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Fresh2 Odor Ending Light Bulbs. They Work! May 2, 2016

Posted by bowmanlamps in air freshener, compact fluorescent, compact fluorescent light bulbs, lumen output number, energy savings.
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F2 clam pack image

A light bulb that eliminates odors?  As odd as it may seem, the Fresh2 compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) – manufactured by TCP – does just that!

When the titanium dioxide coating on the fresh2  bulbs is exposed to the fluorescent light given off by the bulb, extremely strong oxidizers are naturally created. Organic odors from kitchens, bathrooms, living and dining rooms, bedrooms, mudrooms, dens, workout rooms, nurseries, laundry rooms and basements and more are greatly reduced or eliminated. Plus, since it’s a compact fluorescent, its power to light your home will last up to 10,000 hours – saving you hundreds in deodorizers and up to 75% in energy costs.

The technology is “tried and true.” TCP has been manufacturing the bulbs for over 10 years, with many satisfied customers.  We’ve received reports of cleared air being in rooms including kitty litter boxes, smoking, smelly pets, dirty diapers and more.  Air-freshening sprays, solids, plug-ins and candles are often used to mask these odors – especially if the source can’t be controlled. But who needs the chemicals or mess of solid deodorizers which mask an odor?

The Fresh2 bulbs work by converting odors, organic compounds, into inoffensive carbon dioxide –  eliminating the smelly smells.  For best results, the bulbs need to be exposed to the air, so they must be used in an open fixture.  And, they need to remain turned on in order to work. About one bulb is needed for a 14 x 14 foot room.

Have a smelly odor you need to tackle? The Fresh2 bulbs are carried in a few stores, through light bulb distributors, or available here on Amazon.com .  Get a 2-pack of soft white 100 Watt equivalent Fresh2 CFL light bulbs for $15.02.  You will notice the difference.

Let us know how your Fresh2 light bulbs work for you!

What’s the Difference Between Incandescent and LED Light Bulbs March 5, 2015

Posted by bowmanlamps in Uncategorized.
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Low Cost A19Walk down any super store lighting isle, and you will notice that LED ( Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs are gaining in popularity. There is a plethora of styles, light colors, dimmable, non-dimmable – you name it and there is a LED light bulb to meet the need.  So what’s the difference, besides price, between the old technology of incandescent light bulbs and the ever-improving technology of LED lighting?

Incandescent light bulbs, or lamps as they are known in the lighting industry, are produced by blowing hot glass into molds.  When cooled, the glass is coated with a diffusing material. A very thin, tungsten filament is placed inside, and a base is added.  Electric current is used to heat the filament, which generates the light. Although people like the light generated, only about 10% of the energy used results in visible light. The remaining energy seems to be given off as heat.

LED light sources are gaining popularity simply because they use less energy to produce quality, long-lasting light. They are made differently than incandescents, and are suprisingly stong, and able to be assembled in many shapes. Powered by a light-emitting semiconductor, the lights are also available in a variety of color.

Light is emitted through a diode – a device which allows current to flow in only one direction. Light is created when the energy flowing in to a chip is released. The color of the light depends on the ingredients and processes used.

LEDs also have advantages over other lights, including:

  • High energy efficiency.  Up to 85% more efficient than incandescents
  • Low heat
  • Low voltage and current requirements
  • High levels of brightness
  • Very reliable.  Resistant to shock and vibration
  • Long life. 20,000 to 50,000 hours.
  • No UV rays 

Lighting manufacturers have switched their focus to LED replacement lamps and fixtures. I can’t wait to see what comes next.  I’m waiting for a three-way version. Use coupon code Take10 for 10% off during check-out for quality TCP LED lighting at www.bowmnlamps.com.

What’s the Difference Between a PAR and a BR Floodlight. February 27, 2015

Posted by bowmanlamps in LED Lightbulbs.
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Ever ask those age old questions: What is a PAR floodlight?  And, what is a BR floodlight? No need to ask again.  You can stop scratching your head, because here we will answer what the difference is between PAR and BR floodlights – also known as lamps in lighting circles.

