By now everybody knows of the BIG SAVINGS when you change your old lightbulbs out for new “CFLs” …compact flourescent lights. But did you know that some of your old flourescent FIXTURES may need to be replaced too?
According to the US Department of Energy website, newer flourescent fixtures have newer technology in them that is more energy efficient.
Quote: There are new, even more efficient lamps that use better electrodes and coatings than do older fluorescent lamps. These lamps produce about the same lumen output with substantially lower wattage.
Common 40-watt and 75-watt lamps can be replaced with energy-saving lamps of 34 watts and 60 watts, respectively. Energy-saving lamps for less-common fluorescent fixtures are also available.
If you need to replace the ballasts in your fluorescent fixtures, consider using one of the improved varieties. These fluorescent ballasts, called improved electromagnetic ballasts and electronic ballasts, raise the efficiency of the fixture 12%–30%.
Newer electromagnetic ballasts reduce ballast losses, fixture temperature, and system wattage. Because they operate at cooler temperatures, they last longer than standard electromagnetic ballasts.
Electronic ballasts operate at a very high frequency that eliminates flickering and noise. They are even more efficient than improved electromagnetic ballasts. Some electronic ballasts even allow you to operate the fluorescent lamp on a dimmer switch, which usually is not recommended with most fluorescents.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/lighting_daylighting/index.cfm/mytopic=12260
Replacing your out-dated fixtures could save you big money in the long run, and help the environment. I know most of the classrooms and church offices I’ve been in have OLD fixtures on the ceilings.
Maybe you could get individual members to “Adopt a Fixture for the Future” and make a donation to replace “their light” so that they can “let their light shine before others.” Catchy, huh?
Disposal Note: Old tubes have trace amounts of MERCURY in them. The electrical ballasts in the fixtures should also be disposed of properly, and the fixture should be recycled if possible. Contact your local waste management company for information and the location where you should take them.