Saturday, September 27, 2008
21st-century guide to indoor lighting
This is an article from cnet.com
Thomas Edison’s lightbulb has been lighting the world for more than a century, but its predominance is beginning to fade.
A new era of lighting is dawning, designed to meet the needs of a power-hungry and resource-challenged 21st century. There have never been so many options for illuminating the indoors.
“My crystal ball says that in five years, the home is going to be a mix of incandescents, LEDs and fluorescents,” said Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center at the University of California at Davis.
As prices drop for alternative lighting in the coming years, consumer options will proliferate. Today’s technological innovations make Edison’s work look like the stuff of a middle-school science fair. Compact fluorescents are looking lovelier, white LEDs last a decade, organic LEDs make ceilings and countertops glow, and fiber-optic tubes can pipe true sunshine from roof to cellar.
“The lamp aisle in stores is already a mile long,” said Siminovitch. “It’s gonna be confusing.”
Incandescent lightbulbs
What: Since General Electric patented tungsten bulbs in 1906, the core technology hasn’t changed much. Incandescent lightbulbs exclude oxygen from a soft glass chamber, in which an energized tungsten wire releases photons, or light. Halogen lights work similarly, but a halogen gas keeps them burning brighter, hotter and longer.
To environmentalists, incandescent lightbulbs are looking less like the bright idea they have come to symbolize. Traditional bulbs could be phased out in the United States over the next decade. Australia and the Canadian province of Ontario are set to ban them.
“In 10 years you won’t be able to buy energy-wasteful incandescent bulbs,” said Eric Corey Freed, architect and founder of Organic Architect, in San Francisco. “It’ll get to the point where we’ll each be responsible for the energy we consume because it leads to carbon emissions and global warming.”
Pros: Old-school lightbulbs are cheap, easy to find, and come in an array of shapes and sizes that fit most light fixtures. They turn on instantly and emit a full spectrum of light to mimic the sun’s rays.
General Electric is designing incandescent bulbs to be as efficient as compact fluorescents by 2010.
Cons: Antiquated incandescents waste 90 percent of their energy as heat and burn out in as little as 750 hours. This energy inefficiency can cause painful utility bills for individuals while demanding more production from power plants, one-third of which are coal-fired.
Lighting makes up as much as 20 percent of power consumption in U.S. households, according to the Department of Energy. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that switching every home to compact fluorescent bulbs would prevent the release of 1 trillion pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
In addition to ecological and economic concerns, the heat given off by incandescent bulbs can make it hard to keep a house cool on hot summer days, leading to higher air conditioning costs.
Even worse, halogen bulbs pose dangerous fire hazards and are too hot to handle. Merely touching quartz halogens leaves bodily oils on the surface of the lamp that can lead to an explosion.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
What: Fluorescent lighting involves chemical reactions in which phosphor powder glows when energized by gases that include mercury.
Pros: Fluorescent lights have come a long way since the 4-foot tubes common in industrial ceiling fixtures. Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, come in an array of colors, sizes and shapes and at prices low enough for big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Target to give them prominent shelf space.
“Fluorescents coming onto the market in the next year to five years are going to be incandescent-like,” said Siminovitch.
Compact fluorescent bulbs in corkscrew, globe and spotlight designs fit into most light sockets, and many now work with dimmer switches. More CFL-friendly lamp and chandelier styles are also coming onto the market as bulb makers reduce the bulbs’ telltale buzz and flicker.
CFLs fade gradually when they die, indicating when a replacement is due. Because fluorescents last at least 10 times longer than tungsten bulbs, however, a replacement might be necessary only every few months or even years.
Fluorescent bulbs are 90 percent energy efficient, nearly the reverse of incandescents. Although CFLs contain poisonous methylmercury, environmental groups contend that the energy efficiency reduces pollution by letting polluting power plants relax.
Cons: It’s illegal in seven states to dump mercury-laden fluorescent bulbs with the regular trash. Yet lightbulb recycling options are hard to find. Mercury-free alternatives include ceramic metal halide or xenon fluorescents, but these remain rare and less efficient. However, members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association have pledged to cap the amount of mercury in CFLs at 6 milligrams per bulb. Wal-Mart is planning to reduce the amount of mercury in its compact fluorescents by 30 percent.
Siminovitch recommends buying Energy Star-rated bulbs for the best quality. “We devalue this technology by going into the store and buying the three-pack for two dollars,” he said.
Some fluorescent bulbs can take several minutes to warm up and don’t operate well in freezing or very hot temperatures. Their cool, narrow-frequency light doesn’t appear warmer when dimmed. And without ultraviolet filters, fluorescent bulbs can damage colors in artwork and fabrics.
Many CFLs cost twice to three times more than their incandescent counterparts, a barrier for bargain shoppers. Broader-spectrum CFLs may be more expensive. But these bulbs recoup their cost over the long-term through reducing electrical consumption.
LEDs
What: Light-emitting diodes are solid-state semiconductors. In LEDs, light shines from a chip rather than passing through a bulb or tube. OLEDs, on the other hand, are made with an organic laminate that glows when energized.
Alarm clock LED displays are the grandparent of today’s multipurpose LEDs. After the blue variety came along in the 1990s, engineers were able to combine them with red, green and yellow LEDs to create a beam of white light with potential beyond their use in a host of electronic gadgets. Even more recently, quantum dot nanotechnology is helping to create broader-spectrum LEDs with less of a blue hue.
Pros: LEDs turn on instantly, dim easily, and deliver a focused light ideal for a precise space, such as a desk. Because LEDs come in many colors, filters are unnecessary. The small size makes LEDs ideal for creative uses, such as lining bar counters and staircases. Ultra-durable LEDs are increasingly common in flashlights and traffic lights and will be found increasingly inside of household appliances. And rather than burning out instantly, LEDs dim gradually.
LED lights generally use one-tenth the energy of an incandescent bulb and can last a decade or longer, but without the poisonous mercury found in fluorescents. Prices will likely drop and availability will increase as solid-state lighting becomes cheaper to manufacture. The nanocrystals that make up the newest white LEDs can be grown chemically in a lab, and organic LEDs can be printed.
