Month: September 2022

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There’s good news for homeowners concerned about rising energy costs. You can save hundreds of dollars in taxes, and even more in lower power bills, by taking steps to reduce the amount of energy you use at home.

Light Your Home Without Lightening Your Wallet

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There’s good news for homeowners concerned about rising energy costs. You can save hundreds of dollars in taxes, and even more in lower power bills, by taking steps to reduce the amount of energy you use at home.

The Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 provides federal income tax credits for installing equipment upgrades, including qualifying energy-efficient exterior doors, windows and skylights. According to David Westbrook, a Charlotte, North Carolina, CPA and CFP™ (Certified Financial Planner), the regulations are quite specific but researching and purchasing qualifying products can be worth the effort for the tax breaks, not to mention ongoing energy bill savings.

“Residential tax credits, which are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your federal income tax, can be realized for heat pumps, central air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces or boilers and even insulation improvements such as sealing ducts,” Westbrook says. “Exterior doors, windows and skylights also qualify,” he says. He advises homeowners to do their homework prior to making purchases or improvements to be sure that specific government guidelines are met and the expenditures qualify. “A good starting point is http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.”

Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, agrees that qualifying energy-efficient skylights, either replacements or new installations, can help to reduce power bills by bringing more balanced natural light and ventilation into homes.

“And there is a model and price range for every home,” Patrick says. “Available skylights include electric or manual venting; fixed with or without a ventilation flap; and fixed for replacing faded plastic bubble skylights with clear, energy-efficient glass. There are also models specially designed to meet code for use in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas, as well as models with electrochromic glass that can be lightened or darkened by remote control and that don’t restrict the view to the sky,” he says.

In addition to skylights, roof windows are available for in-reach applications requiring egress, such as in finished attics, and VELUX Sun Tunnel™ skylights can be used when a view to the outside is not needed, as with closets, laundry rooms, pantries, hallways and second baths.

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The only way to protect your home, investment and the lives of you or your loved ones is with a properly installed lightning protection system. No other form of protection works properly and many people and companies have tried to either harness or repel lightning before it strikes, but their efforts have been ineffective. The only effective means is providing a safe path to ground for the lightning strike

lightning protection, lightning rod, lightning cable, strike

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Not much thought goes into an actual lightning protection system. People observe lightning all the time but seldom consider their homes or businesses being struck by lightning or the loss of life that can accompany it. Did you know that a Lightning bolt has an electrical charge of roughly 100 million volts and the heat generated in the path of a lightning strike gets more than 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit? That s approximately 5 times hotter than the surface of our sun.

Lightning reportedly causes over 10,000 forest fires to start each year in the United States. The energy discharged by a Lightning strike is so intense that it can melt sand where it strikes and turns the sand into glass. These glass tubes that are formed are called fulgurite.

The only way to protect your home, investment and the lives of you or your loved ones is with a properly installed lightning protection system. No other form of protection works properly and many people and companies have tried to either harness or repel lightning before it strikes, but their efforts have been ineffective. The only effective means is providing a safe path to ground for the lightning strike.

There are more lightning strikes occurring in the United States each year than many people realize. Detection instruments and scientists have estimated that lightning strikes somewhere in the US over 24 million times a year and it kills an average of 73 people. That is just deaths; more than 700 people are seriously injured. Tornadoes kill approximately 68 people a year and hurricanes kill about 16 people a year in the U.S. About 10% of the people that are struck by lightning are killed while the other 90% are left with long term effects and problems such as migraines, headaches, seizures and mood disorders, numbness and possibly more. If you are listening to a radio and static starts to occur that can mean that lightning is about to strike (either the radio station or near you).

Lightning protection cable is specific and manufactured to work correctly for the millions of volts that lightning produces. Just using a large copper cable instead of proper Class I conductor cable will not work in a lightning protection system. Lightning conductor cable is specified to contain at least 32 strands and each strand needs to be 17 gauge (for copper cable) (24 strand, 14 gauge for aluminum). The entire cable must be woven or braided as the lightning charge travels on the surface of each strand. The cable must be specified as 65,000 circular mils of conductivity.

