LED Lighting Facts for Your Home

LED Lighting Facts

EFFICIENCY - LEDs are very energy efficient and consume less power (amp draw)...up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs. This reduces the load on your electrical system including your battery, alternator, and power converter resulting in direct money-saving benefits.

NO HEAT - LED lights generate no heat therefore they are cool to the touch and can be left on for hours without incident or consequence if touched.

LONGEVITY - LEDs are rated for 100,000 hours compared to 3,000 hours for incadescent bulbs. Consider real world circumstances where most incadescent bulbs need to be replaced within one year. An LED light will last over 20 years before needing replacement.

FUSING - Due to the low energy draw of LEDs, the gauge of wire used can be reduced. CAUTION: Typical incadescent fusing requirements are too robust for LEDs and therefore, fusing must be sized for the low LED circuit draw. Incorrect fuse sizing can cause damage to your electrical system.

FUTURE - LEDs are vastly becoming the preferred low voltage lighting resource versus incadescent lighting. New and brighter LEDs are under development and will impact your future lighting requirements.

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

LEDs Poised to Outshine All Others in $4.4B Lighting Market

By GreenerBuildings Staff

Published May 20, 2010

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Tags: Buildings, Design & Innovation, More... Buildings, Design & Innovation, Energy & Climate, Energy Efficiency, Facilities, Living Principles, Operations & Maintenance, Retrofits

LAS VEGAS, NV — Dutch giant Royal Philips Electronics took the wraps off its 12-watt EnduraLED light bulb last week at the Lightfair International tradeshow and heralded the latest addition to its EnduraLED line as the "industry's first" light emitting diodes replacement for the commonly used 60-watt incandescent light bulb, bringing a new measure of energy efficiency to everyday lighting applications at work and in the home. Osram Sylvania, a subsidiary of Geman powerhouse Siemens AG, countered the following day with its alternative. It introduced attendees at the tradeshow in Las Vegas to the dimmable, mercury-free Sylvania ULTRA LED A-line 12-watt bulb, which its maker calls "the brightest LED replacement" for the traditional 60-watt bulb. Taiwan-based GlacialTech Inc., a diversified manufacturing firm specializing in cooling, power and lighting, debuted LED products in announcements bracketing Taiwan's International Lighting Show in March and the Lightfair expo. GlacialTech's new offerings include a 19-watt portable LED outdoor floodlight and low-power T8 LED tubes. With a U.S. mandate for more energy efficient lighting taking effect in 2012 and more businesses looking for ways to cut electricity costs, LEDs represent a burgeoning market for the lighting industry -- and the rivalry is heating up among companies that want to seize the lion's share of the sizable spoils. A new study from Pike Research forecasts that LEDs will account for almost half of a $4.4 billion market for lamps in the commercial, industrial and outdoor stationary sectors by 2020. Almost 18 percent of global electricity use goes toward lighting, and lighting in the U.S. consumes a fifth of the amount at an annual cost of more than $40 billion. With their ability to produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs while consuming less energy and lasting far longer, LEDs represent a strong opportunity to cut expenses and reduce electricity use. Typically, the LED replacements for traditional bulbs are described by their manufacturers as delivering 80 percent energy savings and lasting 25,000 hours, which can be 12 to 25 times longer than the bulbs they are replacing, depending on wattage and the company doing the talking. Widely used for traffic signals and exit signs, LEDs have yet to break through the cost barrier, which has been the biggest obstacle to market penetration. But that's expected to change. Prospective price tags have been reported in the range of $60 for LED retrofits for incandescent 60-watt bulbs and $40 to $50 for LEDs that replace 40-watt bulbs. However, some companies are saying they can beat those prices, at least one already is, and all the firms are jockeying to be the best, brightest and "first" in a number of descriptive categories. For example, among the recently announced products:

The new, dimmable Philips EnduraLED will save businesses and households buying it about $120 per lamp because of its long life and energy efficiency, the company said, adding it expects to have the product on store shelves sometime in the final quarter of the year. With plans to go to market in August, Osram Sylvania said its ULTRA LED A-line 12-watt bulb will be brighter than its rivals. It's also expected to be cheaper than the competition -- though the company isn't discussing pricing publicly for now. Sylvania said it will release a 75-watt retrofit LED lamp in 2011 and then, staking a claim for another "first" title, declared that its announcement marked the first discussion about creating such a product.

