Diffuser Specialist Inc Blog

Looking For A Home Or Office Lighting Solution?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:56:00 GMT

Looking for a home or office lighting solution? On important thing to consider is the money you could save just by choosing the right light fixtures for your space. In order for you to make an educated decision about installing light fixtures in your home or office you should consider why fluorescent fixtures are so common. The widely used fluorescent fixtures that you see hanging in grocery stores, office buildings, schools and hospitals are unique in comparison to other lights for the following reasons:

Energy Efficiency:

For the amount of light that is produced, fluorescent bulbs consume less energy than most other types. As opposed to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs produce less heat and still produce the same amount of light. Where an incandescent bulb will typically produce 15 lumens of power per watt, a fluorescent bulb can produce 50 to 100 lumen per watt, so you can buy a 15 watt fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent.

Easy Installation:

Fluorescent fixtures typically come ready with instant start electronic ballasts to prevent flickering. Fixtures often make it easy for your to replace a bad bulb when it comes time so that anyone can do it. Once your fixtures are installed, bulbs and plastic covers are do-it-yourself replacements. No need to call in an expert!

Lifetime:

Lifetimes of fluorescent bulbs depend entirely on total number of hours of usage. If fluorescent bulbs are on 24 hours per day they will burn out on average around four and a half years. If you were to only leave them on 12 hours per day they may last up to 7 years. Your replacement costs have been substantially reduced just by choosing fluorescent fixtures. That is why fluorescent lights are used much more commonly than the other guys as a home or office lighting solution; energy efficiency, installation, lifetime and cost efficiency!

You’ve got the fixtures already? Contact us by phone or online if you ever need a replacement cover !

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How to Open a Fluorescent Light Fixture

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:55:00 GMT

There are a variety of lighting fixtures out there, from small to large surface mount fixtures to wrap-arounds, but fluorescent bulbs are all the same. They burn out over time, so chances are that you’ll need to replace the bulb at some point. Neglecting to do so may cause damage to your ballast that can be expensive to replace.

Removing the cover is easy, and if done correctly you can save yourself some time. Two things that can to be avoided are: breaking the cover, or replacing it incorrectly.

Turn off the light fixture that you want to replace.
Use a step ladder to reach the fixture while giving yourself space to work.
Locate the textured prongs on the outer part of the fixture. ( your cover should clip into these )
Push the prongs in with your fingers. ( wrap fixtures have prongs on one side, that operate like hinges)
Carefully remove the cover with both hand supporting it so as not to drop it. ( remember plastic light covers become fragile and may break very easily )

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The Strongest Materials For Your Light Cover

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:55:00 GMT

Polycarbonates are engineering plastics, most commonly used for temperature resistance, impact resistance and optical properties superior to commodity plastics. These properties make polycarbonates a perfect material for interior and exterior light covers as well as the high transparency to visible light for better transmission.

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic material engineered to withstand environmental factors such as extremely high and low temperatures. Polycarbonate light covers can withstand working temperatures of up to 257 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain high impact resistance and durability even at sub-zero temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. For light covers that withstand the extreme temperatures that fluorescent bulbs emit throughout the day, polycarbonate is UV stabilized to ensure a long life.

Acrylic lenses are also particularly beneficial materials for replacement light covers. Unsurpassed in its resistance to weather and aging, acrylic polymers maintain an exceptional brilliance which won’t diminish even after prolong use. Perfect for modern light fixtures, these covers offer flexibility and a hard surface that won’t whether overtime.

Want the right materials for your replacement light cover? We can get you the longest lasting and most durable cover around; whether it be acrylic or polycarbonate!

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Lighting Diffusers Help Eliminate the Negative Side Effects of Fluorescents

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:54:00 GMT

Fluorescent lights are a common source of light for office buildings to shopping malls to grocery stores. The advent of the fluorescent light bulb allowed humans to extend the day into the night. They are cheap to buy and last 13 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are certainly the most economical choice, but if abused can cause more than just an eyesore and a painful glare.

Most Artificial Lighting Sucks

It is believed that human beings are children of the sun. With the creation of light bulbs we have been able to extend day into night. Historically, most light came from the sun or a flame which allowed men and women to work into the night. The sun gives us a full spectrum of light, spanning the entirety of the visual spectrum. Throughout the years, artificial lighting solutions have been developed with the goal of imitating the full spectrum of natural light. Incandescent , fluorescent and LED bulbs all have there strengths and weaknesses. The incandescent gives off the most heat, but less light. LED’s give off the least amount of heat, but are too bright for most indoor spaces. Fluorescent lighting falls in between, but has it’s own assortment of harmful side effects:

UV radiation
Glare
Artificial “cool” color rendering

The human body is based on the night-day cycle known as the circadian rhythm. If one does not get sufficient exposure to sunlight, the circadian rhythm will be negatively affected. This can lead to migraines, eye strain, problems sleeping due to melatonin suppression, symptoms of seasonal effective disorder or depression, endocrine disruption, poor immune system and a female hormonal/menstrual cycle disruption.

