FAQs

Energy Efficient Lighting: Fluoro or LED?

Should price be of no influence on this decision LED or Light Emitting Diode would be the number 1 choice due to its extremely low running costs when compared to halogen and even fluoro, its running temperature which is the lowest of all lamps and most importantly LEDs lamp life with most rated from 15000 hours to 80000 hours.

LED lamps can be 2 to 4 times the cost of fluoro therefore the upfront investment can be significantly higher, if the budget doesn’t allow for LED in the short term then fluoro is a great choice and a significant improvement on the halogen downlight. It would be suggested that choosing a fitting that will house a LED down the track be ideal as retro fitting when LED lamps reduce in cost would likely be most homeowner’s motivation.

Fluoro Lamps: Lifespan?

Fluoro lamps are rated longer than the standard halogen or incandescent lamps of the past but are affected by the nature in which they are used. For example a fluoro is best turned on and left on, igniting the lamp for short periods dramatically reduces its lifespan. Most fluoro lamps are rated for 8000 hours, this when compared to a standard halogen should last 8 years. However if this lamp is used in short intervals this will bring the lifespan back to similar estimations of the halogen about 1-2 years. Ultimately the lifespan of a fluoro depends on how it’s used.

Ceiling Fans: 3 vs 4 blades?

3 blade metal fans are by far always the best when it comes to air movement, 4 blades will not produce as much air. Research states that 3 blades is the optimum number for best air moving performance and efficiency. Adding more blades can reduce performance by creating more aerodynamic drag on the motor. More blades are usually only added for styling purposes not for performance. Some consumers are usually drawn towards more blades out of the fear that 3 blades might be inadequate, not educating themselves in this area will do them a disservice.

Ceiling Fans: Metal vs Wooden Blades?

Like a greater number of blades, wooden blades exist mostly for styling purposes. They do serve a notable service to consumers that are near salt water or in an area that experiences a lot of oxidation. Consumers should not that they will sacrifice air movement in aid of not having a metal fitting likely to rust.