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Full Spectrum Energy Efficient Lighting

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Lighting consumes a tremendous amount of energy, using approximately 17% of all electricity consumed in the United States. Reducing this energy consumption not only saves money, but also reduces the amount of emissions that contribute to climate change, acid rain and smog. Upgrading your incandescent lighting is one of the easiest and most cost effective measures you can do to save money in your home and protect the environment. Today's fluorescent lighting provides high quality, flicker-free light without the humming associated with older fluorescent technology. High quality phosphors used in today's lamps provide high color quality and electronic ballasts eliminated the flicker and hum. Please review our information on Lighting in our Education Center for more detailed information.

Beyond providing basic illumination, artificial light should meet our needs for visibility, health and safety, mood, comfort, socializing and aesthetic appeal. We spend a significant amount of time indoors and it becomes important that proper lighting provide a positive environment in which we function. Consideration of the occupants in the lighted space is needed. For example, as we get older, our eyes undergo optical and neurological changes that requires increased light levels because of our reduced ability to perceive contrast and color saturation.

How it Works

Incandescent Bulbs - electricity heats a wire filament inside a glass bulb causing it to glow and give off light. 90% of the energy used is given off as heat and 10% as light.

Fluorescent Lamps - an electric ballast alters the electric current flowing between electrodes inside gas filled glass tubes activating the gas to produce UV light. The UV light excites the multi-phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube and causes it to glow and produce visible light. 60% of the energy used is given off as heat and 40% as light.

Lighting Characteristics

Color Temperature - The relative "color" of a light source expressed in degrees Kelvin. Generally, sources below 3200K are considered "warm" (more yellowish) and those above 4000K are considered "cool" (more bluish).

Color Rendering Index  (CRI) - A measurement of the degree that perceived colors of objects match their actual colors and has a numerical value of 1-100. The higher the value, the better the color rendering and the more accurate the color reproduction. A standard incandescent bulb CRI can vary from 80 to 100 depending on design and coatings, and a quality compact fluorescent lamp has a minimum CRI of 80. A CRI of 90 -100 is considered excellent.

Lumens - The most common measure of light output. It is the total amount of light that is emitted from the light bulb itself in all directions. Lumens per watt is a measure of lamp efficiency.

Full Spectrum Lighting

Colors of the Visible Light Spectrum
	Color	Approximate Wavelength in Nanometers (nm)
	Red	625 - 740
	Orange	590 - 625
	Yellow	565 - 590
	Green	500 - 565
	Cyan	485 - 500
	Blue	440 - 485
	Violet	380 - 440

Full Spectrum Lighting duplicates the characteristics of daylight in the North Sky. It provides all parts of the visual spectrum of light. Full Spectrum Lighting also has a color temperature of at least 5000 Kelvin and a Color Rendering Index of at least 90. As a reference, natural daylight has a varying temperature of 5000 - 10000 Kelvin and a CRI of 100. A traditional Incandescent light bulb is rich in the red and yellow spectrums with little blue and green, temperature of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin and has a color rendering index of 95 - 100.

There are a variety of statements made for the benefits of Full Spectrum Lighting. Examples include:

• Increased Productivity.

• Improved Mood.

• Treatment for Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD).

• Improved Color Perception and Visual Clarity.

Many of the mental and physical benefits associated with Full Spectrum Lighting can be subjective and difficult to measure and study. The individual user should decide if they receive benefit from using Full Spectrum lighting products by how it makes them feel and improve their living environment. Most of us prefer natural daylight to common artificial lighting. Replicating the natural daylight spectrum as best as possible with Full Spectrum Lighting may create an indoor environment that is more appealing than using common artificial lighting sources. Full Spectrum lighting, with it's high Color Rendering Index, improves color perception. Colors will appear true and vibrant and this may lead to a more comfortable, productive and enjoyable living space. 

Benefits of Compact Fluorescent Lamps

• Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL's) last up to 13 times longer than incandescent bulbs - This means fewer bulbs to buy and replace.

• CFL's are 400% more efficient than incandescent bulbs - This saves you 75% - 80% on your lighting energy costs.

• Fluorescent lamps produce about 70 - 80% less heat than incandescent bulbs - Save on air-conditioning costs.

• Retrofitting your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents will prevent unwanted pollution in our environment - Less manufacturing and greenhouse gas emissions from energy production impacts.

Cost Savings

Compact fluorescent lamps will more than pay for themselves when replacing an incandescent equivalent. What follows is a comparison of total costs incurred over 10,000 hours of operation (typical life of a CFL) for a Full Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Lamp and an incandescent bulb with the same light output. When multiplied by 10 lamps that may be around the house, the household savings over the life of the lamp can be between $200 to $750, depending on your electricity rate.

