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In cool, comfortable climates like Santa Monica,
lighting becomes a substantial portion of any energy
bill. The good news is that there are now
affordable technologies that greatly improve the
efficiency of lights in the commercial
establishment.
T-8
Fluorescent Lamps and Electronic Ballasts
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The common T-12 4-foot fluorescent lamps with
magnetic ballasts which for decades defined
commercial lighting can now be replaced with smaller
diameter T-8 and even T-5 lamps with electronic
ballasts. |
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The retrofit of these lamps save about 20 to 40% of the energy, usually with a payback of less than three years. Other benefits include better light color and quality, less noise from the hum of electromagnetic ballasts, and cooler operation, which helps to reduce air conditioning load.
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Downlighting |
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Also known as recessed can lights, have efficient
alternatives, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
and compact metal halide options. Incandescent-to-
arc discharge lighting change-outs such as this save
up to 75% of the energy used for lighting. Often
these change-outs require fixture retrofits, which
are generally more labor intensive than just
changing lamps. Again, the longer burn hours of
typical commercial lighting applications lead to
acceptable payback terms for these changes.
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Lighting Controls |
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Such as occupancy sensors, twist timers, or energy
management controls can also be used to reduce the
hours-on for fixtures that are not required for
continuous use.
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Warehouse lighting owners should consider bi-level controls and daylighting control systems that can reduce lighting during low-use periods or when skylights provide sufficient light levels in storage areas. |
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Outdoor Lighting |
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Systems now have efficient options as well, and a trend to reduce light levels and better control against light trespass and glare in exterior lighting, are making high-pressure sodium and metal halide (together known as high intensity discharge or HID) lamp choices more popular.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamps |
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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are an efficient alternative to traditional “A-type” light bulbs we are all familiar with, and are still found occasionally in small businesses. Using CFLs, the same light level can be produced for one-fourth (!) the energy, and improvements in fluorescent lights in general make the light almost indistinguishable from incandescent light in terms of color.
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You can now buy energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) at most local retailers, home improvement, and warehouse stores. Other commercial lighting improvements require the expertise and product availability offered bylighting consultants and retrofit companies.
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Owners need to be aware of disposal issues that crop up when disposing of fluorescent or HID lamps in numbers, or when trashing older electromagnetic ballasts that potentially could contain PCB’s a known source of carginogenic dioxins if burned or disposed of improperly.
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For more information, contact: |
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Energy
Star: (888)782-7837 or
Energy Star
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Lightbulbs
Unlimited: (310) 829-7400, 2309 Wilshire
Blvd.
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Fisher
Lumber: (310) 395-0956, 1600 Lincoln Blvd.,
Santa Monica
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Santa
Monica Energy Office: (310) 458-2238
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