Kevin Henry's article in March's Dental Economics lends a great perspective on small ways that dental practices can reduce waste by recycling and save energy by using compact fluorescent lamping (light bulbs). Kevin hit on some key benefits, here are two more to consider.
Most dental operatories have fluorescent troffers to provide a high light level at the chair and minimize the contrast between the bright oral cavity and surrounding room. A troffers looks like a large rectangular box and can either be recessed into the ceiling or mounted on the surface. Older troffers use 40 watt T-12 lamps, which are not energy efficient and, in addition, generate a lot of heat output. This output will add to the heat of the Doctor, Assistant, and Patient physical proximity. And, if you are in a warmer climate your older fluorescent lighting can be a large driver of increased energy costs by requiring much more cooling.
Retrofitting an existing troffer with new electronic ballasts and 32 watt T-8 fluorescent lamps will create large savings. As Osram, a major
“T8 Lamps Improve Efficiency: …A 32-watt OCTRON® T8 lamp, for example, uses 20 percent less energy to provide the same light output as a 40- watt T12 lamp…In addition, T8 lamps provide optimum system efficiency when used with electronic ballasts. This combination provides such dramatic savings in energy costs that billions of dollars are being spent each year to retrofit existing T12 installations with more efficient T8 technology.”
Essentially by retrofitting, or better yet, replacing your old fixtures with new electronic ballasted troffers and lamping you will realize significant savings and return on your investment! In this economy that is a win-win for your bottom line, the economy, and your carbon footprint.
If you have questions please contact me, I am here to help!
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