Guilt-Free Lighting Ambiance

Reply To:	Kevin <sparkyboquete@gmail.com>

Boquete Electrical Solutions
Impeccable Craftsmanship

SUBJECT: Incandescant Bulbs with Dimmers vs. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFL) to save energy has become the accepted practice for many people, but there is an alternative that is a long standing practice. Personally, I dislike the color of most CFL's, as well as the fact that they are not dimmable. I know some people use standard dimmers on CFL's, but this is not a good idea because it can cause overheating of the dimmer and shorten it's usable life. Dimmable CFL's and specially designed dimmers to use with them are starting to come on the market, but I don't expect to see them in Panama any time soon and they will cost much more.

Other considerations with CFL's are their rated life, which in the case of some Chinese products, can be well short of what's printed on the box and environmental side effects. Most troubling is the fact that all fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and all of that heavy metal is going into the landfill and then seeping into the water table. There are arguments that the mercury released by coal fired power plants to power incandescents will result in more mercury in the environment. This assumes that all power comes from coal, which this is not the case, especially here in Panama where hydro is used to an increasing extent, which is non-polluting of course. There is also a well documented concern about the electromagnetic radiation produced by fluorescents and the negative effects this can have on all living organisms.

By using a dimmer on standard incandescent bulbs, you can enjoy a pleasing quality of light and save significant amounts of energy and money. Every decrease of light with the dimmer results in decreased energy use and that translates into longer bulb life and decreased costs. I don't use my lights for extended periods at 100%, usually I have my lights dimmed at least 25% for typical evening use. A 25% decrease in light output results approximately in a 20% decrease in energy use and increases the life of the bulb to about 5 1/2 years, resulting in a savings of $45 over a 5 year period, depending on the cost per kilowatt hour you are paying. Here is an interactive energy saver calculation tool from Lutron, one of the world leaders in dimmer technology.

http://www.lutron.com/Education-Training/Tools/Pages/EnergySavingCalc.aspx

So, enjoy your light and save energy at the same time. Email or call and I will be glad to replace your standard switches with dimmers and help you create a guilt-free, aesthetically pleasing environment.

Retired Master Electrician with 25 Years Experience
Available for Repairs, Troubleshooting, Consulting,
Generator Installations, Surge Protection, Security Lighting
Specialist in Line Voltage and some
Low Voltage, including Computer & Media Cabling

Jasper (aka Kevin) Fisher
6877.2275

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