OLEDs could be used to create phosphorescent ceiling tiles, furniture, curtains and more. Tech manufacturers currently use OLEDs in MP3 players, mobile phones, monitors and printer displays. Unlike LCDs, they don’t require backlighting and they demand little energy.
Cons: For now, few people are willing to spend upwards of $15 on an LED lightbulb or to track them down in specialty stores.
LEDs waste less energy than incandescents but more than CFLs. That’s why leaving a microwave plugged over its lifespan can eat up more power than it uses to cook.
LEDs also contain inorganic compounds such as toxic gallium arsenide, which hasn’t been thoroughly studied.
OLEDs are still being perfected in laboratories and are likely to reach a broad market within a decade.
Daylighting
What: Many lightbulbs are designed to mimic the sun’s glow, but daylighting pipes in real sunlight from the outdoors. Hybrid solar lighting technology collects sunshine from a rooftop and channels it indoors through reflective fiber-optic tubes. On the roof, mirrored domes may shift according to the sun’s location in the sky.
Less complex daylighting systems are also available. Architect Freed, for instance, creates sun tunnels by connecting a skylight to a tinfoil hose that snakes into a dark corner. The result looks like a light fixture, but it dims when clouds or birds pass overhead.
Pros: Daylighting is attractive for spaces that lack windows. Unlike skylights, fiber-optic solar lighting directs beams to specific locations in a room, and the flip of a switch can cut off the flow.
Such a setup delivers the equivalent light of 17 fluorescent lamps, according to manufacturer Sunlight Direct.
In sunny climates, next-generation daylighting systems could save a business or household many thousands of dollars in energy costs per year. Daylighting may also lead to better health. Various studies connect natural sunlight with mood boosts, higher test scores in schools, increased productivity in offices and better sales in stores.
Cons: Sophisticated daylighting systems aren’t yet widely available for homes, and despite the long-term utilities savings, installation costs are prohibitive. For instance, Solatube, which uses tubular skylights, charges a household $200 and up per 200 square feet.
When the sun goes down, so do the lights. Since sunlight can’t be stored well, electricity is needed at night and even on gray days. Although filters can adjust the color temperature of the incoming lighting, the rays may look redder in the mornings and evenings along with the sun’s cycles.
The reach of daylighting systems is limited as well. Solatube’s systems can extend 50 feet, but that’s not enough to keep a skyscraper from going dark. Daylighting companies are racing to compete with more reflective tubes, precision dimmers and other innovations.
Lighting controls
As bulb alternatives put a slew of new choices into consumers’ hands, new lighting controls offer additional options for conserving money and power. Dimmer switches, timers and occupancy sensors can save a household hundreds of dollars a year–especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where people tend to leave the lights on during the day.
And aside from changing bulbs or splurging on next-generation technologies, quick fixes such as hanging mirrors and cleaning windows can maximize indoor lighting, said architect Freed. More architects are following his path of designing buildings that maximize available natural light instead of relying upon electricity to supply it.
“If we can crawl before we walk, we’ll be fine,” said Siminovitch of UC Davis.
Blackhead Removal Tips
This is an article from blackheadremovaltips.com
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads and zits are not the same. Similar, but not the same. But just like zits, you can’t help but squeeze them. Both are made from sebum, the oil that causes the spots. So blackheads are a build up of this type of oil in the skin pores. Blackheads are different in appearance because of the reaction of the sebum when it is exposed to air.
This type of spot can easily be hidden by make up as they are not bright red like your everyday zit. And because it does not look like a zit, you may be tempted to have a good old squeeze of it. But as you can guess, this is not the best way to remove a blackhead. So what are some of the better ways to remove these blackheads?
Blackheads are caused by an over production of oil in the glands contained within the skin. What makes it worse is when dead skin is not removed, adding to the blockage of the glands. So instead of that good old ’squeezing of the blackheads’ routine, go for clean skin instead.
Keeping the skin as clean as possible, washing away excess oil build up and dead skin particles is the best start. Choose a mild and gentle cleansing lotion to avoid drying out the skin. Also try to use a gentle exfoliater to shift the old skin cells away.
Something to remember is that blackheads will always try to return but how do you get shot of the more stubborn ones? If all else fails, you may need to think about squeezing, but very softly. The trick to this is to open the pores on your face by placing your head over steam. Then use a clean soft tissue and gently squeeze to remove the stubborn blockage. The important part to remember is to be gentle. Squeezing too hard may make the blockage go downwards, which in turn will cause a nice zit. So go easy.
Additional Ways to Remove Blackheads
When it comes to using surgery in the treatment of blackheads it sounds like a drastic measure. But for the removal of blackheads the surgery involved is a simple procedure and non invasive.
For all types of acne removal, the common and most widely used procedures are dermabrasion and chemical peeling. Other common techniques include collagen and fat tissue filling. And depending on the full extent of the blackheads, laser treatment in various strengths is also an option.
Hopefully on your visit to your dermatologist (doctor of the skin), he will examine you and recommend what will be the best treatment for you.
If the blackheads or acne have caused scarring on the surface of your skin, a course of chemical peel would be ideal. it has also been known to yield very good results even when the scarring has become quite deep.
Laser treatment is ne of the more common forms of treatment for acne type conditions. The strength and duration of the laser treatment is dependent on the condition of your problem. Using infared laser beams (hence the name laser treatment), this treatment elevates the scars and tightens skin tissue without harming the patient.
Laser treatment has the ability to get to the lower skin layers, more so than many other acne treatments. This means the results are permanent. More complicated spots and scarred tissue areas may also be treated this way, even if the scarring is messy and seemingly beyond hope.
The dermabrasion technique is a treatment that was designed around the problems of acne scars. It is considered better than the chemical peel as it has the ability to reach deeper into the layers. The scar which look like they were made using an ice pick are treated by combining the punch excision of the scar tissue and dermabrasion.
And for the real bad cases, skin grafting is used but only when necessary.