This type and quality of cable can not be obtained at a local building center or hardware store. The cable must be bare and never coated or painted. That would defeat the whole purpose of the correct conductor cable. Trying to save yourself some money on buying the incorrect cable will end up causing damage and your insurance will deny your claim if the wrong products are used. A lightning grounding cable needs to be UL certified and approved by the Lightning Protection Institute. Some insurance companies offer a homeowners discount if you have a lightning system installed on your house.

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* What are the different types of lighting?

The different types of lights are incandescent, tungsten-halogen, compact fluorescent lamps, tubular fluorescent fixtures, and HID (high-density discharge).

Incandescent lights have a relatively short life. They can only withstand between 1000 and 3000 hours of continuous use. They are also the least efficient source of regular lights.

Tungsten-halogen are lights that belong to cateogyr of incandescent lamps. They have be…

lighting,lights,lighting fixtures,lamps,lightbulbs,light bulbs,halogen,flourescent,incandescent

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* What are the different types of lighting?

The different types of lights are incandescent, tungsten-halogen, compact fluorescent lamps, tubular fluorescent fixtures, and HID (high-density discharge).

Incandescent lights have a relatively short life. They can only withstand between 1000 and 3000 hours of continuous use. They are also the least efficient source of regular lights.

Tungsten-halogen are lights that belong to cateogyr of incandescent lamps. They have become gradually popular in recent years. They generate a white light with more intense standards.

Dense florescent lights are a kind of fluorescent light but generate color more similar to some incandescent lamps. They combine the standard features of other lights.

Tubular fluorescent lights are in tubular shape. They have a smaller diameter but are more efficient compared to other lights. They have a magnetic ballast that the lightning features depend upon.

HID is a type of light that has a high output of light. Its components are mercury, metal halide, vapor and high pressure of sodium lighting.

* What are the different kinds of fixtures?

An extensive diversity of fixtures is available for different purposes. In general, fixtures are practical, versatile, presentable, and durable to make the interior design colorful.

The three main groups of fixtures are end piece fixtures, ceiling lights fixtures, and landscape fixtures.

End piece fixtures have a design to work with solid standard cable wire.

Ceiling light fixtures are handled with modified cable with larger diameter and capacitors.

Landscape fixtures are used for giving colors and additional attraction for the background of landscape.

* What is a fluorescent light?

A fluorescent light produces energy from the atom. It is composed of many small particle pockets that expand to cause momentum. The basic unit of lights in flourescent is light photons.

Atoms discharge light photons when the electrons heat up. The electrons travel around certain orbit to increase the net charge and produce energy levels. After that light is produced from the nucleus.

* What is incandescent light?

Incandescent lights produce light by a shimmering filament. The filament is heated by white-hot electric current. Incandescence is the light-giving method. A glass container or lamp encloses the bulb.

It normally has a vacuum with a low-pressure to produce oxidation of filament with a high temperature.

* What is halogen?

Halogen can provide brilliant illumination by the use of electric current to heat the filament of metal and tungsten until it burns. Halogen has a filament inside a container or envelope.

A halogen lamp works much the same way as an incandescent lamp. On the other hand, the chemical reactions between halogen lamps are proficient and brighter than incandescent lamps.

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Kitchen lighting is a form of home lighting specifically for the functional purpose of a kitchen. In the kitchen several requirements need to be met and these must be aided by precise lighting. Thus kitchen lighting is mostly task lighting and ambient lighting and less of decorative lighting. Good kitchen lighting, from an aesthetic and functional standpoint, incorporates both ambient and task lighting.

kitchen lighting,cabinet lighting,lights,lighting,kitchen lights,

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Kitchen lighting

Kitchen lighting is a form of home lighting specifically for the functional purpose of a kitchen. In the kitchen several requirements need to be met and these must be aided by precise lighting. Thus kitchen lighting is mostly task lighting and ambient lighting and less of decorative lighting. Good kitchen lighting, from an aesthetic and functional standpoint, incorporates both ambient and task lighting.

