Home-Lighting: Switching to LED Made Stress free

Suppose that I am someone who is already informed about the benefits of LED lighting (Light Emitting Diodes). Very interested, I decided to update my LED lighting home soon. I'm willing to pay a higher initial cost of LED lighting products. But before buying, the first question that comes to mind is that the selection of lighting power for the same light I / use now. Then I begin to wonder if you can easily fit their new LED lights on existing electrical equipment in my house. As I'm not sure, I try to find on the Internet looking for (maybe) "to switch to LED lighting." So I get useful answers, I also meet a lot of new concepts I only know as a "diode", "semiconductor", "photons", "light", "CRI", "GMT" and so on. My lack of knowledge makes me confident in myself, but I do ask: "Can I ignore the new conditions and continue safe?". "If I, my LED project to be successful?".

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Do not worry - these are the typical difficulties that we all face. But before you decide to hire a consultant, read the solution presented in this article. For all you know, after reading, it can happen that is not real!

Problem 1 - DETERMINATION bright LED using energy in watts equivalent:

Manufacturers are increasingly providing this information about LED bulbs and tubes as cardboard boxes phrases such as '40 Watt ', '60 watt replacement ", etc. so that this issue can be considered" solved "in many cases. If not, decide rated power LED light to buy that is equivalent to one of its long LED light, use one of the following ways:

(A) General rule: calculated proportionally, using incandescent 70W = 50W = 18W CFL Halogen LED = 15W.

WARNING: This method does not provide sufficiently accurate results to allow for the purchase / install LED product safely. Just give a fairly accurate value; Which should be used in an emergency. It can also help you to make an accurate assessment, you get used to it. Here is an example: You need to replace 100 watt incandescent bulb with the LED. This trick rule brought 22W LED bulbs (eg calculated, 100/70 x 15, decimals are rounded to integer). Cut need LED power 27 W, so that the result is the lowest 5W (about -19%). But you can make a good estimate at this stage, because LED forces can not take certain standard values ​​as 7W, 11W, 14W and 27W. Since it is necessary to make the assumption that starts at a value of approximately 22W, it is very likely that you will choose something 27W 14W, because 22 is closer to 27 than 14 years.

(B) The change of thinking in terms of lumens (lm): This method is easier and highly recommended. However, you may need to change your thinking a little bit - that is "lumens" (or brightness) instead of "W"

When we say "light source equivalent" we mean a source that produces the same amount of light (or shine) than is replaced. The unit of measurement of light shine the "Lumen" (lm) (Note: To get an idea of ​​the energy Lumen, remember only one burning wax candle produces about 13 lm light). Quantify in terms of brightness lm is a direct path, while the door around about the point of view of the light designer. In addition to being indirect, the government is not a standard measure of the different types of light produced by each film by the same court. W are not the same. Thus, a strong recommendation for the adoption of practical thinking in terms of lumens instead of watts for lighting applications in the future.

The lists below are based on the film, and can be used to directly play the same power LED power needed for the number of lumens:

450/40 (I) / 9-13 (CFL) / 4-5 (LED)

800/60 (I) / 13-15 (CFL) / 6-8 (LED)

1100-1175 (I) / 18-25 (CFL) / 9-13 (LED)

1600/100 (I) / 23-30 (CFL) / 16-20 (LED)

I = lighting, CFL = Compact Fluorescent Light, LED = Light Emitting Diode

Note: The above figures are from the Department of Energy on the Web site of the United States, energy.gov

Problem 2 - Hunting:

As LED lighting products are compatible with standards, modernization is generally simple. However, if (i) the new LED products do not fit into existing authority or (ii) existing outlets were so worn out that it is necessary to replace or (iii) is not safe

Home Lighting Technique Tutorials

Lighting is one of the basic terms used in the decoration. However, the owners are not always aware of its importance. The choice of lighting is as important, if not more than furniture. Lighting is largely responsible for the safety and well-being of family members. Where to put a different point of light, a perfect system is essential for work and rest at ease.

Before any renovation work from home you need to plan the entire lighting system of the house, bulbs, wires, etc., in order to avoid having to cut the wall for wiring later. You should take into account that the electrical appliances you need and what type of activity you will be doing in every room in the house.

There are three different types of lighting: general lighting, task lighting and illumination.

General lighting is used to illuminate the whole room, it can be achieved with chandeliers, ceiling or wall mounted fixtures, recessed lighting or track. You can double the amount of light reflected in the mirror on the wall or on a white board.