PAR, and BR, mean more than just strange animal sounds. PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminum Reflector, while BR staPAR38nds for bulge reflector.  The number after the letters refers to the diameter based on 1/8 of an inch. To find the size of a PAR38, you multiply 1/8 x38, which equals 4.75 inches in diameter. A PAR30 would be 1/8 x 30, which equals 3.75 inches in diameter. And the other popular PAR20 diameter would be 1/8 x20, which equals 2.5 inches.  The same applies to the BR series, with the popular diameter sizes being BR40 (1/8 x 40 = 5 inches, BR30 (1/8 x 30 = 3.75) inches and BR20 (1/8 x 20 = 2.50 inches).

So what’s the difference between PAR Floodlights and BR floodlight? PAR floodlighs have a flat lens.  Each is designed to direct the light for various intentions.  For instance, TCP PAR floodlights may be purchased with a wide 40 degree beam spread, a narrow 25 degree beam spread, or a spotlight with 15 degree beam spread.  They are perfect for demanding light applications like hiElite BR40gh-end retail and restaurants, where certain items or locations are highlighted.  Want to highlight a large area of a room? Use the wide beam.  Want to highlight Uncle George’s portrait, try the narrow beam. And what about that diamond ring in a display case? Use a spotlight.  BR floodlights have a curved lens. With a beam spread of 120 degrees, BR floodlights illuminate large areas with smooth, attractive light. You know, like a living room or lobby.

Let’s focus on the latest technology, LED.  Both PAR and BR lamps may be used indoors or out, usually in canned or recessed fixtures.  Use outside requires they either be designated for wet locations, or restricted to areas where they are protected from the elements. ( A roof overhange works quite nicely.)   PAR and BR lamps also come in a variety of light colors, from the 2400K warm tones – like a standard light bulb – up to 5000K daylight white. So sit back and think where you would use a PAR or BR light. Dimmability is not a given. So please remember to select a dimmable or non dimmable floodlight to meet your needs.

If you are interested in purchasing an LED PAR light, bowmanlamps.com has a great selection here.  Or checkout the BR series here. My favorite is the TCP warm white dimmable BR30.  And, it’s Energy Star approved.  Use coupon code Take10 during check out for 10% off these or any other lighting items at bowmanlamps.com.

 

 

A Lot of Light! 75 Watt and 100 Watt LED Replacement Light Bulbs February 11, 2015

Posted by bowmanlamps in LED Light Bulbs, LED lighting, light bulb, lighting.
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Need more light, but trying to conserve energy?  LED replacement lighting has been improving over the past few year. Gone are the complaints of “LED lighting is too blue! Contemporary LED lighting allows for warm lighting on up through daylight white.  One of the more popular, and prolific, items has been 40 Watt and 60 Watt LED replacement light bulbs.

100 Watt Replacement LED Lightbulb

 But the greater light of 75 Watt or 100 Watt replacement LED light bulbs has been slower to achieve. Technical Consumer Products, Inc., a leader in energy efficient lighting innovations, has expanded its Elite Series LED line to include both dimmable and non-dimmable versions of the 75 Watt and 100 Watt LED replacements lamps. That’s a lot of light!

The Elite High Output A-Lamps are rated for over 25,000 hours of life and feature uniform, omni-directional light output. The bulbs look like and emit light similar to a traditional incandescent, but last up to 25 times longer and consume up to 85 percent less energy – meaning less time spent changing light bulbs and smaller utility bills.

TCP’s Elite High Output LED A-lamps are available in warm white 2700K (most like a standard incandescent in color), white 3000K (most closely replaces a halogen bulb in color), bright white / cool white 4100K. or daylight white 5000K. The A-lamps also features excellent color consistence and high color rendering. Available at an affordable price, the A-lamps are ideal for use in general lighting, floor and table lamps,sconces, decorative and ceiling fixtures. The are available in both dimmable and non-dimmable versions.

The A-lamps are ANSI construction compliant, and UL approved for damp locations – including outdoors when protected from the elements. Interested in replacing your old incandescent or Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Use coupon code Take10 for 10% off during check-out.   Visit bowmanlamps.com to see what is available.

Buying an A-Lamp LED Light Bulb? Consider These Four Items March 17, 2014

Posted by bowmanlamps in LED lighting.
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Have you ever fealt frustrated  when buying a light bulb?  What used to be simple has become a bit complicated. Take heart.  It’s really not that complicated.