From the perspective of a professional lighting designer, the kitchen is one of the more interesting and versatile projects one can tackle. Filled with numerous nooks and crannies, cabinets and appliances, shelves and other specialized areas such as islands, kitchens can present more lighting challenges than any other room in your home.

Start with the task areas. These are best lit with bright, shadowless light. Fluorescent tubes are particularly well suited for this. You want to get the fixture close to the task area so as to get maximum light concentrated on the area you wish to work. In kitchens this would be counters, sinks, and tables. Spot lights and directional lights also provide task lighting in kitchens. For pantries or other closets, small Under Cabinet Lights provide good illumination. They can be mounted inside the closet above the door header to provide glare free lighting on the closet contents.

Ambient light is the general, overall light that fills in shadows, reduces contrast, and lights vertical surfaces to give the space a brighter feel. Fluorescent tubes are well suited to the job of providing ambient light. They provide broad, even illumination and their efficiency makes it possible to fill the space with light without turning it into an oven. Incandescent down lights are more dramatic and give a brilliant white light but require several fixtures to avoid shadows in a kitchen.
Direct lighting is achieved by using conventional recessed lights, surface lights or light fixtures that are on a pendant or chain. These types of lights work well to provide bright lighting for work surfaces and general purpose lighting in the kitchen area. Rope lighting and small recessed lights are budget friendly.

Add a layer of accent lighting. You may be lighting artwork, architectural details, collectibles, or a food presentation area.

Kitchen occupancy sensors can be used in place of expensive complicated 3-way switches in kitchens with multiple entrances. If the sensors can “see” all the entrances from their mounting location, they will turn on the lights automatically whenever anyone enters the room from any direction.

The importance of kitchen lighting is often overlooked. The traditional kitchen has been replaced by a modern one where people interact in quietude over the counter. Thus kitchen lighting is evolving with the needs of modern households.

Cabinet lighting: make your cabinet attractive as never before:
When it comes to interior, cabinet d cor is a matter of high attention as beautiful cabinets make the place more attractive specially kitchen. Normal type of lighting has a problem of shadows and reflections and it hampers the quality of light. There are under cabinet and cabinet lightings having different types of uses and specialties. Cabinet lighting has a variety of old and new-fashioned lights with a great variety. Polished with brass and silver the lights look more attractive and they make the cabinets look brighter. These days there are a lot of lights having a great finishing touch with a variety of colors. There is a great lighting including ambience lights and halogen lights that are used for enhancing the quality of cabinet brightness.

Types of cabinet lighting:
The types of lights depend upon brightness, consumption of voltage, color and temperature. There are some adjustable lights that can be moved in a full circular motion. Some people have a problem of heat from the lighting so for them lights with an effect of florescence can be of a great use. Like the halogens radiate heat and create a problem for the people who cannot sustain heat these are a convenient option. There are some lights that have a brightness adjustment effect and they are very useful in each time of the day. Another good point is efficiency of energy and flickering free technology that can cut down maintenance cost. The life of lamps is more due to usage of xenon and hence they are worth of their price.

Usage of cabinet lighting:
Most of the cabinet lighting is used fro display of things or to provide a sufficient amount of light for normal working. Most of them are used in the office for desktops, at hospitals, studying rooms or library, bathroom closets, bedroom shelves, nooks and corners along hallways and stairways, living rooms, family rooms and anywhere else where a little brightness is required. For the kitchen installation one thing should be kept in mind that it should be in front or near the cabinet. It will be beneficial for providing the exact amount of required light with an added elegance of brightness to the kitchen cabinet. Hence by the usage of these tips you can enhance your cabinets.

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This unique contemporary pendant by home lighting will compliment any bedroom or living room. Enhance your room design with this great indoor lighting.

Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Home & Garden Lighting.

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This guide aims to inform you on different aspects of lighting to help you buy the right combination of lighting for your home. Each one of us has individualistic taste that reflects our lifestyle and preferences. When it comes to lighting, few of us pay attention to details, whereas a thoughtful approach can help you bring to life your very own home in ways that add drama and ambience to any space just the way you imagine .right out of the home d cor books.