With any surgical procedure you may choose to follow, the main point is that that the treatment is used to enhance your skin, which needs the strength to renew and reproduce new skin tissue.
This is all made easier by taking on the right type of eating habits which will always help with any skin treatment.
Your skin will always need the essentials such as vitamins and cleanliness to help keep the blackheads at bay.
Home Remedies for Blackheads
If you use cosmetics, use water based products and the non-comedogenic ones. Always avoid any greasy lotions, vegetable oils, lanolin, parabens, alcohol, glycol and petroleum based cosmetics.
Tea tree oil is good for blackheads and all other acne due to its anti-bacterial and antiseptic qualities.
Coconut oil and jojoba oil feels nice on the skin and helps to heal any scarring.
Try not to eat sugary foods, greasy foods and foods that contain iodine. Try to keep your vitamin A levels at your recommended daily amount.
Get into the habit of exfoliating your skin 3 or 4 times a week. Always exfoliate gently with mild products.
Try and aim to drink 8 - 10 normal size glasses of water every day. And if possible, consume water rich fruits like melon and cucumber. The water will help wash away any toxins and open the blocked pores helping your skin to breath.
Stay away from humid conditions such as poorly ventilated rooms.
Don’t pick and squeeze the blackheads. Tempting, but don’t.
Stay stress free. Try yoga or any other relaxation activities
When in the sun, try not to stay exposed for long amounts of time. Always use a suitable sunscreen.
Exercise is a good way to naturally improve your circulation and combat the bacteria which causes acne.
Ibuprofen is worth a try as it has no steroids and helps fight any inflammation.
A few drops of water with one half table spoon of sandalwood powder and apply to your face. Be careful to avoid contact with the eyes. Let the mixture dry on your skin and rinse.
You can make a facial scrub from 2 tablespoons of almond meal, 1 tablespoon of ground lemon rind and 3 - 4 tablespoons of milk. This will rid your face of excess oil when scrubbed gently.
If you have oily skin, try a clay mask. Mix 2 tablespoons of yogurt with 2 drops of lavender oil, 2 tablespoons of green clay, 2 drops of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add water to make it into a paste. Avoid the eyes and let it dry on your face. This will give your skin a very deep clean.
Mix 2 or 3 drops of cedar wood oil and the same amount again of sandalwood oil and massage gently over the face. This mix will create nice soothing effect and is a fantastic way to treat eczema as well as acne and blackheads..
Make a face mask from an egg white, 2 tablespoons of kaolin, 1 tablespoon of oats, 1 tablespoon of cornflower and blend it with just enough rose water until it forms a paste. The add some lavender oil and stir thoroughly. When ready, apply to the skin on face but avoid your eyes.Let it dry and then rinse off.
Blackhead Facts
So throughout this site you have heard the term ‘whiteheads’ as well as the main topic of the site which is blackheads. Why that terminology and what is the difference?
Acne starts by developing on the follicles of hair which have sebaceous glands attached. The glands produce a naturally occurring oil called seburn. For various reasons, the oil seburn changes in type and amount to give the hair follicle scales. It is this which blocks the pores of the skin to cause acne.
The initial stages of the blockage presents itself as a whitehead or a blackhead. These are also known by the term ‘comedones’. The comedone is a follicle that is congested and full of seburn and dirt. An open comedone is referred to as a blackhead because of the colour of its appearence. A closed or blocked comedone is referred to as a whitehead. This is usually a bump or pimple presenting itself as a small elevation in the skin surface.
Whether you have blackheads, whiteheads or both. Don’t squeeze them. Why? You run the risk of causing an infection or even leaving a permanent scar. We discuss elsewhere in this site as the best course of action if you feel you need to squeeze but if you have the time. It is always best to seek the advice of a dermatologist.
And always remember the basics. Wash twice daily with warm water and mild soap to remove excess oils and dead skin particles. Your skin may take a little while to clear up so don’t hasten the procedure by scrubbing your skin as this will make it worse.
Patience is the key. Try to rush or take shortcuts could leave you with permanent damage
Blackhead Treatment with Chemical Peel
Before you learn how to treat blackheads with chemical peeling, you need to fully understand about blackheads.
Blackheads and whiteheads usually indicate the first signs of acne. This takes development on the follicles of hair which usually have the sebaceous glands attached to the hair.
These glands in turn then produce a natural oil called seburn. For whatever unknown reason, the seburn varies in the amount produced which can result in scales on the hair follicle. it is the scales which block the skin pores which in turn causes the acne to begin.
So what you see is a zit, be it a blackhead or a whitehead. In a nutshell, the follicle is plugged tight and filled up with the seburn oil, dead skin cells and dirt.
An open but blocked pore is the blackhead and the closed but blocked pore is the whitehead. This one is the common zit, the small pimple.
The blackhead is black in colour not because of dirt but the colour is the reaction to the seburn oil being exposed to air.
As you may have already encountered, blackheads can be problematic to remove successfully. Even with medication, sometime they are still there, all present and proud. This is the time the chemical peel is brought onto the scene.
The qualified person who performs the chemical peel should be just that, qualified. The procedure involves applying a chemical onto the surface of the skin for a given period of time. The time the chemical is left on the surface of the skin is dependent on the strength of the chemical.
As the name suggests, the chemical peels of the micro layer of the top skin surface and as the new skin heals, any scaring or previous blemishes have now been shed.
The term chemical can conjure up images in the mind of skin burning red when the chemical is applied but fear not. The chemical used to make up the peel is very mild and is usually on the skin for only 10 minutes or so.
The skin which comes away with the peel will usually be the dead skin cells with the blackheads attached.
This treatment is not something you get over the counter and you will need to consult your doctor or G.P. before taking the next step.
More Blackhead Treatments
You can imagine the scene. You’re getting ready for a date and everything is going well. You look into the mirror and there it is, a dreaded blackhead! The breakout could be due for a number of reasons. Anything from hormones to cleanliness could be the cause. Whatever the reason for the appearance of the blackhead, there are treatments you can use.
