Energy Usage, Conservation and Weather Stripping - May the metal halides RIP!
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ecman51`
09-18-09, 06:08 PM
Replaced nearly 60 1000W metal halide bulbs (these are giant size and generate lots of heat also that cause a/c to run harder)for same number of F54 12-bulb fixtures. Will get all kinds of rebates and credits through Energy Star program and the govt.
Plan to call ballast mfg. to get confirmation on power draw. I have feeling that draw is worse than expected, due to these tiny F54 tubes that must not hold as much light-giving gas. Had terrible voltage drop(118 down to as low as 96!) when comparing both fixtures, so we are uncertain as to that actual draw besides mathmatical prorating.
I will keep you updated on this saga. The bottom line is we will save on peak demand and base KW charge, and a/c expense - but lose some of the heat in the winter heating season - is a matter of how much. It is not going to be the 75% savings like you can expect from spiral CFL's though, unfortunately.
Plan to call ballast mfg. to get confirmation on power draw. I have feeling that draw is worse than expected, due to these tiny F54 tubes that must not hold as much light-giving gas. Had terrible voltage drop(118 down to as low as 96!) when comparing both fixtures, so we are uncertain as to that actual draw besides mathmatical prorating.
I will keep you updated on this saga. The bottom line is we will save on peak demand and base KW charge, and a/c expense - but lose some of the heat in the winter heating season - is a matter of how much. It is not going to be the 75% savings like you can expect from spiral CFL's though, unfortunately.