The lighting is used to illuminate a specific area. To prevent glare when working, hide with some kind of screen, always trying to focus on avoiding the shadows in the workspace. It can provide integrated lighting and track, pendant lighting and under cabinet lighting and lighting and mobile office.

Accent lighting is used as part of the regime inside to draw attention to indoor plants, paintings, sculptures and other property of the winning design. To be effective, accent lighting requires at least three times more light on the focal point that the general lighting around it. Accent lighting is usually given to make the runway lighting and desk lamps mounted on the wall. vertical vertical lights are lighting effect is created mainly reflecting the beam in the ceiling. This system is often used to create a soft indirect impact. For this you can use wall and floor lamps.

Low voltage lights are useful for illuminating sculptures and paintings on the wall, because they produce less heat. You can choose the track lights with dimmer. It must be installed by a professional.

Never point the lamp directly on the pictures and valuable furniture or put a lamp on the table, heat lamps can cause damage. Like most experts agree that about 60 percent of the population spends more than five hours a day watching television, which brings us to claim that the unit is the largest in the house and occupies a special place in the room, in some cases, even in the kitchen.

This means that it is important to know what type of lighting is the most suitable for each space, but above all, what light is best to avoid eyestrain or visual fatigue viewers. There are three basic things to consider when lighting in the room where the TV is installed rules, so that in the end did not seriously affect vision.

• Never watch TV in a completely dark room.
• It should not be done with a very strong light.
• Avoid light, natural or artificial, is reflected on the screen.

To prevent vision problems recommended to watch TV, soft lighting. This can be achieved in different ways.

• For a dimmer switch that allows you to adjust the amount of light emitted by the lighting system.
• Set a secondary source of light behind the TV, facing the wall.
• Set points behind the lights in the viewfinder.

Another important aspect when planning home lighting switches. Try to put them close to the door and easy access to turn on or off lights in comfort. In the living room, install a switch for each lamp or group of adjustable lights. Keep in mind that about 20 watts of light is needed per square meter of surface.

A few table lamps or floor lamps spread around the room, as a softer effect than just the central lamp.

To make the room look bigger, use ceiling lights for the walls, making sure that the amount of light is unique in the entire wall. This is especially effective in light-colored walls. discreet lighting to install lights hidden or semi-hidden in the ceiling, trying to

Tree Growth In home

I know that trees provide color, shadow, health benefits for humans to oxygen in air, food and habitat for small animals and microorganisms and reduce the impact of storm water, sounds good?

Specifically, on May 24, 2006 in the style of the New York Times, a couple of architects who live in Brooklyn have been put in place to limit the spread instead of renovating your home has 600 square feet to 400 square meters in the car back to save the tree in your yard. They felt that not only your shade the house in summer, but provided park atmosphere. This victim also produced creative design solutions. It's worth taking a look at the article. I ask: "Is it not a good thing," No, not only are sardines crammed into a space battle will be in line, but did tenants pay in cash?!.

The user lives in a new development in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. He bought the house because he was at the end of dead-end street at the edge of the forest with large trees in your garden. Again, this atmosphere as a park. She loved him, even though, as an asthmatic can not go out and enjoy. However, one day she went out as he continued to listen to something on the roof. It turns out that the tree branches sticking out. In one season covered glass house in the back yard of the house, with no end in sight for growth.

He immediately cut the wood, not the problems that could result in his house, but because he feared the number of rodents used wood as a condominium animals: squirrels, possums and rats. In fact, people who cut your tree found worms. When my client files are carelessly handling a creature seemingly lifeless, she was horrified. She left the house and shouted: Get rid of that thing, you know it's dangerous? Mock care, people insisted that he was dead, but were shocked when they finally crossed on the way, let go and stepped back. She asked, "Have you ever heard the expression" play penis "?

His explanation to deal with the surrounding vegetation asthma attack is that when you bite thrushes, their jaws are locked and can not leave. Ouch. Does anyone still think that trees are good?

This was not the end of his career in a condo rodents. After a while, the client called and said he had a crack in the ceiling of your kitchen. Now, this is a house of three. The ceilings are not deteriorated in the last three years, unless improperly installed or something hit. I said it was probably a tree swaying in the high winds. When the manufacturer take a look at, you guessed it, was folded flashing and tiles are damaged or missing because of his beloved trees whip and scrape the roof.

