Which flourescent lights are best for my business

T12, T8, and T5 are all linear, tube-shaped lamps; the “T” simply indicates the tubular shape of the lamp. The number after the "T" indicates the diameter of the lamp in 1/8s of an inch. So a T12 lamp is 1 1/2" in diameter, a T8 is one inch, and a T5 is 5/8 inches. These lamps are available in different lengths with 4 feet being the most common.

T12 lamps are the older fluorescent lighting systems that are still in widespread use. T8 lamps are now the standard lamp used in general overhead lighting, having replaced the less efficient T12 lamps. T5 lamps are the newest technology and generally used in different applications than T8s. For example, because T5 lamps are brighter than T8s they are better suited to locations with higher ceilings because of the glare they can produce.

High performance T8 and Super T8 lamps are two different names for the same type of lamp. High performance T8 lamps have a higher efficacy (more lumens per watt) than standard T8s. And they last longer than standard T8 lamps. There are also energy saving, or low wattage, T8 lamps. Although they will use less energy than standard T8s, they will also provide less light.

T5 lamps provide about the same amount of light for the energy used as T8 lamps. However, improvements in the design of luminaires (fixtures) are improving the overall performance of T5 lighting systems. Newer luminaires are also being designed to allow T5 lamps to be used in more varied applications. Because of their different size and optical properties, T5s should only be used in fixtures designed for them, and generally can’t be used in fixtures designed for T8 lamps.

High output T5 lamps are also available. High output lamps are not the same as the high performance T8 lamps discussed earlier. As the name implies, they provide a lot of light per lamp. A 4-foot high output T5 lamp will provide about 40% more light than a standard T5, but at about twice the wattage. High output lamps allow a space to be lighted with fewer fixtures. T5 lamps are gaining in popularity as a replacement for metal halide lighting in high bay applications. One big advantage fluorescent lighting has over metal halide is the time it takes them to reach full brightness, especially when the lights are turned off and then right back on. The warm up and restrike time for metal halide lamps can be as long as 15 minutes.

So which lamp type is best for your business? It depends. Lighting is a tool, and like any other tool you want the right one for the job. You can always improve lighting quality and efficiency by replacing T12s with either T8s or T5s. T5s are newer, but not necessarily better or significantly more efficient. T8 lamps will continue to be a good choice for many applications

Baranowski, Craig. "Ask a Lighting Expert." CMP Frequently Asked Questions n. pag. Web. 22 Jul 2010. <http://www.cmpco.com/YourBusiness>.

When to Turn Off Personal Computers

If you're wondering when you should turn off your personal computer for energy savings, here are some general guidelines to help you make that decision.

Though there is a small surge in energy when a computer starts up, this small amount of energy is still less than the energy used when a computer is running for long periods of time. For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off

• the monitor if you aren't going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes
• both the CPU and monitor if you're not going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

Make sure your monitors, printers, and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector. When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, turn off the switch on the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off. If you don't use a power strip, unplug extra equipment when it's not in use.

Most PCs reach the end of their "useful" life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times have a negative impact on their service life. The less time a PC is on, the longer it will "last." PCs also produce heat, so turning them off reduces building cooling loads.

For cost effectiveness, you also need to consider how much your time is worth. If it takes a long time to shut down the computer and then restart it later, the value of your time will probably be much greater than the value of the amount of electricity you will save by turning off the computer multiple times per day.

"When to Turn Off Personal Computers." Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 30 Oct. 2009: n. pag. Web. 13 Sep 2010.