Start with a realistic list of the lighting fixtures you need. With lighting, you need to look beyond the trend, for you don t want to buy a fashionable lamp only to change it one year down the line. Work on the list with emphasis on,
– Interior lighting: Living room, Bathroom, Study room, Bed rooms
– Outdoor Lighting: Home & Garden Lighting

Before you decide how much you want to spend. A good lighting plan will,

Highlight and illuminate
Improve on poorly lit areas
Bestow a room with desired ambiance
Personalize and enhance safety and security

Once you have rescheduled your list and prioritized areas, you would exactly know where you stand. Maybe you are looking for complete lighting make-over or installations. Or perhaps, you would like to do it in stages, starting with the high-priority list. Here are some of the known lighting solutions, segregated for your convenience,

Ceiling : Ceiling lights and lights above can add a great deal of charm and elegance to a room.

Ceiling fixtures: Ceiling fixtures are not just decorative; they can be used to highlight important areas in the kitchen, bathroom to the ceiling. You can find ceiling light fixtures in different shapes and sizes to fill the platter.

Pendant lights: Unlike fixed ceiling lights, pendants are hanging lights suspended from the ceiling. You can create the most interesting impressions with pendant lighting.

Low lights: Fixed directly in the ceiling, recessed lights can be used as spotlights in all rooms.

Track lighting: Track lighting consists of a light or series of lights mounted to a metal track. Just move, swivel, or rotate a light to suit your immediate lighting needs.

Wall Lamps : For highlights and accents, wall lights come in handy to add softer shades to a room d cor. They can be practically used anywhere, from living area to bathroom. Indirect lighting decorates a wall space, and when used intelligently can offer the most intriguing combination of art and d cor themes. When used in bathroom, you can highlight the areas you wish, like above a mirror, and opt for a shade to minimize the glare. There are great modern and combination wall lights available for a variety of interior settings like,

Wall-mounted fixtures: Wall sconces can be fixed to walls. Used to highlight paintings, art work and other d cor areas, they illuminate the surface of a wall and add a touch of sophistication..

Swing-arm lamps: For study and work, swing-arm lamps offer utility and function.

Table Lamps : Table lamps, desk lamps or task lamps serve well in the study room. Used to highlight specific work areas, you get a wide variety right from architects lamps, task light, bankers lamp, dimmable and adjustable desk lamps that can swivel and swing and can be used for a variety of functions.

Floor Lamps : While buying floor lamps, you may want to ask a few questions,

1)What is the purpose of the lamp (aesthetic, functional or highlighting
specific areas or a combination of all)

2)What is the styling theme at your home? Does the lamp compliment the theme?

3)What is the ideal material: Glass, steel, paper, wood, bamboo, bronze?

Types of Floor Lamps :

a) Console Floor Lamp: It is a classic design with a single pole and a glass or cloth globe.
b) Tree lamp: Used to highlight different areas, a tree floor lamp has a central pole and have three or more branches.
c) Arc Lamps: Aesthetic and modern, it can just stand as a statement or be used to highlight specific areas .
d) Torchiere/Torch Lamps: Designed to highlight and focus on light upwards, this light offers a great ambience.

Outdoor Lamps : Outdoor lighting is equally crucial to highlight important zones for safety and security as well as to provide right amount of illumination for outdoor life. Here are some important types of lights,

Path lamps: important to highlight walking path that leads to home, the lighting is used to line up a path.

Light lamps: Useful in patio and outdoor areas, you can hang them on the wall next to the front door, or in an open entrance, or outside the house on walls that lead to the garden.

Floodlights: You can highlight any favorite area like sitting area in the garden, or a great looking plant for outdoor theme.

String lights: String lights are festive lights but can bring a new dimension even if you light them on a tree or a path during outdoor parties or to highlight trees and shrubs.

Lanterns: Offering an interesting contrast to modern d cor, you can light up lanterns to highlight the yard, lobby, backyard, entryway, or driveway.