Colorful holiday lights adorning houses and trees is a tradition seen everywhere during the months of November and December. In recent years, these lights have began the transition to become fully LED. It is no secret that LED lights are much better for the environment, and you electric bill, than the old fashioned incandescent bulbs. 

While it may seem nonsensical to throw away your old-fashioned bulbs that still work fine, it will save you money and save the environment. The price tag of LEDs are more expensive than the incandescent counterpart, but they can last 40-50 years depending on how you care for them. LEDs also used 10 times less energy than a comparable incandescent strand. Producing a strand of LED lights produces about the same amount of greenhouse gases as producing one pound of corn kernels to trim an average sized Christmas tree. "That may seem surprising, since natural, farm-raised popcorn just feels greener than manufactured lights." 

To read the full article from the Washington Post, click the following link: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/led-holiday-lights-really-are-quite-efficient/2013/12/06/60352792-5b5c-11e3-a49b-90a0e156254b_story.html?utm_content=bufferef0b9&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

UK-based Pro-Teq Surfacing has recently developed a new type of resurfacing technology that illuminates at night. The new resurfacing product is called Starpath. It is a liquid-based product that is mixed with natural earth aggregate material. The surface that is sprayed will become non-slip, water resistant and will glow. It has made the Cambridge Park in the UK the world's first self-powered sustainable path. The Starpath helps lessen the risk of accidents of collisions. Pedestrians and cyclists will be more safe with a lit path even when it is pitch black outside. A thirty minute application of the product will extend the life cycle of existing paths and lanes because it gives a new protective top layer. Starpath hardly interrupts the public because it is ready to use in a matter of a few short hours. With this type of technology, energy and money will be saved across the globe.

Check out the full article here: http://www.eco-business.com/news/worlds-first-uv-powered-path-absorbs-energy-give-light/

Cree recently came out with a new type of bulb. It is the first of its kind to emit natural light and is the first to meet California Energy Commission LED bulb specifications.  The new TW series bulb has a coloring rendering index (CRI) of 93. The higher the rating, the more accurate the color the actual color of the object it illuminates. The bulb uses 78% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than your typical light bulb. It is also dimmable with most standard dimmers. Another great aspect of the bulb is that it is backed by Cree's 10 year limited warranty. The 40 watt replacement retails for $17.97 and the 60 watt replacement retails for $19.97. Year after year, you will find that these bulbs will more than pay for themselves.

Learn more about this new type of bulb here:  http://www.cree.com/Lighting/Landing-Page/Cree-Bulb

When installing lighting at your business, you have many options to consider. The following will help you decide which option is right for your business. 

Florescent Lighting:
This type of lighting is the most commonly used among businesses. The lighting it provides is similar to the light you see in outdoor daylight. This choice has high light output and is also very efficient. It is a good choice for high-ceilings.

LED Technology:
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are very popular in offices, signage and general lighting. LEDs radiate little heat and are a very long lasting source of light. They can be expensive to install, but will benefit you later on down the line. The money saved from their efficiency makes them worth while. 

nLight Technology:
nLight is a newer form of lighting technology with many controls available with them. They are daylight-based, time-based and sensor-based. They are also very cost effective and reduce energy costs by about forty percent. nLight reduces energy output and user effort, which makes it a favorable choice for many business owners.

Contact an electrician for the best results for your business. 

Faulty electrical wiring can lead to many problems, so it is important to keep a close eye on what problems your electrical systems may be having. Ignoring these problems can lead to serious damage, so consider these warning signs to prevent electrical-related fires and more.

Warning Signs

• If your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, it may be overloaded or there is a problem with your wiring. It may also mean that there is a faulty electrical appliance connected to the circuit.
• If you notice your lights are dimming, it may be caused by faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit.
• If you notice flickering lights, it may be caused by fixture damage or an outdated electrical system.
• If you hear a slight buzzing sound coming from any electrical outlets or switches, it may be from either your device or loose wiring in the box. Also check if the cover-plates and outlet faces are hot to the touch.
• If you smell burnt plastic, it means that there is wire damage. The smell can be very faint, but if noticed call your electrician immediately.

Any of these signs mean that there is damage in your electrical wiring. Be sure to call Griff's Electric for repairs and replacement.

Electrical Safety Month is coming to an end.  but that doesn't mean you should forget to always be safe when around electricity. It is important to always be aware of new electrical Industry Codes and Regulations. The Electrical Safety Foundation International provides information on codes, regulations and the latest electrical news.  http://www.esfi.org/index.cfm/pid/10286