The power that runs to our home is something we have come to rely on. There isn’t a part of our day that does not somehow use electricity. It is how we cook, tell the time, play and stay clean. When the power goes out, our lives are turned upside down. Fortunately, the power grid has been fairly stable. Unfortunately, it isn’t stable enough and the smallest thing can take it out. It is a good idea to be ready to deal with a power outage should one catch you off guard. An electrician in Burbank has some tips for putting together a power outage kit. If you have any questions about power outages or what to do, give The Electric Connection a call.

It is a good idea to put your supplies in a drawer or in a small tote stored in a cupboard in a hall closet. It needs to be easily accessed in the dark. Adding a glow in the dark sticker or two to the tote can help make it stand out.

*Talk with a Burbank electrician about having security lights installed in your home and outside. These lights will automatically turn on when the power is cut. Some of these plug into an outlet and will come on when the power goes out, providing you with instant light.

*Toss in a few emergency candles and matches along with candleholders.

*Some LED headlamps and/or flashlights is also a good idea.

*Have the number to the power company in the kit or somewhere you can easily find it.

*Keep a few cans of food on hand along with a manual can opener just in case the power outage extends into the meal periods.

You can avoid the problems created when the power goes out by having a standby generator installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners will take comfort in having a backup source of power. Give The Electric Connection a call today and learn more about preparing for power outages.

Bulbrite Lightbulbs – from LEDs and CFLs to halogens and colorful novelty lamps – Capitol Lighting’s 1-800lighting.com is proud to present quality lamps from Bulbrite Industries.  Bulbrite is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, energy-efficient light source solutions. Founded nearly 40 years ago, Bulbrite is a family owned business renowned for its commitment to innovation, education and new technology. The company has introduced and designed award-winning products, including its exclusive KX-2000®, Halogen R111 GU10 and LED MR16.

Capitol Lighting Provides Top Quality Lamps and The Best Light Bulbs…. and We’re not Screwing Around!

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting.

CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. Newer CFL bulbs provide a warmer illumination similar to that of common incandescent and they provide an attractive alternative adaptable to most standard lamp sockets.

LEDs are small, solid light bulbs, which are extremely energy-efficient and durable. New LED bulbs, grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses, have broadened the applications for LED use in the residential home environment.

You may never have to change a lightbulb again, with the unsurpassed quality, energy-efficiency and long-lasting illumination from Bulbrite. Celebrate superb new lamping options from Capitol Lighting and enjoy the best illumination for years to come.

Capitol’s Guide to Lamping Options for Best Illumination:

For more information on the latest lighting applications and the best light bulbs, visit with the lighting experts at Capitol Lighting.  Take advantage of outstanding service and value on the finest in home lighting and accessories at 1800lighting.com.

Enjoy Capitol Lighting’s “Oktobulbfest” with grand promotional values on the best light bulbs from Bulbrite Industries.  Stock up and save on select bulbs for a lifetime of illumination.

At Capitol Lighting’s 1-800lighting.com you will find over 1,000 different lightbulbs from your average incandescent A Lamp, to your color corrected compact fluorescent. Capitol Lighting offers the best in quality and service to satisfy all your lighting needs!

What’s Working Today:  It’s All about Compatibility.

With the lightbulb market and technology boom, it may be overwhelming to choose the correct lamps to illuminate your home for maximum efficiency and according to your style.  However, with a little bit of wisdom, you may see the light and choose the best light bulbs to satisfy your decorative and functional needs.

Know the lighting lingo:

Know the lightbulb basics:

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are the most recent addition to the residential bulb market. These lamps use 80% less energy than incandescent and last up to 50 times longer.  Excellent for task lighting, night-lights, and outdoor applications, they are more expensive than most lamps, but their durability, long life, and energy-efficiency will save you money in the long run.

Did you know roughly 1/4 of your electricity bill is used specifically for lighting? With recent changes in lighting technology, we now have the ability to control the costs of our electricity consumption more effectively. Choosing the right light bulbs for your home or business may be confusing with all the different options we have today, so we’ve listed the three most common types in hopes to shed some light on the issue.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs, the oldest and most common bulbs on the market, are relatively inefficient compared to other bulbs. They work by connecting an electric current that travels through a wire filament, heating up the filament until it illuminates. Unfortunately, up to 90% of the actual energy it consumes produces heat. The cost of each bulb is the lowest compared to other bulb types, but their lifespan is also the shortest, as they only last up to 2 years (based off 3 hours of use / day). With the passing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, manufacturers are working to produce more efficient incandescent bulbs that produce up to 25% less energy.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Distinctive by their bold designs, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are the most energy and cost effective bulb type on the market today. An electric current is driven through a tube containing argon, and a small amount of mercury vapor that triggers the actual illumination. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, cutting overall electricity costs significantly without producing excess heat. Their lifespan can be pushed up to 9 years, and technically pay for themselves after just 9 months of use, costing less than half as incandesces bulbs for the same amount of light.

Note: research has shown that CFL’s work best when left on for long periods of time, but lose efficiency when turned on and off regularly.  Because of this, it may be best not to use CFL light bulbs in areas like closets where the lights are usually just flipped on then off.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED)

Making an appearance in electronics starting in 1962, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), are rapidly taking the lighting industry by storm with its highly effective technology. By connecting a diode to an electrical current, electrodes are triggered within the diode, forcing them to release photons, which we see as light. The up-front costs of LEDs are higher compared to other bulb-types, but ultimately they last up to 25% longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Manufacturing has increased drastically in recent years, and companies are expected to offer more affordability in the near future. By reducing energy consumption by up to 80%, LEDs pave a direct path to lower electricity bills.

Sometimes it can seem that the light switch is connected to your wallet. But you don’t need to live with the lights out to keep your money to yourself. Here are some tips to help you make your lighting more efficient this year.

BC Hydro offers a simple comparison chart of the lighting technology currently available. Because of the wide range of brands and types of bulbs, be sure to do your homework before purchasing new bulbs for your home to make sure they will fit your needs. Energy Star also provides a helpful purchasing guide for when it comes to choose your bulb.