A few of the more popular remedies and preventions you can take to combat the blackheads include oral contraceptives and antibiotics. The antibiotics are a great way to get rid of the bacteria which can be the underlying cause in blackheads. They also help on the more pimpled areas of your skin. The oral contraceptives are used to redress the balance of your hormones as too many hormones is another cause of blackheads.
Some more prescription treatments worth a mention include both Tretinoin and Adapalene gel. This gel will help to keep your pores clear and clean but beware of the side effects such as itching and irritation, dryness and sickness. And if you are using birth control pills, please note that the Adapalene will reduce the effectiveness of the pills!
The Tretinoin comes in lotion form. it is also available as a cream or gel. Use this to help unblock the pores. Tretinoin should only be used as a short course but users agree the results are usually good.
Some more treatments/remedies include Benzoyl Peroxide. This comes under many brand names and helps to overcome the strong bacteria that is involved in the production and growth of blackheads.
Anti-Androgen products will help to lessen the production of the natural oil seburn and comedone. It will also aid in the prevention of hormone production that accelerates the problems with blackheads.
A solution called Proactiv® Solution which was made by a high ranking dermatologist is used to combat the blackheads. It works as a 3 step system of a combination of high strength ingredients to help solve the difficulties.
Retinoids and Salicylic Acid which are found in some products help to decongest the skin pores by removing any dead skin cells to help clear your skin.
As a daily routine, hot water and soap at least twice daily. Always was the spotty areas with a gentle motion. Never go harsh as this will irritate the skin. Rinse well and pat dry.
Blackhead Prevention
You could easily blow a fortune on wonder cures for blackhead treatment. But there are many ways to help and treat the problem for a fraction of the cost.
So here are 3 of the more cost effective steps you can take to prevent blackheads:
Step 1 - clean from the inside - We all wash the surface of our skin but for even cleaner skin, think about what you are putting inside of you. There are certain ingredients which help block the skin pores and hinder the treatment process
One of the big culprits is vegetable oil. This can cause the breakout of blackheads simply due to the fact that vegetable oil is known to cause imbalance in the hormone levels
So what should you do. Try not to cook with vegetable based cooking oils, such as sunflower oils. This is where the biggest amount of vegetable oil in your daily intake may be coming from.
Also, be aware of vegetable oil as an ingredient in sauces and other various food products so you will need to get into the habit of checking the ingredients on food packaging where possible. this is a simple step and there is no need to despair. You may need to lose a few of your favorites but there are usually alternatives.
Just from this step alone, a difference will be noticeable in your skin.
Step 2 - Eat quality - The need for nutrients in your body is of great importance as this will really help to improve the quality of your skin surface and reduce the appearance of blackheads.
Try to eat and incorporate more whole foods and vegetables into your daily diet. These foods are full of vitamins and minerals. If you feel you may not be eating enough of this type of food to get your recommended daily allowance of the various vitamins needed, start taking a good quality vitamin supplement.
Step 3 - Do you have candida? - Yes, strange question but also an important one. Candida does cause acne and many people are not aware if they even have it. One of the main symptoms of candida is a white coating of the tongue. If you find that you do indeed have candida, the one major step you will need to undertake is to remove as much sugar from your diet as possible. And to help speed things along, consider taking probiotics (if you don’t know what they are, take time out to look it up).
These are basic steps to combat candida but feel free to do a search or seek medical advice for more advance steps.
Just by introducing these three steps mentioned above will see a marked improvement in the quality of your skin. These steps are safe cost effective way in your battle against the blackheads.
Blackheads and Smoking
We all have our own theories regarding blackheads and the various factors that will affect the treatment and removal of them. But if you’re a smoker, will you have less of a chance of a quick cure?
Numerous studies have been carried out to find out the exact effect of smoking and how plays in the treatments of blackhead removal. But as of yet, nothing concrete or solid results have been established.
Make no doubt about it that smoking will greatly slow down any treatment of blackheads. We don’t know if smoking will actually cause the onset of blackheads but if you wish to see faster results, it’s best to kick the habit.
But if you can’t kick the deadly weed try not to make things even worse when outdoors in the summer time
It has not been scientifically established but many people believe sunlight has the power to reduce blackheads. This is based on the fact that the rays of sunshine help to lower the amount of bacteria in the skin.
On the flip side, to much sun is well known to be harmful to the skin and can cause an aged look. And as a worst case scenario, too much sun can play a part in the formation of skin cancer.
Many medications used in the treatment of blackheads can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and you may find that you don’t need to exposed to the sun for too long before the sunburn starts.
Be sensible and know your limits when it comes to your exposure to sunlight.
Blackhead Myths
There are many folklores and much hear say about what causes blackheads and pimples. There is an equal amount of speculation or so called fact in regards to what works best in the treatment. Too much information. But there are a few common beliefs which keep coming up over and over again. Lets discuss 4 of them below.
Myth number 1 - More washing means less spots - Too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. Although you must keep the surface of the skin clean and the pores of the skin free from dirt and dead skin cells, too much washing will actually become a factor in helping the pores in the skin to clog up even more! So you will actually causing blackheads instead of treating them. Twice daily is enough for most people.
Myth number number 2 - Self pleasure can cause blackheads - To masturbate or not to masturbate. Can this really be a cause of bad skin and blackheads? In a nutshell, NO! This is just one of the ales teachers and parents have told in the past to stop teenagers from playing with themselves in that certain way. This tale has been batted around but there is no basis for it and it is not true.
Myth number 3 - Blackheads can be caused by stress - This can be true. Blackheads can be caused by an internal imbalance of hormones. And your stress levels can affect your hormone levels so it is possible. However, try not to worry about this factor as it will only raise your levels of stress and …..well, you know the rest.
Myth number 4 - bad diet plays a part - Bad foods such as lovely chocolate and other things we all love but we know is not good for us all is often blamed in the cause of bad skin and blackheads. But we have all seen certain people who carry on with a bad diet and they don’t have a single spot or blackhead. How could this be? The simple answer is, everyone is different. But for the majority of us, diet and what we eat does play a massive factor with regards to the quality of our skin. A good quality diet should not be overlooked. Yes, there are a few which diet does not seem to affect, but maybe they’re just freaks!