You May think that the size of the tree will do. Drain shower advocated another client. It was an old house with mature trees in the yard. The ranch house was the kitchen at one end and a bathroom at the end - about sixty feet. She wanted to call the type of fan. I told him to save money by cutting trees. Of course, like most of the house, he thought it was sacrilege. Cut your beautiful trees in the shade, color, blah, blah, blah. Soon cut off his right hand. Finally, I am convinced that the tree roots had invaded their plumbing pipes, because the trees will get water and strangle their pipes.

When the plumber excavated soil around the pipe, of course, they are completely strangled. I had to replace the pipes from the kitchen to the bathroom and cut two of the three who were against the house. Did I mention that he lived in California, where they built a house on a concrete slab on the ground? They dug a trench through the concrete slab from the kitchen to the bathroom, like a surgeon performing a cesarean section. Do you begin to see a pattern? Willing to give?

Another fact, if they are not yet convinced that the tree bad. In architecture school, we had what looked like gardening five minutes and thirty seconds of the harmful effects of trees and shrubs in homes. Maybe it was a little bit more, but in the program five years ago, things happen very quickly. What I remember is that the trees are like an iceberg; Part see is only a small part of what

Cleaning Out Gutters

clean gutters is best done when it is less practical or even impossible to do: after all the leaves fell. Every year I try to time during at least a decent, if not inviting and most, if not all the leaves have fallen.

Several years working flawlessly, other years I was dealing with ice dams and other signs of ill-fated choice of the weekend to try to scale and clean the gutters.

The gutter of my house is 24 feet above the ground. I'm willing to bet that many so-called "Gutter", experts, or live in a ranch house or can be achieved by their channels without imitating cat thieves. Unfortunately (usually just in time for cleaning gutters, otherwise it's wonderful) for me, but luckily for you, I live in a two-story house in the woods. I've had plenty of practice in cleaning gutters.

Here is how I clean my pipes:

First, the background: I use popsicle sticks, pieces of tapered wood blades, arms, hands, gloves, garden or water pipes, pressure washers and leaf blowers to clean the leaves, composted organic materials (cricket live in the country), twigs, small branches and roofing materials leak my gutters.

Second, I installed the protective film over where the gutter downspouts go. This saved a huge amount of time they throw more downspouts, which means that I have to pull the tube down the stairs with me.

Third, use a solid ladder extending above the gutter. I learned to balance and get the only way to catch the straight legs under a heavy trunk while "walking" hand in hand at the bottom. Then walk, alternating legs in a kind of stiff gait leg drunk at home before pulling the rope to expand the scale. Always make sure that your feet are planted firmly (sometimes I bet), and on the ground. When in doubt, have someone standing at the bottom to ensure that the scale remains. Then I will make one or two steps, and I move from one side to the other. Here's how I do that the scale is on the ground floor, both feet planted evenly and parallel to the gutter where it is based. I'm not ready to try the buffering capacity of my leg with a drop of twenty feet or more.

Fourth, the choice of tools: In recent years, I have been using leaf blowers to clean channel that can reach the ceiling. At the front of my house, where the roof is too steep to walk, use a broom shortened and screwed rubber scraper blade at right angles to the flat bottom. I have to move the ladder several times, but it works. Obviously, I have to be careful not to press too much in any direction.

Heavy tools like leaf blowers or pipes, tie a rope to the tool and take a rope with me down the stairs. Then of course after viewing tool. The easier things like stick blade, put the cable and lowered himself so as not to disturb my climbing.

Fifth, technology: no need to tell you how to use leaf blower to blow leaves from gutters or to get the papers to the subject of a spatula. I think it is worth repeating, however, that the accumulation near the downspouts that forms a small prey that is most important for cleaning. Precipitation and runoff from snow and ice should be a place to go and other relief materials under the roof of his house.

Sixth, why make sure to clean the gutters, even if there are some leaves hanging: That's why I'm clean; Because, if something happens to me, I do not want that future owners of my house I'm an idiot; So I think that will help gutters last longer; As my father always. All of this is the story of two main reasons for cleaning gutters: Number two: I hate to see the rainwater from the roof, overflowing gutters and eventually erode the soil around the foundation so that water starts to flow in the home, instead of him. My number one reason for cleaning gutters, because I really hate ice dams and the damage it can cause.

Qualities of Reliable Roofing Companies

Although, in general, large deck is able to maintain its appearance and performance between 10 years later fades. In some cases, you will see a bubble on top, channels and cracks. And if it does not matter, cracks and breaks will result in leakage, which can cost more to repair. Of course, the required level of compensation depends on the type of damage. If the damage is not so bad, it is impossible to repair or restore, then you have to buy a new roof.