Lighting Comparison Costs
One Full Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Lamp			One Incandescent Bulb
Energy Used - 20 Watts			Energy Used - 75 Watts
Light Output - 1200 Lumens			Light Output - 1180 Lumens
Lamp Life - 10,000 Hours			Lamp Life - 750 Hours
10,000 hr Energy Use - 200kWh			10,000 hr Energy Use - 750kWh
Lamp Replacements - 0			Lamp Replacements - 12
Original Lamp Cost - $16.45			Original Lamp Cost - $0.75
Lamp Replacement Cost - 0			Lamp Replacement Cost - $9.00
Energy Cost @ 9¢/kWh - $18.00			Energy Cost @ 9¢/kWh - $67.50
10,000 Hour Total Cost - $34.45			10,000 Hour Total Cost - $77.25
One Full Spectrum Fluorescent Lamp Cost Savings = $42.80
Potential Savings at other kWh Electric Rates
$0.05/kWh	$0.07/kWh	$0.11/kWh		$0.13/kWh	$0.15/kWh
$20.80	$31.80	$53.80		$64.80	$75.80

Environmental Impact

Each Full Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Lamp reduces electric power plant energy generation pollution resulting in the reduction of acid rain, smog and greenhouse gasses. The exact amount and type of pollution that is reduced depends on the type of fuel used by the power plant to produce electricity, such as coal, natural gas, wood or oil. The following is a general guideline based on the national average obtained from US EPA kWh coefficients and is for one individual lamp. Multiplied by many CFL's in the homes across the nation and the impact is substantial. According to the US EPA Energy Star Program, if one room in every household switched to compact fluorescent lighting the annual pollution savings would be equivalent to removing more than 8 million cars from the road!

One Compact Fluorescent Lamp Pollution Savings
Carbon Dioxide Reduction - 605lbs.	Sulfur Dioxide Reduction - 2.2lbs.
Nitrous Oxide Reduction - 0.4lbs.	Mercury Reduction - 3.6mg

Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps

CFL's contain a small amount of Mercury, about 4mg, which is equivalent in size as the tip of a ballpoint pen. Mercury is essential for CFL's to operate efficiently and poses no health risk when used and disposed of properly. Other household products such as older thermostats contain 3000mg and Mercury thermometers contain 500mg. Mercury in the products we use is released into our environment when they are broken, disposed of improperly or incinerated. If you break a Compact Fluorescent Lamp, don't vacuum it up, clean it up safely by sweeping up the glass fragments and wiping the area with a damp disposable paper towel. Place fragments and paper towel in a disposable plastic bag and recycle with your local Household Hazardous Waste recycling program.

CFL's in your home are not legally considered hazardous waste in most parts of the country, however steps should be taken to dispose of them properly at a facility that handles Mercury containing items. To find a local Household Hazardous Waste recycling center for Mercury containing items in your area, go to www.earth911.org and input your zip code, call 1-800-CleanUp (253-2686) or call your local municipality.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps actually prevent Mercury from entering the air where it has the most impact on our health. The highest source of Mercury emissions in the air is from burning fossil fuels such as coal, which is the most common fuel used in the US to produce electricity. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a power plant will emit 10mg of Mercury to produce the electricity to operate an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4mg of Mercury to operate a CFL for the same time period.

