Central Vacuum Systems

GOOD REASONS TO DUST YOUR LIGHT BULBS

It’s easy enough to notice the dust that accumulates on your tabletops and shelves. But who looks at light bulbs until they’re burnt out and need to be replaced?

Turns out that taking a gentle swipe at light bulbs to remove film and dust is an excellent idea now and then. Why?

Dust actually reduces the wattage of light emanating from the bulb, so you’re not getting the full value of your energy investment. You may even be using higher wattage bulbs than you actually need. Also, for those with sensitive respiratory systems, hidden dust on light bulbs, especially if it resides on bedside lamps, could be a culprit in aggravating symptoms.

Best technique for dusting light bulbs? Use great care, especially around fluorescent bulbs, which are toxic if shattered. Use a microfiber cloth or duster that traps dust instead of merely spreading it around. NEVER dust a bulb that is turned on, and wait several minutes after turning one off before you handle it. Avoid using moistened cloths on all but the grimiest fixtures. If you must, wring a light cotton cloth out until it is nearly dry, and rub the bulb gently. Never use a damp cloth to clean a warm bulb, as the sudden shift in temperature could cause it to shatter.

Don’t forget canister lights. Because they are awkward to reach, your best tool is a soft accessory brush attached to the wand and long hose of a central vacuum system. Besides allowing you to safely clean hard-to-reach places without climbing on a chair, you have the added advantage built into every central vacuum system: dirt and dust are captured with powerful suction, then whisked through the hose into a series of behind-the-wall tubing and into a sealed canister tucked away from living spaces. It sounds like magic, and in a way it is, but it’s easy to have installed-- or retro-fitted in your existing home--in less than a day. Allergy suffers swear by it. Learn more here.