That said, it is very important to seek professional help suggestions about their area. But how do you know which is best for you?

The main quality factors or check.

first bachelor

If you want to ensure a high level of professionalism, RBC request for permission (for residential contractors) to your dealer. This is a fundamental requirement for businesses that provide services directly to the construction of the building with the owners.

Most home improvement companies already have, but there are those who specialize in roofing, and perhaps only as specified in their licenses as a separate jurisdiction. If there are other extensions that will renew in the future, they consider a general license services.

the second secured

All terms of insurance are the same - guarantee compensation for loss, damage or other unwanted and unwelcome event in exchange for a premium you pay. Some offer promotional offers, such as free insurance, if you pay in a lump sum contract.

As for insurance, be sure to ask about who the insurer and investigate the reputation and business history. Usually, the contract package (which means it comes with a policy), but if you have a doubt about it, ask about how you can go for your own insurance.

Read on the cover and be attentive to detail. A common problem is when policy does not say that exactly match the original materials in case you make a request. Or, if there is a hole somewhere, they fix it? They are required to return the property to its original condition before the damage.

3. Workers Experts

If there is a rule of KYC or know your customer, so it is important to know the performers too! Although the company they are allowed, they must also be certified separately for the construction.

Most companies would not mind a potential customer profiles of their employees to show their experiences and projects that have worked in the past.

If there is a chance for you to learn how to talk to the workers personally, then take this opportunity to tell you in person and preferences, as well, I can tell you how they work.

Note 4 client

Items testimonies are reliable sources of information, provided that these writings are legitimate. Not only to read the statement on the website of the company, because there is a possibility that these requested or paid listings.

Search blogs and forums that discuss reconstruction, repair and everything related to the assembly or remodeling your home, so you can find the perfect umbrella company.

5. Reliability of

BBB stands for the Better Business Bureau.

Accreditation Board must ensure that companies comply with standards that allow business owners to resolve customer complaints and sales requirements.

Companies pay a fee for the right to monitor and report consistent and systematic disregard of rules and guidelines. The approval of the competent authority BBB is not mandatory, but will be very useful if the finished product does not meet consumer standards or if there are conflicts after the work is completed.

6. The certificate GAF

GAF General Aniline & Film means.

It is the largest manufacturer of building materials in North America. I focus on the production of roofing products for residential and commercial, but now it is also engaged in the improvement of other industries home.

After the contract was certified by GAF guarantees that supplies used in your home are high quality, durable and passed tests and quality assessment.

7th Free evaluation

Who does not want gifts? We all quotes included! We, as consumers, need to know how much work that is required to meet our needs, and c

The Easy Way to Build a Playhouse

It will happen. I have plans to build a real theater in the courtyard. Although my kids seem to be very happy with the houses of cardboard boxes, I want something that will last through the summer and the summer, hopefully next. Also, I know that children are becoming crazy for real theater this year.

I checked Bungalows loans to large companies selling toys, a boy really hate. In addition to being expensive, they simply look uncomfortable. The last thing you want is a big piece of plastic sitting in the yard. Looking at some of the biggest games wooden swings, which is more along the lines of what I thought, but they are too expensive to buy.

That leaves me to build something personal. So now I'm looking for theater plans on the web. I can not say that I'm very happy with what I find. Of course I checked all the first free theater plans, hoping to get at least some idea of ​​what is involved in this type of project. It seems a little scary to date. Most plans seem to be written by carpenters, who were cast in the terminology of the building, as if I was there next to them on the spot. So I'll do a little research on how rooms built so that you can find for yourself. Note that I'm not looking to build this gigantic theater - which are so large that they can be rented as apartments.

Make sure Playhouse

Talking about safety first. Of course, you do not want something to fall with the first gust of wind. Do not let my children play outside during a storm, but what you build must be strong enough to feel comfortable letting them play without me. From the plans I've ever seen, it seems that the only weight material is strong enough to stand the theater without crossing anything. This is good news.

Start - Check the point in the yard

Most Playhouse plans to begin to choose a good spot in the yard. That makes sense. This step seems to set the stage for everything that follows, so it pays to be careful and that this part of the project for the first time. Of course, to avoid the construction tortuous theater, I have to find somewhere quite level in the yard. It may be more complicated than it seems. Although I think such a place level, probably not. You probably spend a good amount of time and energy as a clean and level place for theater seats.