Ecolume Full Spectrum CFL 3 Way Spiral Lamp
	Full Spectrum design duplicates outdoor daylight characteristics. Very high Color Rendering Index improves color perception and allows for true and vibrant color presentation. Full Spectrum lighting can be used in retail environments, art studios, beauty salons and anywhere true color and skin tone representation is desired. Lasts up to 13 times longer and produces up to 5 times more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. Electronic ballast eliminates the flicker and hum of older technology fluorescent lamps. Provides substantial energy and cost savings over standard incandescent light bulbs. Reduces environmental pollution that contributes to climate change, smog and acid rain. Lasts an average of 10,000 hrs - equivalent to 5.5 years operating at 5 hours a day. Compact spiral design fits standard lamps and fixture where incandescent bulbs are used. Sizes: 3 settings 13 watts - equivalent to a 60 - 75 watt incandescent bulb. 20 watts - equivalent to a 75 - 100 watt incandescent bulb. 25 watts - equivalent to a 100 - 125 watt incandescent bulb. Lumen Output: 1700 on high setting. Height: 5.75" Color Temperature: 5500K. Color Rendering Index: 96. One Year Guarantee - based on daily usage of 4 hours. Made in China of high quality components. Not all CFL's are produced with high quality components such as electronic ballasts, electrodes and multi-phosphor coatings, which provide consistent performance and trouble-free, long life. Note: not to be used on dimmable lighting fixtures.
Full Spectrum 3 Way Spiral Lamp Single piece. Price: $19.45 - $7.95 Sale! while quantities last Full Spectrum 3 Way Spiral Compact Fluorescent Lamp Quantity:
Comfort View Full Spectrum Desk Lamp l more info
	Flexible Gooseneck design allows you to direct the light in any direction. Real Silver coated parabolic diffuser reduces glare and maximizes the reflected light for brighter illumination and reduced eyestrain and fatigue. 3 Way switch adjusts to three light levels to suit your needs. Excellent for reading, writing, sewing, painting and any other task that requires attention to detail and balanced color. Full Spectrum Light output duplicates outdoor daylight characteristics. Very high Color Rendering Index improves color perception and allows for true and vibrant color presentation. Lasts up to 13 times longer and produces up to 5 times more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. Electronic ballast eliminates the flicker and hum of older technology fluorescent lamps. Provides substantial energy and cost savings over standard incandescent light bulbs. Size: 27 watts (high) - 3 settings Low 850 Lumens - equivalent to a 60 - 75 watt incandescent bulb. Medium 1300 Lumens - equivalent to a 75 - 100 watt incandescent bulb. High 1800 Lumens - equivalent to a 115 - 135 watt incandescent bulb. Reduces environmental pollution that contributes to climate change, smog and acid rain. Lasts an average of 10,000 hrs - equivalent to 5.5 years operating at 5 hours a day. Dimensions: 15"h x 10"w in normal position. Color Temperature: 6500K. Color Rendering Index: 91. Three Year Guarantee. Available Colors: Black Anthrocite, White, Walnut Burl.
Clear View Full Spectrum Desk Lamp - White Price: $64.95 Clear View Full Spectrum Desk Lamp - Anthrocite & Walnut Burl Price: $67.95 Full Spectrum Fluorescent Desk Lamp - WhiteFull Spectrum Fluorescent Desk Lamp - AnthrociteFull Spectrum Fluorescent Desk Lamp - Walnut Quantity:
Comfort View Full Spectrum Floor Lamp l more info
	Flexible Gooseneck design allows you to direct the light in any direction. Real Silver coated parabolic diffuser reduces glare and maximizes the reflected light for brighter illumination and reduced eyestrain and fatigue. 3 Way switch adjusts to three light levels to suit your needs. Excellent for reading, writing, sewing, painting and any other task that requires attention to detail and balanced color. Full Spectrum Light output duplicates outdoor daylight characteristics. Very high Color Rendering Index improves color perception and allows for true and vibrant color presentation. Lasts up to 13 times longer and produces up to 5 times more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. Electronic ballast eliminates the flicker and hum of older technology fluorescent lamps. Provides substantial energy and cost savings over standard incandescent light bulbs. Size: 27 watts (high) - 3 settings Low 850 Lumens - equivalent to a 60 - 75 watt incandescent bulb. Medium 1300 Lumens - equivalent to a 75 - 100 watt incandescent bulb. High 1800 Lumens - equivalent to a 115 - 135 watt incandescent bulb. Reduces environmental pollution that contributes to climate change, smog and acid rain. Lasts an average of 10,000 hrs - equivalent to 5.5 years operating at 5 hours a day. Dimensions: 48"h x 10.5"w in normal position. Color Temperature: 6500K. Color Rendering Index: 91. Three Year Guarantee. Available Colors: Black Anthrocite, White, Walnut Burl.
Comfort View Full Spectrum Floor Lamp - White Price: $96.95 Comfort View Full Spectrum Floor Lamp - Anthrocite & Walnut Burl Price: $99.95 Full Spectrum Fluorescent Floor Lamp - WhiteFull Spectrum Fluorescent Floor Lamp - AnthrociteFull Spectrum Fluorescent Floor Lamp - Walnut Quantity:
Ecolume Full Spectrum CFL Floor & Desk Replacement Lamp
	A direct replacement for Clear View Floor & Desk Lamps, but will fit other similar floor & desk lamps. Full Spectrum design duplicates outdoor daylight characteristics. Very high Color Rendering Index improves color perception and allows for true and vibrant color presentation. Full Spectrum lighting can be used in retail environments, art studios, beauty salons and anywhere true color and skin tone representation is desired. Lasts up to 13 times longer and produces up to 5 times more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. Provides substantial energy and cost savings over standard incandescent light bulbs. Reduces environmental pollution that contributes to climate change, smog and acid rain. Lasts an average of 10,000 hrs - equivalent to 5.5 years operating at 5 hours a day. Can be used in single setting lighting fixture, but will illuminate at lowest setting - 850 lumens. Size: 27 watts (high) - 3 settings Low 850 Lumens - equivalent to a 60 - 75 watt incandescent bulb. Medium 1300 Lumens - equivalent to a 75 - 100 watt incandescent bulb. High 1800 Lumens - equivalent to a 115 - 135 watt incandescent bulb. Color Temperature: 6500K. Color Rendering Index: 91. One Year Guarantee - based on daily usage of 4 hours. Made in Belgium of high quality components. Not all CFL's are produced with high quality components such multi-phosphor coatings, which provide consistent performance and trouble-free, long life. Dimensions: 6.5"l (from base) x 3.25"w (at base) x 0.75"d (at base). Note: not to be used on dimmable lighting fixtures.
Full Spectrum 27 Watt Floor & Desk Replacement Lamp Single piece. Price: $8.95 - $1.95 Sale! while quantities last Desk/Floor Lamp 27W Full Spectrum Bulb Quantity: