As the world’s population has grown and technology has expanded, our dependence on our electrical systems has become higher than ever. Because of this, each home must use more and more electricity in order to maintain life as they are accustomed to. While this brings many great things, such as simplified everyday tasks and a variety of entertainment options, it also means that we are contributing to many harmful environmental practices on a greater level. In order to combat this, the US Government has created the Energy Star rating to certify appliances that meet a certain level of energy efficiency and usage. When upgrading your appliances, it is highly recommended that you choose these energy efficient models to both reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills.

What Does Energy Star Mean?Whether your appliance requires special installation by an electrician in Pasadena, or if you can just plug it in and go, an Energy Star rating means that the equipment that you are installing is high quality, energy efficient and built to last. There are a variety of rules and regulations set out to help determine whether an appliance meets these standards. Each appliance’s performance and energy consumption are measured against the current standards in order to make this determination. As a result, you can be assured that any Energy Star Appliance that you purchase will be much more efficient than a similar unit that is not rated.

In addition to your standard appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers and heating systems, you should also be on the lookout for more mundane Energy Star rated items such as light bulbs. These bulbs and other products are tested in the same manner that your appliances are to ensure that they meet a high standard. For more information on reducing energy consumption, or for help upgrading your electrical system to handle new appliances, give us a call at The Electric Connection. Click here to visit our website.

AC driven LEDs are rare but popular in certain applications. Designers focus on LEDs because of their advantages like direct, brilliant light, strong color saturation, slim measurements, dynamic lighting scenes and in total all the design possibilities that are thinkable. The only restrictions are made by the heat that needs to be dissipated by surface, natural or forced ventilation and the driver’s measurements. The driver is mostly not slim at all. That is why AC driven LEDs can be a smart consideration.

Conventional LEDs, Modules and Light Engines are driven by DC (direct current) power supplies. The LED characteristics are highly dependent on these components as they control the inrush current, convert the alternate current down to DC voltage and stabilize the current the LEDs are driven with. The efficiency of the system is dependent on the driver too as the power factor is one part in the total sum. Most conventional DC power supplies support LED systems with power factors (PFC) of 0.9 and higher.

The lifetime of LED lighting systems is defined by electronic devises. The LED can last up to 100,000h but if the driver needs a replacement after 50,000h the system is only half worth the maintenance. Without any driver at all the problem is solved completely. Power supplies need space, no matter how small, the driver is mostly bigger than the LED modules and electronic component’s wiring needs space too. Without this item there are not restrictions in design any more than heat dissipation. Designers can release their full creativity.

AC driven LEDs are of advantage concerning design and lifetime options. The more complex the circuit, the higher the possibility of system failure and electrical noise. On the other side, the efficiency of AC driven LED modules is not that high like DC driven ones. The performance achieves 110 lm/W these days which is good compared to other light sources but behind DC driven LEDs with up to 140 lm/W and more. AC driven LEDs are a thinkable substitute in applications like bulb lights, downlights, ceiling lights and industrial lighting systems.

Bulbrite Lightbulbs – from LEDs and CFLs to halogens and colorful novelty lamps – Capitol Lighting’s 1-800lighting.com is proud to present quality lamps from Bulbrite Industries.  Bulbrite is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, energy-efficient light source solutions. Founded nearly 40 years ago, Bulbrite is a family owned business renowned for its commitment to innovation, education and new technology. The company has introduced and designed award-winning products, including its exclusive KX-2000®, Halogen R111 GU10 and LED MR16.

Capitol Lighting Provides Top Quality Lamps and The Best Light Bulbs…. and We’re not Screwing Around!

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting.

CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. Newer CFL bulbs provide a warmer illumination similar to that of common incandescent and they provide an attractive alternative adaptable to most standard lamp sockets.

LEDs are small, solid light bulbs, which are extremely energy-efficient and durable. New LED bulbs, grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses, have broadened the applications for LED use in the residential home environment.

You may never have to change a lightbulb again, with the unsurpassed quality, energy-efficiency and long-lasting illumination from Bulbrite. Celebrate superb new lamping options from Capitol Lighting and enjoy the best illumination for years to come.

Capitol’s Guide to Lamping Options for Best Illumination:

For more information on the latest lighting applications and the best light bulbs, visit with the lighting experts at Capitol Lighting.  Take advantage of outstanding service and value on the finest in home lighting and accessories at 1800lighting.com.

Enjoy Capitol Lighting’s “Oktobulbfest” with grand promotional values on the best light bulbs from Bulbrite Industries.  Stock up and save on select bulbs for a lifetime of illumination.

At Capitol Lighting’s 1-800lighting.com you will find over 1,000 different lightbulbs from your average incandescent A Lamp, to your color corrected compact fluorescent. Capitol Lighting offers the best in quality and service to satisfy all your lighting needs!

What’s Working Today:  It’s All about Compatibility.

With the lightbulb market and technology boom, it may be overwhelming to choose the correct lamps to illuminate your home for maximum efficiency and according to your style.  However, with a little bit of wisdom, you may see the light and choose the best light bulbs to satisfy your decorative and functional needs.

Know the lighting lingo:

Know the lightbulb basics:

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are the most recent addition to the residential bulb market. These lamps use 80% less energy than incandescent and last up to 50 times longer.  Excellent for task lighting, night-lights, and outdoor applications, they are more expensive than most lamps, but their durability, long life, and energy-efficiency will save you money in the long run.