Q: “Randall, what keeps so many people from switching to fluorescent?”
A: I feel that even when consumers know that there are fluorescents available in a spectrum of warm colors that don’t hum or buzz, they may still have a prejudice against the shape of a compact fluorescent bulb. If the bulb can be seen within the fixture, all their negative associations come flooding back, like memories of a bad first date. I want manufacturers to create fixtures that hide the light source. You’d be amazed at how many people will think it is an incandescent source if they can’t see the shape of the bulb. You might say that it’s a case of acceptance by disassociation.
 |
| As long as people can’t see the light source, they accept it as incandescent because of the warm color of the light. |
Q: “What manufacturers are leaders in fluorescent bulbs and fixtures?”
A: In California, now that the new Title 24 code is in effect, I think that there will be a rush on the development of dimmable recessed fluorescents. I am trying to get the manufacturers to sex-
up the recessed fluorescent trims to help hide the fact that they are fluorescent. Juno Lighting is one of the manufacturers that listened and is getting UL listings for many of its incandescent trims to be used with its fluorescent housings.
Other companies making good-looking decorative fixtures with hardwire fluorescent sources include Boyd Lighting, Progress Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting, Estiluz, Artimede Lighting, Aamsco Lighting and Tresco Intl.—to name a few.
For the other states, Philips Lighting and Technical Consumer Products (among others) make a series of dimmable and non-dimmable CFLs, many of which look like their incandescent counterparts. These are a quick way to start cutting down on power consumption and help protect the earth’s resources.
The EPA has a program called “Change a Light, Change the World.” By changing five of the most frequently used fixtures in your home (or the bulbs in them) to Energy StarT-qualified fluorescent products, an average household can save $60 a year in energy costs and prevent more than a trillion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. I feel less gassy already.
HURTS SO GOOD
If you haven’t tried the new GE Reveal lamps, run out and buy some.
They give your skin the same rosy glow you get when freshly slapped. |
| GOT A QUESTION FOR RANDALL?
He’ll guess your sign for a free CFL.
Send questions to:
Residential Lighting magazine
attn: Last Word in Lighting
400 Knightsbridge Pkwy.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Fax: (847) 634-7885
E-mail: cpalermo@vancepublishing.com
|
