| Lighting Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Q: | What is an ESCO? |
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| A: | An ESCO is an Energy Saving Company whose business is to study an existing facility and design and install Energy Conservation Measures (ECM). They will perform an energy audit that may include lighting, HVAC, geoexchange, other renewable energy resources, and provide a turnkey program that may include performance contracting (guaranteed savings) operation/capital lease, or other methods of financing. | |
| Q: | Why have my metal halide lights turned so dim looking? | |
| A: | Over the life of the lamp (20,000 hours) this type of lamp may depreciate up to 75%. | |
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The graph above depicts the lamp lumen depreciation comparison between a T8 fluorescent and a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp. After the initial comfort level decrease, the T8 retains 94% of it’s light level output while the HID continues to experience a dramatic depreciation. |
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| Q: | I have already replace fluorescent with HID (MH/HPS), so why should I go back to them? | |
| A: | The old-fashioned magnetic ballast/T12 lamps in their day were more efficient than the previously used Mercury Vapor and incandescent lamps. However, with the Energy Act of 1992 the traditional full wattage fluorescents were taken off the market and replaced with the so-called energy saving lamps. The less wattage fluorescent lamp was not compatible with the standard ballast and it caused both premature lamp and ballast failures. Comparing the combination of the new generation electronic ballast and T-8 and/or T-5 lamps to the old magnetic ballast/T12 lamp combination is like comparing the Model-T to a Lexus. | |
| Q: | What lamp company is the best? | |
| A: | For all practical purposes, General Electric, Phillips and Sylvania are on par with one another. Their CRI and Kelvin temps are very similar as is lamp life. | |
| Q: | What electronic ballast is the best? | |
| A: | Once again, stay with the major brands, i.e. Sylvania, GE, Howard, and Advance. You should have a competent ESCO recommend various ballast factors to work in conjunction with various lamps and make sure the ESCO has designed and installed several million sq. ft. of buildings. Experience is vital. | |
| Q: | What is the difference between a T-8 and a T-5? | |
| A: | Temperature sensitivity, Wattages, and Ballast Technology. T8 ballasts allow for numerous combinations of power factors and overdriving lamps. T5 ballasts are limited in this regard. Typically T5s have higher wattage requirements. T5s tend to under perform in high heat areas. However, T5s outperform T8s in colder environments. | |
| Q: | My distributor recommended Pulse Start Metal Halide, is this a good option? | |
| A: | Unfortunately, Pulse Start Metal Halides only reduce the energy consumption by about 20-25%. When other options exists that will reduce operating cost by 50-60%, it is worth a little extra cost to benefit long term. | |
| Q: | Is it true, that the typical warehouse can reduce their lighting cost up to 60%? | |
| A: | Absolutely, the right combination of electronic ballasts and fluorescent lamps in combination with occupancy sensors can easily reduce the on-going operating cost by 60% or more. | |
| Q: | Are their still utility rebates for energy saving lights? | |
| A: | Yes. However, they are not available in all states or areas. Some rebates are complicated, some are less complicated, and others come and go before you have a chance to apply. There are companies that specialize in the rebate business and a good ESCO usually can assist. | |
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