Building Playhouse stage

After cleaning and leveling of a place in the yard, most house plans have dropped me on the floor construction. 2x6 processed arranged in a grid (beam) seems to be the preferred choice of material for this part of the building, the same as used in the construction of housing for the royal house. I can build on the floor just above the place cleared in court, but I'll probably put the first cover while working to dry the table. Construction of the floor that is square on each corner that prudent measure, and perhaps instead of a carpenter to make sure everything fits. After that, it's simply a matter of setting up 2x6 with galvanized nails. I want a smooth surface on the floor of the theater for my children to walk, which means that some of the plywood attached 2x6 floor joists. Couple 4x8 exterior plywood sheets should do the trick.

Build walls Playhouse

Build the walls of the theater is more or less the same method used by carpenters to build a house. Simple operation 2 x 4 studs, and I will lay the floorboards and I will do everything wall as a separate unit. Then, with the help of friends, I will make the finished wall angle vertically and connect ... as people used to do in the construction of stables.

Build a roof Playhouse

While under the theater and the construction of the wall makes it easy, I think the roof frame will be a bit more complicated. Depending on the climate where you live, the roof of the theater will be affected by rain, snow and sun, not to mention some children climbing, but they told me not. So, I will try my hand at carpentry and make the roof. This is what most plans already call the playroom, so I Acepto

How to Build a Garage

Learn how to build a garage is not as difficult as you might expect, well, at least for private structure. Homeowners who build their own garage can save you thousands in the employment of construction workers who, in many cases, the same contracting Construction can rent. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, or just really frugal you can invite friends for a few beers at the weekend and put them to work.

There are many elements to be considered in the planning stage, such as:

Size Garage: one car, two cars, or even three-car garage can be designed with different sizes, but the owner of the parcel, and the budget are usually the limiting factors. Building codes vary, but in general the structure should hit within eight feet of property lines in rural areas, and from zero to four feet in the city limits. Independent garages must be separated from other facilities for a minimum of eight feet, but it must be confirmed by the construction of office vary as favorable. An important consideration is the roof. Projections of eaves and gutters ends usually 12 "- 24" (although less than 12 "is common in windy areas), and must be taken into account when determining the size of the building and placement,

The process of determining the right size is to add 12 'to 15' wide for each vehicle. If you plan to use the interior walls on the side of the storage it will require two feet wide on each side. The length must be at least 22 'and add four to ten feet on the desktop and storage. The two car garage can be calculated as 2 x 12 "4" for storage at either wall = 28 'x 22' long without working table. Common sizes are:

1. Car: Garage common sizes are 12 'x 24', 14 'x 24' and 16 'x 24'. Twenty-four feet in length over the minimum, if you have a truck full size, even with a small or medium-sized car will have little room for maneuver for twenty or twenty feet.

2. The two cars: the most common size of parking in many states and provinces is 24 'x 24', because many building codes require technical drawing and two inspections by structural engineer for large concrete slabs floating (monolithic) and size. If space is tight and both cars are small and medium 20 'may affect the width, but certainly not pleasant.

3. Three car: There are many size garage for three cars, more space for a lot of models and owners tend to have larger budgets for consideration of these large construction projects. Common sizes are 36 '- 42' width 26 '- 30' long.

Foundation: floating plates (monolithic) and panel frostwall are the two most common options foundations. Floating plate is cheaper and easier to build, but often requires technical drawing and two inspections concrete slabs in the largest (i.e., 24 'x 24'). In cold climates, many contractors installed foam Foundation 2.5 "below the concrete to reduce the height during frost events / floating descongelación.Losas designed colder climates generally require that in addition to two feet that extends around the perimeter boards,

Add 6 "x 6" No. 10 wire mesh panel is an inexpensive way to increase the resistance of the floor and reduce concrete cracking. Most entrepreneurs installed floating floors with an area of ​​dense concrete 12 "- 16" thick on the outer 16 "- 24" perimeter. Add two mesh # 4 will increase the edges. Concrete strength must be a minimum of 3000 psi and many entrepreneurs use 4000 and 4500 psi, because the additional cost is minimal. Another consideration is the order of concrete with fiber networks and macro-synthetic fibers used to reinforce concrete secondary. Local suppliers can provide cost concrete to add this concrete. The thickness of plates depends on the resistance of concrete and reinforcement drawings, however, a good rule of thumb is throw a piece of 4 "or thicker.

Frostwall minimum depth is determined by local building codes and is usually 48 "in cold climates, and 36" in the softer areas. Once the trench is dug and formed at about 12 "wide by 8" thick and the fastener is stored in the length of the base to prevent motion