Blackhead Diet Treatment
Being the largest organ in the human body, the skin helps the other organs get rid of waste. The best type of blackhead treatments is a diet which aids in the skins wok of eliminating the waste. This will stop the interference with your skin which can cause the blackheads. Not getting rid of waste from the inside is a bad thing as the results is reflected in the quality of your skin surface.
The job of removing hormones from the body falls down to the responsibility of the liver. You will end up with excess hormones within the skin if your liver fails to do the job efficiently. This leads to excess oil which in turn blocks the pores.
The liver also needs to be able to flush out any toxins from the system of the body. Again, if there are too many toxins inside of you, the liver has a hard time removing the hormones.
The toxins you should most concerned about are Mycotoxins. Consider these the bad stuff. Mycotoxins are horrible little chemicals that are the excrement waste of yeast and other bacteria and usually located in the intestines. Mycotoxins can hinder the performance of the livers ability to shift excess hormones and we all know what that will lead to.
Using diet, there are a lot of foods that aid the liver in its function to remove the waste which we don’t want or need.
What type of foods should we be considering for the job? Firstly, the simple apple. The Apple contains fibre which will absorb and help to push out the crap which gets lodged in the intestines. Some of that junk in your intestines may have been in there for many years! Getting rid of the junk is of major importance as left untouched, this stuff is the breeding material for Mycotoxins.
Beetroot is another food up to the job. Beetroot is excellent for cleansing the liver and has exceptional properties.
Also consider a herb called Milk thistle. Research has been shown that this herb has certain chemicals that help the liver protect itself from various viruses, toxins and alcohol.
When we first start off in our fight against blackheads and acne, we usually seek out the best over-the-counter remedy we can afford. The trouble is that most of our skin problems start from within. So maybe the potions from the pharmacy will quell the blackheads but they will keep coming back unless you change what you’re putting inside of you.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Natural Acne Treatments
Natural herbals treatment for acne. Do you know what type of natural ingredients can help on treatment of acne? Find out the best natural treatments for you skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, which is also commonly known melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that can appear clear in color to a light golden shade. This natural acne fighting oil has been growing in popularity over the last few years as an effective alternative to over the counter and prescription blemish treatments.
The strong antibacterial properties possessed by tea tree oil make it extremely effective in treating those suffering from varying degrees of acne issues. This natural acne remedy is well tolerated by the skin making it possible for all skin types to see positive results from adding it to their daily skin care routine. Tea tree oil is often mixed with other essential oils for use as a remedy for other types of skin irritations.
Although is has a slightly slower time in producing positive results, tea tree oil applied to areas of the skin affected by acne is shown to be equally as effective as most over the counter acne remedies without producing any harsh skin irritations. Applying tea tree oil to your skin two to three times per day regularly is the most effective way to be able to help rid your skin of acne problems.
Tea tree oil is a very popular ingredient in several types of cosmetics because of its acne fighting properties. You can find tea tree oil in cosmetic products such as pressed powder and blemish concealing sticks. Cosmetics made with tea tree oil are a popular choice for women suffering acne issues as they are likely not to be able to wear any kind of make up otherwise.
Acne treatments do not need to be harsh on your skin. By developing a regular skin daily skin care routine involving skin care products containing tee tree oil you are sure to see your skin looking clear and healthy in no time at all.
Olive Leaf Extract
The healing properties of olive leaves and olive leaf extract can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece. The consumption of olive leaf tea in many cultures has been used to combat afflictions such as infections, fevers and coughs. In addition to olive leaf tea, olive leaf extract has been utilized in many methods to aid in remedying skin issues including acne breakouts.
Olive leaf extract contains very healthful antioxidant properties in addition to being able to fight of viruses and infections. Using olive leaf tea in combination with olive leaf extract can make your body healthy on the inside while at the same time making your skin healthy and acne free on the outside. Olive leaf tea and other products are very mild allowing most all people with very degrees of skin types and acne issues to be able to benefit from using it.
While side effects are usually rare, there have been some people who have experienced headaches and nausea from taking olive leaf supplements internally. See a doctor right away if you think you are experiencing a severe reaction.
This total body natural acne fighting solution is widely available and places such as health food stores and pharmacies. You will also find a wide range of information and places to purchase olive leaf extract products on the Internet. If you do not care for drinking tea there are dietary supplements available containing olive leaf extract available for you to take.
Have your health care provider recommend a dermatologist for you to consult with if you have any questions or concerns about adding a natural acne fighting product to your daily skin care routine. With proper use olive leaf extract your skin will be able to build a resistance to the many factors that can contribute to acne and will be looking better then ever.
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice root and licorice root extract has been utilized for medicinal purposes and consumption for thousands of years. The most common and well known use for licorice is to relieve upset stomachs however licorice root extract has been found to possess anti inflammatory properties and be able to clear up skin issues such as acne.
Licorice root grows freely throughout portions of Asia and several European countries. Extract and other licorice supplements are made from the roots as well as the underground stems of the licorice plant. Licorice is a perennial plant with an extensive rooting system and generally grows to between three to seven feet tall.
Licorice root extract possesses natural anti-inflammatory agents that can soothe skin affected by blemishes. If also assists in limiting the production of irritants in the body that contribute to the formation of acne.
If you are using licorice extract to treat acne be sure not to consume more then you should. Over consumption of licorice can have side effects ranging from lethargy to paralysis so it is wise to seek medical attention right away if you believe that you have overdosed.
Licorice root extract and acne fighting products containing licorice root are widely available to consumers in today’s market. Your local pharmacy or health food store are both great sources of information on all types of natural acne fighting extracts. The Internet is another venue when you could find the licorice supplements that you are seeking. Make sure to do your research before making a supplement purchase online.
If you are ever in question about what natural acne remedies may be best for your skin type it is always wise to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to let you know just exactly licorice root extract can help relieve your skin of it’s problems with acne.
