Automation can save energy dollars, make your living better!

A home or building isn't complete with out systems that control lighting, power, audio, video, communications, air conditioning/heating, window treatments and anything else you can need. We all live by a variety of lights on and off everyday so why run back and forth from multiple switches to make it all happen? Why not push one button or simply have it programed to happen for you? One button from your room when you hear a "bump" in the night can bring on many sources of illumination inside and outside your home. As the sun rises or sets, lights and window shades adjust automatically thus utilizing daylight harvesting techniques.

Today we want our audio/video at the touch of our fingers with music and video feed servers. Multi-room audio/video is the norm today and making it all work simply for you is critical. A "smart home" isn't very smart if you must struggle to make it work. How nice is it to have one touch screen remote that can literally meet your every need and be customized for your lifestyle and your home or building.http://lightcompose.com/automation.html

This is where Light Composers, Inc. excels as compared to the automation only contractor or as compared to the standard electrician. We have the credentials, the licenses and industry associations to best meet today's synchronization requirements. The layout and design of lighting, power and low voltage systems can be complex in order to make it very easy for you. Relying on multiple contractors to meet these complex needs and arrive at the optimal end product is not the best approach today. Light Composers, Inc. has an overview of the big picture and can properly design and install lighting and power systems of your home or building. http://lightcompose.com/automation.html


 

Important compact fluorescent tips

Here is some very important information that I wish to share regarding compact fluorescent lamps...

Look for bulbs with the Energy Star label, which indicates they meet at least minimal performance requirements.

Be aware that compact fluorescents can take one to three minutes to reach full brightness. This is not a defect.

Experts at Energy Star warn that turning the bulbs on and off shortens their lives, and recommend using them in fixtures “that are used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day.”

The bulbs do not do as well in hot places with little airflow, like recessed ceiling fixtures. They are ideal for table lamps.

Not all compact fluorescents work with dimmers or three-way portable lamp sockets. Read labels.

Learning about “color temperature,” which is printed on the label of high-quality bulbs, can help consumers avoid disappointment with the color of the light. The warmest-looking bulbs generally have a color temperature less than 3,000 kelvins, with the harshest bulbs usually above 5,000.

Compact fluorescents contain mercury and should not be disposed of in the trash. Many chains, like Home Depot offer recycling bins for the bulbs.

If you break a bulb, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends precautions to avoid mercury exposure: Clear people and pets from the room and open a window for at least 15 minutes if possible. Avoid vacuuming. Scoop up larger pieces with stiff paper or cardboard, pick up smaller residue with sticky tape, and wipe the area with a damp cloth. Put everything into a sealed plastic bag or sealed glass jar. In most cases, this can be put in the trash, but the E.P.A. recommends checking local rules.

Keep your receipt. “Studies show that if electronics are going to fail,” the Lighting Research Center says, “it is likely to happen early on.”

 

LED lighting

In the 40 years since Earth Day was first observed, we've seen a series of products and services bring energy-saving alternatives to households around the world. From the catalytic converter, to nationwide recycling programs, to energy-saving functions in home appliances, these innovative, eco-friendly advances have enabled each of us to conserve precious natural resources and protect our planet. The latest milestone in this series is the LED light bulb.

LED or light emitting diode is the future of all lighting. While it is still in its "teenage" years it is evolving quickly to meet all of our needs at a competitive price point. All of the compact fluorescent bulbs that we now use while excellent in performance, will soon be replace by LED bulbs who's lamp life and energy consumption well exceeds that of the compact fluorescent.

Light Composers, Inc. uses LED lighting in many situations today where customers want a very long life lamp with minimal energy consumption. Areas difficult to reach or service are an ideal candidate for such products. The amount of applications is wide and exciting and rest assured, tomorrow there will be new ones. Feel free to contact us if you wish to learn how you can incorporate LED lighting into your life.