Complete Computer Solutions conserves over 40% lighting energy

Given the current electrical energy price increases, and requests from both Washington and Oregon governors to conserve, we recently undertook the project of retrofitting our offices' 20-year-old fluorescent fixtures with newer, more efficient, lower energy ballasts and lamps, while improving the lighting environment for our staff.

We previously had 22 4-foot, 4-lamp fixtures, each containing two older electro-magnetic ballasts, rated at .77 amps x 2 = 1.54 amps per fixture. The older T12 (one and a half inch diameter) fluorescent tubes used 34 or 40 watts per lamp.

Our new electronic ballast powers the 4-tube fixture with only 1 ballast per fixture, and when used to power only 3 of the newer T8 (one inch diameter) lamps, consumes .77 amps per fixture, half of the previous usage! The newer ballasts are quieter, cooler and give a more even flicker-free light with less power loss to heat the office. The three T8 lamps give approx. the same illumination as before, but we've also paid a bit more per bulb to get a higher quality light.

COSTS (approx.)
22 ballasts x $20 = $440; 66 tubes x $3= $168; TOTAL =$608
And part of a weekend to install!

We estimate at the current local power rates, this should pay back in less than 3 years, even sooner with the anticipated higher electric rates later this year!

LINKS
US Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency Recommendations
Magnetek Lighting Products
General Electric: Business Lighting