For simplicity sake, let’s narrow things down to four things to consider when buying an LED A-lamp, the standard light bulb shape which we all know and love. Here are things to consider:

1. Light disribution – A standard incandescent light bulb (or lamp as it is known in the lighting industry) gives off light in all directions. LED lamps are more limited, sending out light in one direction. A good general purpose LED gives off light at about 230 degrees. That would do best in a fixture with a backing.  A good omni-directional lamp expands the light beam to 270 degrees – which would do best in a table lamp or fixture without a backing.

2. How much light – Most LED A-bulbs on the market today use seven Watts to replace a 40-Watt incandescent, or about 10 Watts to replace a 60 Watt incandescent. There are a few manufacturers producing a 100 Watt equivalent, but I would wait a little longer until the technology is tried and true. When comparing LED A-lamps, you may also want to consider the lumens.  It is a more accurate rendition of light output. A lamp which uses 7 Watts to replace a 40 Watt incandescent will generate between 450 to 500 lumens.  A lamp which uses 10 Watts to replace a 60 Watt incandescent will generate between 800 and 900 lumens. The information is generally readily available on the box.

3. Light Color – There are many variations of white available in today’s lighting.  The selection can be based on room color, the amount of lights, available daylight, and just plain preference. In genera, the lower the Kelvin number the more yellow the light color, while the higher the number, the more white a bulb gets, even into a blue range.  Lamps marked 2700K are considered warm white and most resemble a standard incandescent. A 3000K lamps is also considered a warm white, but most resembles the white color of a halogen lamp.  3500K and 4100K are considered a cool or bright white and are often seen in office situations. Daylight white, 5000K to 6500K, is considered most like the noonday sun. Some people prefere this color for reading, small handwork, and even growing plants. But when all is said and done, it comes down to personal preference. I’ve had husbands proudly light the kitchen with 5000K daylight bulbs, only to have their wives state “it looks like we should be disecting frogs in here!”

4. Dimmable or Non-dimmable?  Perhaps the biggest part of this question is that it has to be considered at all.  Incandescents are fully dimmable. However LEDs are manufactured as dimmable or non-dimmable. And while a dimmable lamp can be used in a non-dimmable socket, a non-dimmable lamp  is limited to non-dimming sockets.  Most dimmable LEDs work well with a basic, non-illuminated dimmer. However there are dimmers designed just for LED use.

As mentioned earlier, most of these items depend on preference. If you are planning to retrofit a room or more, please consider purchasing a few samples before investing in LED lighting. There are many variations available, so give a few a try.

Visit the LED A-lamp section if you would like to place an oreder.  Use coupon code Take10 during check-out for 10% off an LED A-lamp purchase from bowmanlamps.com.

Four New LED Light Bulbs You Want to Try July 12, 2013

Posted by bowmanlamps in LED lighting, Uncategorized.
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I love the progress being made in LED lighting. Each wave of new technology brings improvements.  Here are some new LED light for home, office, hospitality – you name it – use. Each offers quality light, reasonable price, and energy savings.

TCP LED11E26BR3027K – These lights are deceptive!  I have them in my family room ceiling cans, and you can’t tell the difference beLED BR30 Floodlighttween them and the old 65-Watt, energy-eating incandescent R30 lamps.  Manufactured by energy-efficient lighting manufacturer TCP,  the 11-Watt dimmable LED BR30 floodlight is ideal for dimmable flood and spot light applications, including recessed downlights, track lights, display lights, and outdoor fixtures protected from the elements. The lamps may also be used in non-dimming sockets. Warm white 2700K light color most like a standard incandescent.  Energy Star Rated. 25000-hour life backed by a 5-year guarantee.  Read more about these power-packed flood lights here.

TCP LED12E26A1941K– Don’t like the warm, yellow light of an incandescent?  The 4100K color of this A19 (pear shaped) LED 12 Watt A19LED light bulb manufactured by TCP is a cool crisp white. Use for work areas, reading areas, and anywhere you would like to see colors “pop.” 12-Watt lamp replaces a 60 Watt incandescent. Dimmable light may also be used in non-dimmable sockets. Ideal for use in table lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, and ceiling fans. Energy Star rated. Use up to 80% less energy than a standard 60-Watt inandescent. Last 15 times longer than alternatives. Learn more about this bright, white light here.