Those products join a field that includes:

Panasonic's LED alternative to the 60-watt incandescent bulb. The replacement bulb is one of eight in the EVERLEDS line. They were announced in September 2009 and made available the following month in Japan. Demand for LEDs is so high, Panasonic Electronic Works said in March that it is expanding the product line to 1,100 items by March 2011. General Electric's 9-watt LED replacement for 40-watt incandescent bulbs. The new bulb, part of GE's Energy Smart line, is due out later this year with a price ranging from $40 to $50. The Home Depot also has entered the fray with the EcoSmart LED A19 40-watt equivalent light bulb, which has an online price tag of a wallet-friendly $19.97.

The introduction of other products and advancements in technology are expected to help fuel the growth of LEDs in the lighting market. In addition to bulbs, developments in LED fixtures and systems, such as the networking platform introduced by Redwood Systems in March and launched at Lightfair, are occurring with greater frequency. "LED lighting will reach an inflection point in the next five years," Pike Research Managing Director Clint Wheelock said in a prepared statement about his study. "As solid state lighting costs come down and performance increases, LEDs will become a practical option for an increasing number of commercial applications." Pike projects that outdoor stationary will be the next growth sector for LEDs with retail, office and professional buildings and institutional facilities following. Top image -- Philips Lighting CEO Rudy Provoost shows off his company's LED replacements for traditional 60-watt bulbs, courtesy of Philips. Inset images courtesy of product manufacturers: Philips, Osram Sylvania, GlacialTech Inc., Panasonic, GE and the Home Depot.

Read more: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/05/20/leds-poised-outshine-all-others-44b-lighting-market#ixzz0rsH16GpR

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

If you choose to hire outside assistance with your next project-Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services: Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings--Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades- Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC "Home Energy Auditing Coming Soon!!!" Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!! Click Here to email Scotts Contracting to Schedule a Free Green Site Inspection

Air Conditioners and Summer Cooling Tips

Summer Time Cooling Tips

-Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. Whole-house fan are effective when operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.

-Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

-Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner.  It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.

-Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.

-Don't place lamps or Heat Generating Appliances near your air-conditioning thermostat. The air-conditioning thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

-Trees and/or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A room air conditioner operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same air conditioner operating in the sun.

-Radiant Barriers, Insulation, and Sealing Air Leaks-will help your energy performance during the Cooling Season by keeping the cool air inside.

-If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling. Look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels.

Maintaining your air conditioner

-Check all hose connections for leaks. Repair leaks

-Make sure the condensate tube is draining freely.

-Change or clean the furnace filter once a month. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate.

-Clean the outside compressor by spraying it with a hose.

-Keep plantings at least one foot away for adequate airflow around the entire unit.

-Vacuum registers and air vents regularly.

-Have your Heating and Cooling Ductwork professionally cleaned every few years.

-Keep furniture and drapes away from registers.

Airing Out the Facts on Your Air Conditioner

---

Tips to help you keep costs low and
air quality high
by Larry Cavalier 

The temperature outside is rising. It's time to raise your air conditioner IQ with some helpful, cost-saving tips.

1. Change your air filter regularly. When your air filter is too dirty, airflow in your home may be reduced. During warmer months, a dirty filter means that not as much cool air can circulate. And if your A/C system doesn't have adequate airflow, condensation can build up inside the system and start to freeze the inner coils. In the short term, this stresses the system and in the long term, it may lead to a costly repair.

