What is an Energy star rated bulb and why should I use them?

lightbulbs2

Energy Star Bulb

In follow up to my last blog regarding the phasing out of T12 fluorescent lamps, I wanted to share some brief information and a helpful link about the “new wave” of energy efficient lighting sources.

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T12 Fluorescent Lamps Burning Out and Fading Away…

Fluorescent Lamp

Fluorescent Lamp

For years, there have been rumors and missed deadlines regarding the phasing out of T-12 fluorescent lamps (the “fat” tubes as some call them).  Effective July 2012, the common 4’ T12 lamp is no longer being produced due to a mandate from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Flickering Lights, is this normal?

Flickering Lights Atlanta Storm Damage

Flickering Lights Atlanta Storm Damage

Our electrical systems are busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing comfort, security and convenience in our day to day lives.  This is also a system that we rarely think about.  It’s not something you can hear, see, or smell under normal circumstances, so it’s easy to forget that it’s working for us all of the time.  There are a few signals however, that can alert us that something may be wrong with the normal operation of our electrical system. One of the most common of these signals, and the easiest to observe, is flickering lights.

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Safety Considerations with Metal Halide Fixtures

For our blog post this week, we are featuring a guest article from our commercial insurance agent, Wilson Vickers, who will discuss safety concerns regarding metal halide lighting common in many warehouse facilities.   Make sure to check out the links at the bottom of this article to find other blog articles on this subject, view a video showing before and after views of a metal halide fixture replacement in Atlanta, and learn how you can qualify for energy saving rebates in Georgia. Read more

3 Ways to Improve Parking Lot Lighting and Increase Energy Efficiency

1. Group Relamping

Discharge lamps (metal halide, high pressure sodium) degrade over time, losing up to 40 % of their light output over just a few years.  The energy consumed doesn’t change, i.e. power bill cost, but the light level lowers. Think of it like a 400-watt lamp that’s only putting out the lumens that a 250-watt lamp would. Read more

Outdoor Lighting Maintenance – A Facility Manager’s Guide

Parking-Lot-LtgMaintaining parking lot, building, and sign lighting is a very important part of doing business.  A well lighted facility gives customers, tenants and employees a feeling of security and confidence at night, inviting visitation and increasing revenue.   Read more

How to Qualify for Rebates on Commercial Lighting in Georgia

If you’ve been following my blogs, you know I have been focused on energy saving lighting.  I’ve included information on the Federal tax deduction (EPAct 2005) and how quickly a lighting upgrade can pay for itself.  Here’s the latest, and it is great news! Georgia Power recently announced The Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency Program.  It is not a tax deduction or a credit on your bill. It is an incentive for installing energy efficient lighting, as it literally results in a check issued to commercial customers.  These incentives will help reduce the initial investment in indoor energy efficient lighting projects. Read more

How to Install a Ceiling Fan & 5 places Not to Install One

unscrewing fan assemblyInstalling a ceiling fan can vary from a very simple job that can be performed by a homeowner with basic handyman skills to one that is somewhat complex requiring the services of a qualified electrician.  There are many factors that need to be considered when dealing with ceiling fans: ceiling height, whether ceiling is sloped, condition of existing outlet box and whether it is adequately supported, access above the ceiling, how many switches are to be installed, will there be dimmers or remote kits installed, if the fan is to have a light kit, etc.   Materials required may include: fan brace, electrical switch, cut-in boxes, switch plate, romex and staples, down-rod, mounting kit,  pancake box and ceiling medallion. Read more

Save Money and Energy : Modernize your Office Fluorescent Lighting

If you have standard four lamp fluorescent lighting fixtures in your office building in Atlanta, our electricians can save you money.

Office buildings that are older than five years use four lamp T12 fluorescent lamps for lighting.  Due to advances in fluorescent lighting and new energy efficiency standards, replacement lamps for these lighting fixtures will no longer be manufactured within the next few years.

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Property Managers | 3 Tips to Save Electricity | Vacant Buildings

Large vacant building spaces can very easily and unnecessarily consume hundreds, even thousands of dollars of electricity in a short period of time.  Real estate agents, maintenance personnel, and others access these vacant spaces at random times.  Just by forgetting to turn a light switch off, hundreds of warehouse lights can be left on until the next person accesses the space or until the electrical bill arrives.  These unexpected bills are the last thing a property owner or property manager wants to see when their property is not generating income. Read more