Green Tea Extract
Being able to cure acne naturally with items such as green tea extract has become hugely popular over the last several years. Natural acne remedies are generally much less expensive then traditional over the counter acne remedies and are likely to produce the same skin clearing results without creating any further irritation to your skin.
Green tea has been used as an acne remedy for many years. Its ability to rid the body of irritants is very effective in clearing the skin of blemishes. If you decide to use green tea to clear up acne do not add any sweeteners to your tea as in will negate all of the positive effects that the tea can provide your skin with.
If drinking tea is not your thing then you can select for a great variety of acne fighting products containing green tea tree extract. The most popular form of acne remedy containing green tea extract is skin cream. This type of acne fighting product is gaining popularity fast among consumers as it is very easy on all skin types.
A very popular method of combating acne with green tea extract is to pair it with green tea. This is very effective, as you will not only be ridding your skin of blemishes you will also be combating the irritants from inside your body that contribute to acne forming in the first place.
Another reason products containing green tea extract are so popular is that they are very assessable. You can find them everywhere from your local grocery store, health food store and even online.
Fighting acne using natural products will always be a pleasant alternative to consumers that do not want to risk the potentially bad side effects associated with most traditional acne medications. Green tea extract should be at the top of the list of natural acne remedies for years to come.
Aloe Vera Extract
With acne being such a prominent problem with so many people, Aloe Vera extract is a gentle alternative to traditional over the counter and prescription acne medication. Not only does Aloe Vera extract contain anti-inflammatory agents in addition to immune boosting properties it also can aid in reducing the appearance of scars related to blemish breakouts.
A person that is suffering from acne breakouts should use a facial and body soap that contains Aloe Vera extract at least two times per day. This will help to keep your skin oil free without over drying it. Be sure to rinse off the Aloe Vera soap with cool to lukewarm water.
Using acne cream containing Aloe Vera extract in combination with Aloe Vera soap will be a great help to clearing up your acne. While it will not erase the signs of any acne related scars it will go a long way in reducing redness and flaky skin and it will reduce the appearance of inflamed skin and scars.
Aloe Vera is very mild and highly unlikely to produce any unwanted side effects. However, if you believe that you are experiencing any type of skin irritations related to using Aloe Vera products then seek medical attention immediately.
Since Aloe Vera is so mild and the chance of unwanted side effects is quite slim, people suffering from acne breakouts can use these types of products regularly without worrying about the condition of their skin becoming worse.
Your health care provider is an excellent resource if you have further questions and concerns about using natural products to come blemish free. The Internet is also a great resource for information concerning the use of Aloe Vera. The soothing and healing properties that products containing Aloe Vera extract can provide for your skin will have it looking fantastic in no time at all.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Phentermine - the ultimate guide
Phentermine is used togther with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Phentermine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phentermine?
Do not take phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take phentermine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any other diet medications without your doctor’s advice.
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to phentermine or other stimulants, or if you have:
* heart disease or high blood pressure;
* arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
* an overactive thyroid;
* glaucoma;
* if you are in an agitated state; or
* if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before taking phentermine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
* problems with your thyroid,
* an anxiety disorder,
* epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or
* diabetes.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use phentermine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
It is not known whether phentermine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take phentermine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether phentermine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take phentermine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take phentermine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Taking high doses of phentermine over long periods of time can cause severe skin problems, sleep problems (insomnia), personality changes, and feeling hyperactive or irritable.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
It is best to take phentermine on an empty stomach before breakfast, or at least 10 to 14 hours before bedtime.
Phentermine should be taken only for a short time, such as a few weeks.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using phentermine after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Do not take phentermine in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Stop taking phentermine if you have increased hunger or if you otherwise think the medication is not working properly. Do not take more phentermine for an increased effect. Taking too much of this medication can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Store phentermine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of phentermine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about phentermine?
Your pharmacist has information about phentermine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of phentermine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using phentermine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* chest pain, swelling in your ankles or feet, feeling light-headed, fainting, or feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
* fast or uneven heartbeat;
* unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling restless or confused; or
* increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
* feeling nervous or anxious;
* headache, dizziness, tremors;
* trouble sleeping (insomnia);
* dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
* diarrhea or constipation; or
* itching.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about phentermine?
Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any other diet medications without your doctor’s advice.
Phentermine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of phentermine.
Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
You may have withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and extreme tiredness, when you stop using phentermine after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using phentermine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
What should I avoid while taking phentermine?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of phentermine.
Phentermine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect phentermine?
Before taking phentermine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
* medicines to treat high blood pressure;
* insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;
* guanadrel (Hylorel), guanethidine (Ismelin);
* antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft); or
* antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use phentermine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect phentermine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of phentermine?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. An overdose of phentermine can be fatal.
Symptoms of a phentermine overdose may include confusion, hallucinations, feeling restless or aggressive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Definitive LED Light Bulb Buying Guide
Light emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs, are becoming more and more widespread in all types of electronics. Their current uses range from small LED flashlights to street signal lights, laptop computers, and giant video billboards.
What a lot of people don’t know is that they are starting to find their use in a more common type of lighting application that can be found in nearly every home or office around the world. I am, of course, talking about led light bulbs.
The fact that you are reading this guide shows that although the idea of using LEDs to replace traditional lighting is starting to become more well known as a greener alternative to energy-efficient lighting (as currently compact fuorescent bulbs are the most widely known), but there are still a lot of people that do not know enough to make an informed decision about how and when to purchase LED light bulbs.
This guide was written as a complete buying guide to give you almost everything you need to know to make an informed decision about buying LED light bulbs and to help you determine whether LED lighting is right for you. This will be a constantly changing document as LED lighting technology is changing so quickly so keep checking back for updates!
Introduction
Now the pace at which technology is progressing for LEDs right now is astounding as you hear about new developments in LED lighting almost every single week. One of the big pushes for this is not only a significant savings on their electric bill (although that is one of the best reasons to switch), but rather the realization that we all need to rally together and do our part to save the environment. Being green is not just about being “in style” anymore, it has become a practical business model that can help the planet as well as our pocketbooks. People are becoming aware of global warming and becoming more environmentally conscious overall, and are looking for ways to cut their energy consumption. What easier way is there than simply changing a light bulb?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (also known as CFLs) and LED light bulbs are currently the best alternatives if you want to decrease your energy expenditure in regards to lighting.
