cost associated with this, and sometimes it gets in the way of the larger vision. I read this article today from NYC. Read the excerpt below or check out the full article, and let me know your thoughts.
‘In February the Bloomberg administration announced they would allocate $702 million to replace light fixtures leaking toxic chemicals, known as PCBs in approximately 800 school buildings, as part of a broader energy efficiency effort over the next 10 years.’
What a sad, sad day we are facing, ladies and gentlemen. Via the Miami Herald, we hear that one of the last major US factories making incandescent light bulbs is closing.
Obviously, from a more pragmatic perspective, this is better. These bulbs aren’t too friendly to the environment. The compact florescent bulbs that are replacing them use 75 per cent less energy.
However, it ultimately represents a job loss. The greener bulbs are still being made, and can be done cheaper off-shore.
Have you ever run into the problem when you install a new light and the rest of your lights go out?
You’re not alone, we have the solutions.
A friend called me in a panic. She was having a dinner party in an hour. She changed a light bulb in her kitchen island track lighting and then the whole system buzzed and turned off. Unable to prepare her meal and guests arriving soon she didn’t know what to do. If I’m not a close friend and I can’t get to you here’s what you do. In this particular instance it was a rail track lighting. The transformer was a surface mount. I removed the faulty bulb, and there is a reset button on the side of the transformer. All you have to do is press this button and voila! Instant lights again. Then come buy the correct bulb from Watts Current and you won’t have this problem again. ;-D
It’s easy to save money on an electrical bill. While cost-effective light bulbs do help, there is a simple solution: energy conservation. Appliances that are plugged in and not in use are still using electricity. Even the power saving setting on most modern appliances don’t help. Phone chargers not in use but still plugged in are costing you money.
Starting to see a pattern? By using natural light, or energy-friendly bulbs, you cut costs. Lighting and appliances are a drain. Not counting the fridge, these account for about 33% of a typical utility bill.
This is another popular question. Ultimately, it’s natural light. However, sometimes you need more than that. The answer depends on a few factors, mainly on your environment. Take a look at this handy chart.
Chart detailing energy-efficient lighting
The fact that your light fixtures will become dirty is simply a fact of life. Dirt and dust rises. You don’t need to clean your light fixtures on a weekly basis, but it make sense to schedule time to do this. Chances are that you’ve invested both time and money into making your home look good, and you want to make sure that investment sparkles and shines.
1. Turn off the light. If if can only be done by unplugging it, don’t yank the cord out of the wall but hold it by its base.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker.
3. If possible, remove the light bulb and fixture .
4. Wash glass light fixtures in soap and water. You may need to use a specialized cleaner. If the light fixture cannot be removed from the ceiling or wall, such a sconce, use a well-wrung-out cloth damp with soap and water. If applicable, use its specific cleaner. If you have a custom-made fixtures, make certain you follow the cleaning instructions from either the fixture manufacturer or lighting consultant.
5. Dry the fixtures.
6. Wipe the bulbs with a dry cloth.
7. Re-install the light fixtures and their bulbs.
8. Turn on the circuit breaker and the light switch.