The Solution

There are full spectrum fluorescent light bulbs available in the market. These emit better color temperature than regular fluorescent lights but alas they cannot replace sunlight. Placing full spectrum light filters over existing fluorescent bulbs or light fixture parts (diffusers) can alter the light coming out of the bulb and give a more even distribution combating the ultraviolet rays that may cause skin problems.

Call Diffuser Specialist and see what we can do to help improve your lighting needs. We can’t bring the sun indoors but we can ensure that your fluorescent lights aren’t causing the harmful side effects to your health. Learn more about how our diffusers can help emit better, more evenly distributed light in your home or office.

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Replacement Light Cover -Don’t Replace Fixture

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:54:00 GMT

The chances are pretty high that you’ll have to replace a broken cover at some point in time. Over time lenses have the tendency to become brittle, yellow and may break if not handled carefully. You’ll want to make sure that your replacement will prevent these issues that arise from long term use. Purchasing your replacement light cover made of materials such as Acrylic and Polycarbonate is your best bet to avoid yellowing and breakage.

Why Do Light Cover Lenses Break?

So, low and behold you’ve got a broken lens that needs replacing. If you go to the hardware store to when you encounter a broken lens you will probably be told that your best bet is to replace the entire fixture. However, if you talk to the experts first you can save yourself some money by replacing the lens cover alone. Replacing the entire fixture is a common mistake because your current fixture is probably still in working order.

Once you’ve done this your ready to order! If you have further questions on how to replace your lens call one of our experts at Diffuser Specialist. If we don’t already have what your looking for, we’ll make it! Ask questions online here .

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What is an LED?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:53:00 GMT

What is an LED? LED stands for light-emitting diodes; they are small light sources that become illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material. LEDs can be

How are LED lightings products different from other lightings? LEDs emit light towards a specific direction unlike incandescent or florescent bulbs which release light, as well as heat, in every direction. LED lighting efficiently uses light and energy unlike its predecessors. The LED lights only produce light where it is needed in a desired direction.

There are some challenges with LED lights. For instance using LEDs to create stable white light for general lighting has been difficult. The LED light must be equal to or greater than existing lighting technologies. Light output must remain constant over time. It must have excellent color quality. Efficiency must be as good as or better than fluorescent light diffusers . Light must come on instantly when turned on with no flickering and there must be no off-state power draw. That means the fixture does not use power when it is off.

For more information visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_what_are

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Too Much Light May Lead to Depression

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:53:00 GMT

According to an article posted on Time.com, exposure to dim lighting at night may lead to depressive symptoms. A study conducted at Ohio State University Medical Center found

hamsters with chronic exposure to dim light lenses at night showed signs of depression within a matter of weeks. They had reduced physical activity compared to their counterparts living in normal light-dark conditions. They also had less of a desire for sugar water which is a treat for hamsters. According to Tracy Bedrosian who authored the study, “The results we found in hamsters are consistent with what we know about depression in humans.”

Mood disorders are not the only health condition linked to artificial lighting and screen time at night. The American Medical Association did a study where it was found that artificial lights disrupt circadian rhythms and alter the body’s normal hormonal response. Specifically when people spend too little time in darkness, the body suppresses release of melatonin hormone which is thought to fight tumor growth and cancer, among other things.

The good news is this can be undone. All anyone has to do is simply switch back to a regular light-dark cycle and minimize exposure to artificial light at night. The hamsters in the study had this done to them and within a week their depressive symptoms vanished.

According to Bedrosian, the prevalence of depression has increased in humans over the course of the last fifty years. Light pollution can come from an array of things such as TV screens, computer screens, electronic displays and ambient sources of light fixtures in our daily lives.

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Fluorescent Light Replacement Parts – Replacing Those Old Fixtures and Bulbs

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:53:00 GMT

Fluorescent bulbs and fixtures are widely used due to their durability and low maintenance requirements; however, occasionally repairs and replacements are required. You’ll know when it’s time when your light begins to flicker, doesn’t come on, won’t hold a bulb, or when the light covers get cracked. Luckily, fluorescent light replacement parts aren’t difficult to come by. Most of them can be found in hardware stores, our better yet – right here, at www.diffuserspecialist.com.

If your fixture won’t light up, it’s possible that it may not be receiving power. The first thing to do is to check the breaker box and see if that is the problem. Although fluorescent bulbs are made to last years, if one starts flickering, it’s time to replace it. Make sure to get the same bulb size and wattage.

Sometimes, it’s not bulbs at all, but cracked sockets that don’t allow a complete electrical circuit. This caused by bumps by other objects or stress put on them by replacing bulbs. It is always important to shut of the power to the light either by unplugging it or turning it off at the breaker. You will need to open up the fixture to gain access to the suspected broken socket.