Unfortunately, LED light bulbs can be more difficult to find and the initial cost can be many times more than a normal incandescent or even CFL. This guide will help you with that decision by providing :
* a simple understanding of how LED bulbs work,
* what applications they will work best in, and
* overview of how LED light bulbs compare in the lighting industry as a whole.
I hope that after reading this, you will be able to see the benefits that LED light bulbs have over other traditional lighting solutions.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - What You Didn’t Know
Compact Fluorescent or CFL bulbs have been lauded in the past few years by the various media outlets as the new way to save energy as they are much more efficient (i.e. use less energy for the same amount of light) than standard incandescent light bulbs. What they don’t mention a lot of the time are some of the things that you have to watch out for. The largest problem that CFLs have, that no one type of standard lighting (including LEDs) has is that….
CFLs contain mercury…
CFL bulbs contain small amounts of mercury which is toxic to individuals, especially those that are still developing, such as children and pregnant women. This is an inherent part of the technology so you will never get a CFL bulb that doesn’t contain mercury. Most CFLs contain about 3-5mg of mercury. Here’s some excerpts from Wikipedias article on mercury:
“A study has shown that acute exposure (4-8 hours) to calculated elemental mercury levels of 1.1 to 44 mg/m3 resulted in chest pain, dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, impairment of pulmonary function, and evidence of interstitial pneumonitis.[37]”
“Acute exposure to mercury vapor has been shown to result in profound central nervous system effects, including psychotic reactions characterized by delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendency.”
Now what should you do if you accidentally break a CFL bulb? Here’s some cleanup procedure excerpts taken from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website :
“Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.”
“Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.”
“Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.”
“If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, - Remove the vacuum bag and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.”
“The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming.”
“If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away.”
So not only is it a pain to clean up, but it is not something that you want to have ever happen, even once. Supporters of CFLs claim that the bulbs are not fragile as are less likely to break, thus reducing the chance of needing such intricate procedures to clean them up. The fact that they are in the house or office, means that there will always be that possibility. As recently as February of 2008, the state of Maine did a study on handling broken CFLs and the precautions you need to take when disposing of them.
Other problems that CFLs have include:
They are less efficient than LEDs - CFLs, despite their efficiency, are still only about half as efficient than LEDs. A 10W LED bulb gives about the same amount of light as a 20W CFL bulb.
They have an undesirable form factor - CFL bulbs aren’t exactly appealing to the eye and currently can’t replace bi-pin halogen bulbs (MR16 and GU10) typically used in many track lighting applications.
They have a shorter lifespan - The life of a CFL is significantly shorter if it is only turned on for a few minutes at a time: In the case of a 5-minute on/off cycle the lifespan of a CFL can be up to 85% shorter, reducing its lifespan to the level of an incandescent lamp. The US Energy Star program says to leave them on at least 15 minutes at a time to mitigate this problem. (LEDs can be cycled on and off with no problem and work better in cold temperatures.)
Warm Up Time - CFLs takes a perceptible time to achieve full brightness, and can take much longer in very cold temperatures.
Not Fully Dimmable - Dimmable CFL have emerged in the past year, but there have been reports of buzzing and color shifting while dimming as well as a limited range of dimmability.
Most LED bulbs are not dimmable at the moment, but the ones that are, are fully dimmable and do not buzz.
LED Light Bulb Buying Guide
What is an LED?
LED Light bulbs are semiconductors, just like a computer chip. When electricity is passed through them, they emit energy in the form of light. They are “doped” or injected with certain chemicals, that determine their light color. LEDs convert the majority of energy passed through them to light, as opposed to incandescent bulbs that produce light as a by-product of being heated thus they can be up to 90% more efficient than traditional household filament bulbs.
Types of LED Bulbs
There are two basic types of LED light bulbs :
Floods or Spotlights - LEDs are directional in nature by the way they’re built so any application that requires directional lighting such as track lighting, flood/spotlighting and recessed lighting are a great candidate for using LEDs. Some LED bulbs can have an additional lens that can spread or concentrate the light after it exits the LED element.
Globe Shape - For areas where you need light all around you want to look for a globe-shaped bulb. This “solves” the directional light problem by using a lens at the top of the bulb to disperse the light at wider angles. These however, are a still a work around for the directional nature of LEDs and as result, you get less light output per watt of energy. Most globe bulbs give you about 50 lumens/watt or less.
How to Determine If LEDs Are Right For You?
Consider the cost savings and other benefits -
1. Cost - LEDs cost more initially, and there is no doubt that they save you a lot of money in the long run because they last longer and use less energy. Money savings is from using 80% less energy and not having to buy about 25 traditional flood light bulbs. Depending on your state, savings and time for the bulb to pay for itself can vary. Over 50,000 hour for a typical 7W LED Flood Light replacement bulb (MSRP $79.99) that replaces a 50W Incandescent Flood at 8 hours usage per day:
*If you live in Idaho where electricity is the cheapest in the country at 6.3 cents/kWh
You save: $180.46 and the bulb pays for itself in 7.6 years.
*In California where the cost of electricity is 14.35 cents/kWh:
You save: $353.54 and the bulb pays for itself in 3.9 years
*In Hawaii where the cost of electricity is a whopping 28.27 cents/kWh:
You save: $652.82 and the bulb pays for itself in 2.1 years!
Keep in mind, at 8 hours a day, these bulbs will last about 17 years before they need replacement. If the savings is not as quick as you’d like, there are a few other factors to consider as well that can strengthen the case for switching to LEDs:
2. Convenience - If you have bulbs in hard to reach places, by replacing them with LED, you dont have to worry about replacing them for a long time. No more driving to the store, buying them, coming back, taking out the ladder, and disposing of old bulbs. In places where you have a lot of bulbs, the time saved can really add up.
