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The Energy Policy Act of 2005’s long-range energy policy became effective January 1, 2006 with the U.S. government offering significant accelerated tax incentives as a reward for installing or retrofitting energy-efficient lighting. Since lighting represents up to 40% of the average commercial building’s electrical costs, retrofitting with energy-efficient upgrades can reduce operating costs by 30 to 50%. Most importantly, EPAct 2005 allows the capital investment to be depreciated in the first year.
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The Fluorescent Advantage
Fluorescent lighting has become the replacement source of choice for interior warehouse and storage lighting for a number of reasons. These include:
- Improved energy efficiency – Typical mean lumens per watt (LPW) for Metal Halide is 53 – 56, for T8 and T5 fluorescent it is 83 to 103 mean LPW.
- Better color rendering – Typical metal halide lamps have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 65. T5 and T8 fluorescents have a CRI of 85.
- Constant color – Metal halide lamps may shift color over time while fluorescent lamps retain their color properties throughout their life.
- Short run-up time – Conventional Metal Halide lamps require 4-6 minutes to get to full brightness. Fluorescent lamps reach full brightness virtually immediately.
- Instant restrike – After a momentary power interruption, Metal Halide lamps may take up to 11 minutes to restrike. Fluorescent lamps restrike immediately
- Safety – Some Metal Halide lamps may have a non-passive end of life that could prove dangerous to people or goods in the vicinity. For that reason, it is recommended that Metal Halide fixtures be relamped at 80% rated life. Fluorescent lamps do not have “end-of-life” issues.
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