Another common problem with ceiling light covers is broken ballast. The ballast boosts the incoming voltage to start the fluorescent tube and then regulates the current to keep the light on. Since ballast replacements can cost almost as much as a new fixture, buying a completely new one is probably a better investment.

One thing is certain, here at www.diffiserspecialist.com, we are your fluorescent light replacement parts experts, and we will always do our best to ensure that each and every customer gets the right ones. When it comes to fluorescent light replacement parts, www.diffuserspecialist.com is the place to go.

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Wrap Lenses 101: Efficacy vs Efficiency

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:52:00 GMT

Whenever you flick a light switch it’s easy to forget how much science is behind the light you use. It’s easy to head down to Walmart, pick up a pack of bulbs, pop off those wrap lenses and stick one in the empty socket. How many people does it take to screw in a light bulb? You – just you. How many people did it take to get the lighting industry where it’s at today? Many – like a lot.

Part of any scientists and researchers job when it comes to lighting is to try and develop a light bulbs that operate at high efficacy and efficiency levels. You may have seen these terms inked on the outside of your fluorescent light bulb box. Many give no thought to them, but they are important in understanding whether or not you should consider switching bulb type or even your wrap lenses. So let’s break things down.

Light Efficacy

Light efficacy or more appropriately known as luminous efficacy is the measure of how well a particular light source produces visible light. Basically it is the ratio of perceived power output (strength of the light = lumens) to the actual power being used. It is important to keep in mind that not all wavelengths of light are equally stimulating to the human eye such as ultraviolet light. With this in mind, you should consider whether or not some of the bulbs in your home are consuming far more energy than the visible amount of light they actually emit.

Light Efficiency

Efficiency is the actual percentage of power in which comes out as photons. Or more plainly – what percentage of power that goes in comes out as light. Keep in mind that much of a bulbs energy is lost through heat. Efficiency is stated in percentage – based on the ratio of total energy in vs useful energy out – so if an LED is 30% efficient and it’s consuming 30W, it’s outputting 3W of light (useful energy) and 7W of heat (wasted energy).

Ask Diffuser Specialist – your lighting experts!

We may not produce light bulbs, but being masters at wrap lenses and fluorescent light lens manufacturing means that we have to know them inside and out. If you need some advice as to the right light diffuser for your home or office, contact us today.

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The Harmful Effects Of Artificial Lighting In Hospitals And How Lighting Lenses Keep Us UV Safe

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:51:00 GMT

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) may be invisible to the human eye, but its harmful effects are far from invisible. UV energy, whether produced by the sun or all forms of artificial lighting (incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, LED and induction) has a cumulative effect on our bodies, food and our possessions.

Ultraviolet radiation is present in three forms: UVC, UVB and UVA. UVC (200-280nm) produce the most energy and do the most damage to our skin. In nature, after they are emitted by the sun and head toward earth, they are absorbed in the earth’s outer atmosphere. UVB rays (280-315 nm) do the most damage to our body’s DNA structure and even inhibit DNA’s ability to repair itself. UVA (315-400nm) causes indirect DNA damage.

UVA radiation penetrates deeper layers of the skin, the dermis layer, and is responsible for photo-aging. The effects of UV radiation are long term and cumulative. This means that the sunburn you received as a child can still be affecting your body’s DNA structure to this day! Both UVB and UVA radiation are capable of causing skin cancer.

The Harmful Effects of UV Rays Emitted By Fluorescent Lights

The autoimmune disease, Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) currently affects 1.5 to 2 million people in the United States. It is estimated that 90% of Lupus patients are women, with a large number being African-American, Latina and Asian. It is more prevalent than sickle-cell anemia cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined . Lupus is a disease in which the body attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. It can damage the joints, skin, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Many of the symptoms of Lupus mimic other health conditions, (fatigue, skin rash, joint pain, low-grade fevers), so it can be difficult to diagnose. One of the environmental factors known to adversely affect Lupus is exposure to UV radiation.

There are over 150 commonly prescribed medications that can cause the human body to become sensitive to UV rays according to the FDA. One such medication is classified as an anti-malarial drug. This same drug is used to treat the symptoms of Lupus. Patients diagnosed with Lupus are especially susceptible to UV rays; some even reported weakness after standing beneath unfiltered fluorescent lighting for less than half an hour.

There are numerous scientific studies indicating UV exposure’s role in the cause of melanoma and non-melanoma cancers; cataract formation and immune system damage. Additionally, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology , unfiltered fluorescent light emits up to 10-30 times more UVB radiation than the sun (Walter, 1992).

References:

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/

Walter, S. (1992). The association of cutaneous malignant melanoma and fluorescent light exposure. American Journal of Epidemiology , 135 (7), 1-6. doi: http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/

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