To keep optimal airflow, change your air filter at least every three months during the cooling season. If you run the furnace fan constantly, consider replacing the filter monthly.

2. Check the dehumidifier drain. Your air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier, drawing moisture from the air to help cool it. Once pulled from the air, that moisture has to go somewhere.

Your dehumidifier drain line channels excess water into a floor drain or a pan. The plastic hose can accumulate debris, so it's important to check occasionally to make sure it's draining properly. To check for clogs, gently pull the hose off the side of your furnace. Use a long-handled cleaning brush to sweep out the tube. You can also disconnect the hose completely, and flush it clean using your garden hose.

3. Give your condenser some TLC. That big unit on the side of the house is your A/C condenser, the powerhouse behind the whole cooling system. The condenser fan pulls air from the outside to keep the working parts cool. Over time, dirt and debris collect on the outside cooling fins, which can cut down on the system's efficiency.

To clean your condenser fan, shut down the system first, then spray the outside of the unit with a garden hose. Still dirty? Call in a pro to give the system a more detailed cleaning.

Your condenser also needs room to work properly. Leave some space on all sides to encourage good airflow. Plant bushes at least a few feet away.

4. Maintain ducts and vents. Dust and debris can accumulate in your ductwork, reducing airflow. Every three or four years, hire a professional to give your ducts and vents a thorough cleaning. Home improvement projects can create a lot of dust in your home, so your ductwork will likely need to be cleaned once the project is complete. If dust remains after a home improvement project, add an air purifier to the remodeled room like the Filtrete™ Air Purifier available from 3M.

If you move into a new place and don't know when the ducts and vents were last cleaned, hire a pro.

5. Find your thermostat's sweet spot. Set the temperature too low, and you'll face a hefty energy bill at the end of the summer. Set it too high, and you won't be comfortable. Try your thermostat at 78°F to start, and lower it if you need to.

6. Turn on ceiling fans. If you have ceiling fans, keep them on during the cooling season. They help cool the air and distribute it evenly. With the ceiling fans doing part of the work, you may be able to raise the A/C thermostat a couple of degrees — and save some money.

7. Curtain southern-facing windows. If you have windows on the south side of your home, close the curtains or blinds during the day. This prevents hot sun from beating through the window, which can raise the indoor temperature significantly.

8. Run big appliances in the evening. Your dishwasher, oven and clothes dryer generate a lot of heat. If you use them during the day, your A/C system has to work harder to cool the air. If you can, run large appliances in the evening when the outdoor temperature drops.

9. Use bath & kitchen fans sparingly. Designed to draw moisture and odors out of your home, these fans also draw out cooled air in the summer. Run them only when necessary, to avoid losing too much conditioned air and energy.

Have a great summer and stay cool!

Scotts Contracting is available to assist with your Green Building Projects.  Click here to schedule a Free Green Site Evaluation for your Home and Business

--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Part 2 of 5-Deck Ideas and Photos

Part 2 of 5-DIY-Deck Ideas and Photos

When it comes to designing a Deck, Patio or Out Door Living Space Scotty with Scotts Contracting offers the following tips: (a)Research the Materials you would like to incorporate into your Deck, Patio, or Out Door Living Space (b) Take notes and pictures of similar designs you would like your project to look like (c) Inspect the area you choose to build your project (d)Sketch or Draw out your design (e) Determine a Material list along with pricing-with your Material list in hand-your can ask the Pro Department at your Local Home improvement Store for their Lowest Bid. (f) Build your project as outlined by the Manufacturers Guidelines and Local Building Codes(f) Enjoy the outdoor living space you have created! If you choose to Contract out your next project-Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services: Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings--Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades- Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces, "Home Energy Auditing Coming Soon!!!" Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!! Click Here to email scotts contracting and set up a Free Green Site Evaluation and Bid for your next project

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

A Taste of Tuscany Aged brick walls, distinctive windows, and wrought-iron furniture create a feeling of old-world welcome on the deck of this 1970s home. Click here to see the before. Colorful shutters visually break up the expansive brick walls and double as a privacy screen when needed. Flowers and foliage in painted terra-cotta urns soften the hard surfaces.

