All About Lighting With Flourescent

Flourescent lighting in your home decor can provide diffused illumination and energy savings for areas that experience longer hours of operation. With energy costs soaring, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to conserve. Today we have many choices that are not only attractive but can provide energy saving with maxiumum amount of illumination.

In the past flourescents were ugly and looked institutional with bulb colorings that were harsh and cold. Today they are stylish, decorative and designed to match cabinetry and appliances. The choices of color rendering have been greatly improved. If you would like to see your options click here.

GOOD REASONS TO USE FLOURESCENTS:

**ENERGY EFFICIENT **QUIETER OPERATION **DIMMABLE BALLAST **BETTER COLOR RENDERING **COOLER TO OPERATE

These meet CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 requirements for high efficiency that is required in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Many states are already following this trend to reduce energy use and savings. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and the releasing of mercury into our environment, have been contributed to heavily by generations of electrical energy usage. Continue on at bottom of page to Energy Star.

For KITCHENS AND REC ROOMS using flourescent fixtures, such as linear wrap arounds and litepuffs will give a more widespread general illumination without blocking light. Especially if there are few or no windows. While enclosed sides and open bottom fixtures will tend to illuminate down rather than around the room. Linear or troffers for a T- grid ceiling will provide plenty of diffused illumination, while eliminating shadows on flat surfaces.

Use wall sconces and above cabinet fixtures to help maintain an even brightness throughout the area. Placing fixtures where they can reach work areas will better utilize areas for visual comfort in multi purpose areas such as dining, homwork or family business.

Color correct lamps will add the necessary ambience by supplying a soft uniform illumination.

AMBIENT illumination under and over cabinets dramatizes ceiling height and will open up the overhead space setting the right mood.

DIMMING will help you blend in imperfections or visual scars on walls or ceilings. Remember if you intend to dim a flourescent you will have to make sure your fixture is equiped with a dimmable ballast. Dimming will help you create a cozy feeling and soften the look of the harsh look of a bare bulb. Using a dimmable over cabinet flourescent will visually enlarge the room.

It is important to use cold weather ballast in unheated areas where below zero weather might be an issue. Such as attics, garages and work shops.

Some people are sensitive to the rapid flicker and soft buzz of flourescent fixtures by retrofiting an electronic ballast could eliminate some to the problems.

Continue to Flourescent Lighting Size Needed & Simple Repairs
Compact Flourescent
ENERGY STAR



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