Did you know roughly 1/4 of your electricity bill is used specifically for lighting? With recent changes in lighting technology, we now have the ability to control the costs of our electricity consumption more effectively. Choosing the right light bulbs for your home or business may be confusing with all the different options we have today, so we’ve listed the three most common types in hopes to shed some light on the issue.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs, the oldest and most common bulbs on the market, are relatively inefficient compared to other bulbs. They work by connecting an electric current that travels through a wire filament, heating up the filament until it illuminates. Unfortunately, up to 90% of the actual energy it consumes produces heat. The cost of each bulb is the lowest compared to other bulb types, but their lifespan is also the shortest, as they only last up to 2 years (based off 3 hours of use / day). With the passing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, manufacturers are working to produce more efficient incandescent bulbs that produce up to 25% less energy.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Distinctive by their bold designs, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are the most energy and cost effective bulb type on the market today. An electric current is driven through a tube containing argon, and a small amount of mercury vapor that triggers the actual illumination. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, cutting overall electricity costs significantly without producing excess heat. Their lifespan can be pushed up to 9 years, and technically pay for themselves after just 9 months of use, costing less than half as incandesces bulbs for the same amount of light.

Note: research has shown that CFL’s work best when left on for long periods of time, but lose efficiency when turned on and off regularly.  Because of this, it may be best not to use CFL light bulbs in areas like closets where the lights are usually just flipped on then off.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED)

Making an appearance in electronics starting in 1962, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), are rapidly taking the lighting industry by storm with its highly effective technology. By connecting a diode to an electrical current, electrodes are triggered within the diode, forcing them to release photons, which we see as light. The up-front costs of LEDs are higher compared to other bulb-types, but ultimately they last up to 25% longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Manufacturing has increased drastically in recent years, and companies are expected to offer more affordability in the near future. By reducing energy consumption by up to 80%, LEDs pave a direct path to lower electricity bills.

Being able to run a successful small business takes an exceptional amount of hard work and know-how, but even then you are not guaranteed to make a profit. While talent and dedication to your craft are major pieces to the formula of success, sometimes you simply need an outside perspective to gain the ability to see the whole picture of what could make or break your Des Moines business. For example, consider a local bakery. While it takes expert levels of knowledge to bake an excellent bread and to create the types of cakes and pastries that keep customers returning to your store, your bakery could benefit greatly from a visit by the local electricians at Electrical Gurus. Not only do we offer the electrical maintenance services that can keep every business up and running, but we also can assist your business by creating specialty lighting to enhance your storefront and bring in even more customers.

The speciality lighting services offered by the electrical contractors at Electrical Gurus have a vast number of benefits for a local business such as a bakery. While our professional staff can obviously handle the electrical installation, our designers can create specialty lighting that highlights not only the exterior of your bakery but also improves the interior. From creating lighting for display cases that showcase your delicious cupcakes and French breads to vibrant menus and shop signs that attract business, our specialty lighting electrical service will certainly improve the way customers see your business.

If you are looking for ways to improve your local Des Moines business, call the commercial electricians at Electrical Gurus today for expert specialty lighting design that will make your business truly shine!

This is a great time of year to take advantage of year-end closeouts and end of season sales on things like hot tubs and swimming pools. The height of the outdoor season is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you will be huddling up inside for the next six months. The weather in southern California will stay mild for months and you can enjoy the luxuriousness of a hot tub in your own backyard. If you have a swimming pool and have been thinking about having it heated, now is the time to buy. An electrician in Burbank can help you take care of the installation process on the deals you score. The team at The Electric Connection is on standby to take care of any of the wiring and electric panel upgrades you may need to make your new addition to the home a success.

Hot tubs require their own breaker in the electric panel. They need a 240-volt outlet as well. This is a big one and not the standard outlet you plug your toast into. Most homes do not come equipped with a spare 240-volt outlet, which means it will need to be installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners can choose where they want the hot tub placed and the electrician will take care of wiring the outlet and running it back to the electric panel.

Because a 240-volt outlet is going to be a big extra, you may very well need to upgrade your electric panel. Your Burbank electrician will do an inspection of the panel and see if there is enough room to add the breaker that will solely support the hot tub. An upgraded electric panel will give you all the electricity you need to run all the appliances in your home without worrying about tripping breakers or using weak currents that could damage the electronics and appliances. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your new hot tub installation.

From twisted to swinging, the top 5 LED pendant lights award the most sophisticated styling and sensational lighting effects.  Here are our top picks from the Dallas Market Center…

1.  “Swing” from WAC Lighting’s Modern Forms

“Swing” from Modern Forms presents a playful, yet powerful geometric filled with sparkling Art Glass encased in Polished Chrome.  These 10-inch mini pendants may be artistically grouped in a linear or circular pattern to deliver superb LED illumination.

2.  “Manette Grande” from Tech Lighting

“Manette Grande” from Tech Lighting adds a sleek and versatile sophistication to this contemporary cylindrical composition.  A myriad of finish options, including Antique Bronze, Black and Satin Nickel,  combined with custom mix-and-match hand-blown glass in a choice of Clear, Smoke or White makes for a winning presentation.

3.  “Helix” from Hubbardton Forge

“Helix” from Hubbardton Forge is magnificently twisted and tastefully tapered in this minimalistic contemporary style.  Superb finish options include Natural Iron, Mahogany and Burnished Steel for a classic ensemble to highlight interior design schemes from retro-casual to modern-formal.

4.  “Masque Grande” from Tech Lighting

“Masque Grande” from Tech Lighting delivers gently diffused illumination in a modern-contemporary 22-inch Energy Smart pendant.  The blown glass shade is available in choice combinations:  Clear-White, Smoke-Black and Smoke-Gray with finish options in Black, Satin Nickel or White for a cleverly defined and robust illumination.

 5.  “Light Spheres” from ELK Lighting

“Light Spheres” from ELK Lighting dazzles with hundreds of LED light sources within Chrome plated glass balls and a laser-cut Stainless Steel frame.  Floating elegance and remarkable illuminating effects bring this pendant light to the top of the A-list.

The Dallas Market Center, home of the American Lighting Association (ALA), is the most complete wholesale merchandise resource for home decor and the lighting industry.  Attracting buyers and exhibitors from around the world, the Dallas Market Center is where the “best of the best” introduce new products, including the latest giftware, decorative accent pieces, garden accessories, and–of course–outstanding LIGHTING designs!