3. Heat - If you have a lot of flood lights in a small area, it can really heat up a room significantly. LEDs give off very little heat in comparison. By talking to energy engineers (in California), a good rule of thumb for every kwH of electricity reduced by using LEDs instead of incandescent, you can keep your thermostat higher and reduce your A/C costs by about 20%. I.e. if you save 1000 kWh of electricity per year, you can factor in about an extra 200 kWhs in reduced air conditioning costs as well. Besides the additional money savings, by switching to LED’s, your room will be much cooler.
4. Conscience - Do you feel guilty about leaving the light on? Do you have kids that ALWAYS leave the light on? With LEDs they cost a couple of dollars to run a year so you can feel better about having your lights on. A 7W LED bulb run for 8 hours a day for 365 days in California would use about $2.86 a year in electricity compared to $20.44 for a 50W incandescent flood.
LED Bulbs What You Need to Know
Bulb Lifetime
Initially when LED bulbs came out with no standards, manufacturers would claim lifetimes of 100,000 hours with no real testing. Since then the standard has been to scale back to 50,000 hours so as not to over-state claims. (Beware of bulbs that are rated at 100,000 hours unless they state specifically WHY they are rated at so high manufacturing process, heat sink materials etc., I would be wary of trusting this rating).
The lifetime of an LED lamp is generally considered to be the point where the light output has declined to 70% of its initial output, measured in lumens. So, a 300 lumen LED bulb with a lifespan of 50,000 hours will have 210 lumens at the end of its lifetime. However, the lifetime of a bulb does not mean it is unusable, only that its light output has degraded to a certain point. The LED bulb may continue to be useful for several thousand hours past its stated lifetime. Unlike old-fashioned light bulbs, it is extremely rare for an LED light to simply burn out. Rather, it will gradually fade over time.
Color Temperature
As a general rule, you should use warmer light indoors, and whiter light outdoors. A color temperature of 2500-4000 Kelvin works great indoors. You should use a bulb with a color temperature of 5000-7000 Kelvin outdoors, as the whiter light allows your eyes to see better at night. White light in the 5000-7000 Kelvin range is also excellent for display cases, boutiques, artwork, or other settings where you need excellent color rendition.
How to compare the quality of different bulbs -
There are quite a few websites online that you can buy LED bulbs. The problem is “how do you compare one bulb to another?” A quick way to do is to calculate the lumens/watt, or in laymans terms, the total amount of light you get for the amount of electricity you put in. This is done by simply dividing the bulbs wattage by the stated number of lumens.
Anything over 50 lumens/watt is good at the moment. 75 lumens/watt is very good while 100 lumens/watt is excellent.
One thing to keep in mind: A halogen flood bulb is more efficient than an incandescent flood and usually costs a little more. Typically for a halogen you get about 1.5x more light for the same wattage. i.e. a 20W halogen bulb gives about the same amount of light as a 30-35W incandescent flood. You can tell if its an incandescent or halogen by reading the packaging of the bulb.
A quick comparison as well to normal light bulbs is as follows:
* 3W High Power LED Bulb Comparable amount of light as a 30W incandescent flood.
*7W High Power LED Bulb Comparable amount of light to a 50W incandescent flood.
*12W High Power LED Bulb Comparable amount of light to an 85W incandescent flood.
Keep in mind this is just a general comparison - some bulbs may be rated as brighter or dimmer than this. LED bulbs typically have their LED chip or die bought from one place, then assembled elsewhere where labor is cheaper.
Warranty
If youre going to spend $30-100 dollars on an LED bulb make sure your investment is protected. Sure you can buy off auction sites and get them on the cheap with no warranty, and a knockoff die or you can spend the money and get a good bulb with a solid warranty. Dont settle for anything less than a three year warranty since the bulbs should last about 7 years at 24 hours usage per day.
Start Using LEDs Now!
LEDs arent a good alternative for all bulbs in your home. Depending on your situation, they make sense in some places more than others. The more people who adopt LEDs, the quicker prices will come down. Theres no doubt that as prices come down, and efficiency/light output of the bulbs increase, in a couple of years every light bulb in the world will be an LED Light bulb and CFLs and incandescent will be a thing of the past. The initial investment may be a little hard to swallow, but in the long run, youll be doing your part for the environment and your wallet and making the world a cleaner, greener, cooler place to live one bulb at a time for generations to come.
5 Things You MUST Know Before Buying LED Light Bulbs
You may have heard that LED light bulbs are the future of lighting. You may also have heard that they’re ready to replace all types of lighting in your house from Incandescents to Compact Fluorescents. I’m going to save you the hype and tell you what many sellers don’t want you to know about LED Light Bulbs:
1. They give off focused light - LED Light bulbs give off directional light. They are not good replacements for bulbs used for lighting large areas - called general lighting. They’re more suited for replacing spot light applications like track lighting, accent lighting, recessed (cans) lighting and outdoor security spotlights.
2. They give off blue light - Most people think that LED bulbs give off a bluish tint, described as a sci-fi creepy sort of light. This is sometimes true so watch out what color you are buying. LED light bulbs now come in different shades of white from warm to cold - but these will range from seller to seller.
3. They do not take heat well - Heat will drastically reduce the life on an LED light bulb. Make sure your investment isn’t put to waste by putting your bulbs near a heat source.
4. They cannot be used with dimmers - All LED light bulbs currently being sold do not work with typical dimmers. You can find custom-built fixtures using LED’s that come with their own power supplies and dimmer controls.
5. Lumens output is misleading and often exaggerated - In everyday terms, lumens is measured by taking a lumen measuring device and taking the average of the lumen rating all around a light source. An LED light bulb might have the same lumen rating as a 50W incandescent bulb, but it would be focused at a spot and would do a terrible job of lighting a small room, while the 50W incandescent would do quite well. A lot of seller’s exaggerate these ratings since there is no standard out right now for measuring the brightness of an LED bulb. The best way to really know what you’re getting is to look at how they compare it to an incandescent or halogen bulb. If they have pictures then even better.