Let’s start with our old friend the incandescent light bulb. Thomas Edison’s handiwork. Light is created when the tungsten filament inside the bulb is heated by electricity until it glows a warm, yellow light. In 2007 the EISA demanded that incandescent bulbs become more efficient and only emit a certain amount of light per watt. You can buy incandescents with an average of 40-150 watts and the typical bulb burns out after about 1,000 hours or one year.

One alternative is the halogen, which is still an incandescent light bulb but with halogen gas trapped in the filament. Halogen gas helps to recycle the tungsten back into the filament, making this bulb a big more efficient. This gas isn’t hazardous and is a great alternative for consumers who are ready to take the first step towards energy-efficient lighting. Halogens range from about 30-72-watts and last the same as an incandescent bulb – about 1,000 hours or one year.

Let’s go to the opposite end of the spectrum and focus on light-emitting diodes or LEDs. With only 4-22-watts on average these bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours. Energy is released in the form of photons (light) when electrons and their counterpart, electron holes, come together. Because the wattage is so small compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient and cost-effective. You can save an average of $250 for each incandescent bulb you replace with an LED. And yes, 50,000 hours equates to decades upon decades of use. These standards are created by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), which creates the testing procedures manufacturers use for LEDs. Because these bulbs haven’t been around long enough to substantiate these claims, there are some skeptics. But many manufacturers provide warranties.

Compact fluorescent lights came into play before LEDs but aren’t quite as popular, though they are equally as energy-efficient. You probably recognize them as the swirl-shaped bulb. CFLs tend to have a very harsh, white light and most aren’t dimmable. It may also take a few second for them to light up after you flip the switch. Using CFLs for short periods at a time can rush their life expectancy and many of them aren’t made for outdoor use. And though it’s a very small amount, CFLs do contain mercury, which creates potential for pollution if not disposed of properly. But technology improves every day and new, better features for CFLs have been introduced over the past few years. Their life expectancy falls in between incandescent and LED, sitting at about 10,000 hours. Despite their flaws, these bulbs are a great alternative when you want to save money and energy.

Just like nutritional facts on food, the Federal Trade Commission requires manufacturers to put a lighting facts label on their packaging, which contains information like lumens, wattage, yearly cost of the bulb, color, temperature, etc. Remember, wattage is how much power the bulb will use and lumens are how much light the bulb puts out. The more lumens per watt, the more energy-efficient the bulb is.

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This is the first time Nickle has appeared on the list. To accompany the Top 600, ENR published an article examining the contractor market and how the landscape has changed compared to previous years. In 2013, the Top 600 set a record with total revenue of $88.23 billion, up 8.5% from 2012 and beating out the previous record of $87.07 billion in 2008.

Click here for the complete Top 600 list.

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This month take the time to recognize and thank the men and women who keep our lights on, fix our cars, make sure our air conditioning is working in the summer heat, and build our homes. September 19 marks the fourth annual National Tradesmen Day. In 2011 Irwin Tools, a manufacturer of professional hand tools and power tool accessories, established this day of recognition to honor “The Hands That Build America.” Its purpose is to recognize America’s tradesmen, such as mechanics, roofers, bricklayers, plumbers, woodworkers, carpenters, and electricians. It’s celebrated across the nation and Irwin Tools organizes events and activities for tradesmen. Each year it’s recognized on the third Friday in September. For more information visit www.nationaltradesmenday.com.

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New Behavioral Network, a non-profit that contracts with the Division of Family Services to provide parenting education and community resources to families in need, knew they had to find a way to reunite Christian and his family. First, his mother and a secondary caretaker were trained on his specific needs (he receives one-on-one care from Bayada Home Healthcare for approximately 16 hours per day). Another step to bringing Christian home was to have all of his essential medical equipment at home. Once the machines had arrived the family and Bayada realized there wasn’t enough electrical support in the house. That’s when Katie Klingensmith, a case manager with the Parent Aide Program of NBN and wife of Mechanic Jim Klingensmith, contacted Nickle Electrical.

Electricians added three circuits and seven outlets to the home to support all of Christian’s equipment along with air conditioning. And at the end of August Christian spent his first night ever at home with his family in Wilmington.

“I can’t express how happy I am and it’s almost like a miracle,” Reyes said in a letter. “It’s like we’re starting all over again after so many years.”

Work totaling approximately $2,500 was performed at no cost and Rumsey Electric provided the material also at no cost.

“The family is very pleased with the work and grateful for Nickle’s willingness and ability to help bring their family together under one roof,” Klingensmith said. “Without Nickle’s help, Christian would remain in foster care. This is a huge step for the family and is not possible without Nickle’s help.”

*This story will appear in our upcoming 3rd quarter newsletter. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email Laura at ldignan@nickle.email

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