Breakfast Room Make a point to enjoy your outdoor spaces at a different time of day. Rise and shine with an informal breakfast on the deck. Put a potting bench to use as a buffet station. Line a galvanized bin with napkins to present a healthy selection of fruit, and recycle some water bottles for use as vases.

Dining Quarters Even the barest slab of concrete (click here to see the before) can become a welcoming entertainment area. Here's how to create a room outdoors: Anchor the space with an outdoor area rug. Add sturdy furniture (shop for it after July 4 to catch sales) with some shade relief, such as this umbrella. Plant fast-growing annuals, such as sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) in colorful containers. "Don't stint on the size of an outdoor area rug. The rug should be larger than the footprint of the table and the chairs." — editor Kelly Rawlings

Asian-Inspired Oasis This Asian-inspired outdoor room is secluded behind a bamboo privacy fence. A capiz-shell pendant hangs from the peak of a canopy, adding visual interest and drawing focus toward the center of the space. A sheer white curtain billows along the edge of the deck, further defining the space as intimate, yet sun-filled.

Exotic Escape This temporary retreat, screened with curtains, was installed under a two-story deck. Click here to see the bland before! Decorative items more typically found indoors, such as area rugs, pillows and candles, give this space a real-room feel.

Scotty, Scotts Contracting Comments: "If you look real close to the photos you will See 'Un-Sightly Nail Holes' that are caused by 'Nailing and Screwing' the Deck Boards Down. If you don't like unsightly holes in your Deck try Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces.

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

When it comes to designing a Deck, Patio or Out Door Living Space Scotty with Scotts Contracting offers the following tips: (a)Research the Materials you would like to incorporate into your Deck, Patio, or Out Door Living Space (b) Take notes and pictures of similar designs you would like your project to look like (c) Inspect the area you choose to build your project (d)Sketch or Draw out your design (e) Determine a Material list along with pricing-with your Material list in hand-your can ask the Pro Department at your Local Home improvement Store for their Lowest Bid. (f) Build your project as outlined by the Manufacturers Guidelines and Local Building Codes(f) Enjoy the outdoor living space you have created! If you choose to Contract out your next project-Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services: Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings--Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades- Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces, "Home Energy Auditing Coming Soon!!!" Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!! Click Here to email scotts contracting and set up a Free Green Site Evaluation and Bid for your next project

-- Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Part 1 of 5 -Decks Patio Outdoor Living Structures

DIY-Deck Repair, Water Proofing, Installation

When it comes to designing a Deck Scotty with Scotts Contracting offers the following tips: (a)Research the Materials you would like to incorporate into your Deck, Patio, or Out Door Living Space. (b) Take notes and pictures of similar designs you would like your project to look like. (c) Inspect the area you choose to build your project. (d)Sketch or Draw out your design. (e) Determine a Material list along with pricing. (f) Build your project as outlined by the Manufacturers Guidelines. (f) Enjoy the outdoor living space you have created! Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings-Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades- Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces, "Home Energy Auditing Coming Soon!!!"

Stain a Deck: Grab a Sprayer Sprayers are excellent for applying stain because they allow you to cover large areas quickly and uniformly. Another advantage is the ease with which sprayers treat railings and other awkward hard-to-paint surfaces. Power sprayers are available, but even simple pump-type sprayers will work. (Not all deck finishes are appropriate for sprayer application; check the product label.)

Stain a Deck: Use a Pad Browsing stain aisles at home improvement centers can reveal some nifty innovations. For instance, gel stains applied with pads are easy to use without drips or runs, and various pad applicators are designed to reach difficult spots. The application process is longer, however, so limit pad applications to smaller or difficult-to-reach areas.

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.