UPDATE YOUR LAMP TO LOW VOLTAGE OR SOLAR
STEP ONE
Pick any lamp head or low voltage conversion kit as long as it meets the following specs on this checklist:
- Brightness: 300-500 Lumens
- Light Color: 2700-3000k Soft White
- Housing Design: same design & size
- Battery (Solar): Minimum 14hr Battery
STEP TWO
Submit Montecito ARC. Make sure your ARC submission specifies all checklist details about your new light:
- Montecito ARC (FREE)
- Online Form
STEP THREE
Once your FREE Montecito ARC is approved, submit your Southern Highlands ARC
- Southern Highlands ARC ($25)
If you're more comfortable with your old gas lamp, keep it. Please see the instructions for soft mantle replacement.
SOFT MANTLE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS (THE PART THAT BURNS)
For best results, change both mantles at the same time.
- (*Optional) Turn gas off, allow lamp to cool. Remove and wash all glass panes (using heat resistant gloves if needed)
- Remove old mantle rings from burner tips, as well as old mantle debris.
- Carefully remove gas mantle from package. Insert ceramic ring onto burner nozzles, twist 1/4 turn to let rings rest on nozzle shelf.
- Gently pull soft mantle down and shape it using both hands to adjust bag shape.
- Replace all but one of the glass panes back into the light.
- (*Optional) WITH THE GAS STILL TURNED OFF, using a lighter or matches to burn the coating off each mantle. Let mantles cool 2 to 3 minutes.
- DO NOT TOUCH MANTLES. They are very fragile once burned.
- Turn gas on slowly and light the new mantles.
- Replace the last pane of glass into the light head.
- After a few hours, mantles will shape-up completely (auto form) and produce maximum light. Each mantle is unique and will shape itself differently.
Electric vs. Solar
Is there an advantage to Electric vs. Solar? The simple answer is: low voltage is more reliable with less maintenance over the long term. Below are some factors to consider.
- Solar lighting tends to fade through the night; especially in winter when it may be dimmer even at start if it has not collected enough light. Low-voltage doesn't need to be recharged with sunlight and is a more consistent light in winter months.
- Solar typically requires more maintenance over time but doesn't require any wiring whereas low-voltage can be more easily repaired part by part if needed but does require wires.
- Low Voltage Maintenance - The low voltage electrical system just needs the LEDs replaced every few years (generally 4 to 6) and a photocell that might need replacement every couple of years. Over a 10-year period you can expect the yearly maintenance cost to be around $175 average. After 10-years there may be some upgrading needed on other components, but these are all doable for a reasonable price. The glass is also replaceable if needed.
- Solar Maintenance - replace the battery every 2-3 years and maybe the LED brick at some point within the 10-year period. Other components that may need to be replaced are generally the charge controller and solar panel.
- Some people note that solar is easier to install and requires no digging or wires, compared to low-voltage but is not an option for a large number of homes due to tree coverage.
Montecito's 3 options are
1) leave gas lamps in place
2) convert to low voltage LED
3) convert to solar
The problems of continuing with gas lamps include:
1) This will be an ever-increasing cost to homeowners as the gas utility budget has already gone from 24% to 45% of the budget. Over 45% of homeowner dues are used to pay for gas lamps.
2) The gas lamps do not adequately illuminate our neighborhood
3) We continue to waste natural resources by using gas
