re: WC 100K Post Challenge - You Ready?!
I did read through the previous posts and I noticed some talk of LED lights. I'd like to pass on my knowledge of them. I'm not an expert but I can safely say I probably know way too much about them.
Where does my knowledge come from you may ask? Simple. I'm in charge of lighting design on this very large project. I've had three vendors come in to discuss LED lighting for industrial lights. We're talking high power and special here. However, the knowledge is the same regardless.
1.To start. If you have fluorescent tube lights (not bulbs), do not replace them with LEDs currently as the savings in energy consumption is no different. The only benefit is long life. So wait until your fluorescent lights blow and get a completely new fixture to use LEDs. If you have a fluorescent light bulb in a cold area and have trouble turning it on, replace it with LED. Fluorescent lights are terrible with cold temperatures.
2. If you're going to buy LEDs make sure you get the latest generation. I believe we're in second gen at the moment. Don't wait for the next gen as LED technology hasn't peaked yet. What's available now is very good for the average household.
3. With LEDs it's not the actual LED that is the weakest point, it's what's known as the driver, or the electronics that drive LEDs. This will fail long before your LEDs do.
4. LEDs hate heat. When you buy a LED bulb insure it has a good heat dissipation. For example, if you buy a spot light ensure it has a nice heatsink to lose heat otherwise you simply won't get the long life out of them.
5. LEDs are direct light. The most important factor in design is the reflector in the bulb you buy. Ensure you're getting the best angle for your situation.
6. There are two types of light colour typically. Day Whites and Warm White. The Day White will feel very 'blue' in essence. It's a different light than what you're used to. So be careful when you purchase. If you want something similar to what you have now, it's most likely a Warm White you're after.
7. Lastly, you need to buy special 'dimmerable' LED bulbs if you plan to use a dimmer. You won't be able to do it with regular LED bulbs. Also I've been told the effect may be a bit weird.
Obviously the cost savings in using LEDs is enormous. Using a simple example. A 100W light bulb can be replaced by a 10W LED. To put that into perspective, that's 10X less power.
If you need any help choosing bulbs let me know. I can go over the technical specs and ensure you get a good bulb. Most should be very good these days but sometimes you can get a bad batch, just like smartphones.