TCP LED12E26P30S27KFL – If it were just a little shorter…. But it is!  The TCP 12-Watt wide-beam dimmable LED PAR30 LED PAR30 Short Neckshort neck lamp measures 3.8 inches wide x 3.5 inches long.  Designed to fit where standard-sized PAR30 lamps won’t. Features include smooth uniform dimming, wide 40 degree beam spread, warm white 2700K color temperature (light color) most similar to a standard incandescent, long life designed for 50,000 hours (lasts at least 15 times longer than alternatives; exceeds all industry performance requirements for directional lamps. Ideal for use in track lights, recessed downlights, display lights, and outdoor fixtures protected from the elements. Energy Star approved.  Five year warranty.  Check it out here.

TCP LED7E26PAR1641KFL – Isn’t this a little cutie? The TCP wide beam LED dimmable PAR16 floodlamp replaces 35 Watt White PAR 16halogen bulbs. It does not need to be used in a dimming application. Use for dimmable PAR16 flood applications, including: Track Lights, Recessed Downlights, Display Lights, and Outdoor fixtures protected from the elements (Not for use in totally enclosed fixtures. ) Features excellent color consistency and high color rendering ( 82 CRI), Measures 2 inches wide by 2.5 inches long, Beam angle 40 degrees, standard E26 base, and 370 lumens.  Read more here.

Take 10% off LED Lighting using discount code LED10 during checkout!  $50 Minimum purchase required.

Comparing LED, CFL and Incandescent Light Bulbs June 6, 2013

Posted by bowmanlamps in compact fluorescent light bulbs, lumen output number, energy savings, LED lighting, light bulb, Uncategorized.
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A light bulb is a light bulb – right? Not in today’s lighting market.  There are enough light bulb styles to make a light bulb consumer dizzy. The chart below helps sort out the differences between the three main types of light bulbs, LED, Comapct Fluorescent (CFL) and incandescent.

Here’s Some of the Ways in Which LED, CFL, and Incandescent Light Bulbs Vary
  LED CFL Incandescent
Cost Expensive Moderate Cheap
Replacement / 50,000 Hrs 1 5 42
Avg. Life 50,000 HRS 8,000 HRS 1,200 HRS
Light Output per 800 Lumens 6 to 8 Watts 13 to 15 Watts 60 Watts
Start Up Instant On Slight Delay Instant On
Dimmable Yes If Designated Dimmable Yes if Designated Dimmable Yes
Durability Tough Fragile Fragile
On-off Cycling No Effect Shortens Life Minimal Effect
Heat Given Off Low 3 BTU/HR Medium            30 BTU/HR High 85 BTU/HR
Sensitive to Cold No Yes Some
Mercury Enclosed No Yes (Minimal) No

A Dependable Line of LED Lamps

LED BR30 FloodlightConsidering the bits of information above, one of the best lines of LED light bulbs I’ve found is the TCP Dimmable Floodlight series. They offer smooth, uniform dimming from 100% to 0.5% with consistent color. The lamps exceed all industry standards. Highly efficient LEDs and driver allow for long life, exceeding 25000 hours. UL listed for damp locations. Ideal for use in recessed cans, track lights, display lights and outdoor fixtures (protected from the elements).

I have these in my family room.  They give off good dim well.   Visitors don’t even notice they are LED flood lights. You may read about them here.

Awesome Dimming CFL Light Bulbs

TCP TruDim CFL Light Bulb I also use the TCP line of Pro Series TruDim dimmable CFL light bulbs in my kitchen.  With uniform dimming from 100% down to 2% and digital technology for faster run-up time, they beat other CFL dimmables.  Most start flickering when dimmed down past 20%. Take a look here.  They are available in spiral, R20, R30, R40 floodlights, A-lamp and G25 or G40 globe shapes.

As for Incandescents….

There are two incandescent light bulbs left in my house.  One in the almost-inaccessible attic which was put there when we moved in 23 years ago.  I think it’s been turned on once or twice. The other is in our ancient garage door opener.  I’ve found LED light bulbs and CFL lamps do not work there, probably because of radio frequencey interference. Maybe your opener is different.

I’ve found CFL light bulbs to be very accomodating in my home.  And with the exception of an occasional dud, long lasting – to the point I wish they would fail so I can replace them with the newer versions of LED light bulbs.

Friday Fun Gangnam Style (with a Christmas Twist) December 7, 2012

Posted by bowmanlamps in Cold Cathode, compact fluorescent, compact fluorescent light bulbs, lumen output number, energy savings, LED lighting, lighting, linear fluorescent lamps, linear fluorescent lighting.
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It’s Christmas lights gone wild!

Get engery-efficient lighting and light bulbs at bowmanlamps.com

Restaurant Lighting: Choose from CFL or LED Light Bulbs December 5, 2012

Posted by bowmanlamps in compact fluorescent light bulbs, lumen output number, energy savings, dimmable CFL, light bulb, lighting.
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There is a lot of change taking place in the world of lighting, and restaurant owners / managers should consider a lighting update.  The end result will be a more inviting space and lower energy bills.

Here are a few areas which you may want to refurbish with the latest energy-saving LED and CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs.  Both have come a long way since they entered the market, and it is easy to say selecting the right light bulbs can enhance both dining and work areas.  Let’s consider:

Entrance Lighting: There is no need to explain the need for a well lit, inviting entrance.  TCP LED wall packs provide long lasting, low-mainenance, pleasing illumination. And, they have excellent light output and optimal energy efficiency.

Chandelier Lighting: Add a little style with energy efficiency.  TCP LED deco lamps are fully dimmable and beautifully designed for mood lighting. Choose from standard medium base or small candelabra base.

Spot Lighting: TCP LED PAR floodlights come in narrow flood, wide flood and spot options to highlight the most attractive areas of your restaurant.

Bar Lighting: Help set the mood with TCP BR floodlighting.  Ideal for downlighting or track lighting, the lamps are fully dimmanble and long-lasting – perfect for those hard-to-reach areas.

Kitchen Lighting: Food prep areas and glass lighting don’t mix well. Get optimum light with shatter proof lamps.  TCP InstaBright with ArmorCoat covered CFL bulbs have a protective layer that keeps bulb contents intact in case of breakage – perfect for food-prep areas.  ArmRLux T8 lamps have a similar protective coating.

General Lighting: TCP LED 2 x 2 fixtures are recommended for any place a lot of light is needed.  Brightly light kitchen work areas, walk-in coolers, storage areas and starewells.

Restroom Lighting: Restrooms should be comfortable and well lit. TruStart SpringLamps offer instant brightness, and they work with occupancy sensors.   Another option is the Fresh2 odor ending CFL.  Keep your restrooms smelling fresh.

bowmanlamps.com offers energy-efficient light bulb options by TCP, the leader in energy efficient lighting.

Why Wait? Get Light Fast with Quick Starting TCP TruStart CFL Light Bulbs August 16, 2012

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TCP TruStart are the fastest lighting CFL light bulbs availableA common complaint about compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) is slow start time – turn a CFL on then wait a minute or two before it warms up enough to use.

Now, with TCP Inc.’s new TruStart series CFL, there is no need to flick the switch and wait. A small processor chip is incorporated in the ballast of TruStart lamps (or light bulbs), which greatly shortens the warm up time. Within a second or two, the lights snap on to a useable level, then quickly warm up to full brightness. You get useful light in seconds and full brightness in a half minute, which is twice as fast as regular CFLs.

The programmed start also allows the the lamps to last twice as long. A standard CFL is rated for 10,000 hours, while the TruStart is rated for 20,000 hours. And, TruStarts may be used with most occupancy sensors and other lighting controls.  

Use these little cuties in table lamps, wall sconces, recessed cans, chandeliers and ceiling fixtures. UL approved for damp locations, meaning they can be used outdoors in weather approved fixtures. And, the bulbs are backed by a three year guarantee.

Choose from:

  • 23 Watt (100 Watt incandescent equivalent)
  • 18 Watt (75 Watt incandescent equivalent)
  • 14 Watt (60 Watt incandescent equivalent)
  • 9 Watt (40 Watt incandescent equivalent)

All are availble in various light colors:

  • Warm white 2700K and 3000K,
  • Cool white / bright white 3500K and 4100K,
  • and Daylight white 5000K and 6500K.

Simply put, TruStart CFL light bulbs have the longest life of any bulb in the market, while achieving full brightness in record time.

The full line of TCP TruStart CFL light bulbs is available at bowmanlamps.com.