Author: Kelly Manuel

  • What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Ordinary Bulbs with LEDs

    What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Ordinary Bulbs with LEDs

    LED grow light bulbs are all the rage lately and are quickly becoming the most popular indoor grow light solution. The technology behind LEDs has made them more powerful than ever, but it takes more than that to drive conventional HID grow lamps out of business.
    We believe that LED grow lights finally have what it takes when it comes to indoor cultivation. Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits of replacing your ordinary light bulbs with an LED panel.

    Benefits in the Light Spectrum

    LED stands for Light-Emitting Diodes. A light emitting diode is a semiconductor that emits light when electrons pass through it. Back in the day, these diodes came in just one color of the light spectrum (blue or red), which made them unsuitable for growing purposes. The reason for that is that plants utilize the whole range of the light’s spectrum for photosynthesis (the Photosynthetically Active Region).

    Lower Heat Emissions

    Spectrum

    Each diode is designed to produce specific wavelengths of the light spectrum, meaning that LED lamps are less wasteful by design. To put things in perspective, HID grow light produces a lot of infra-red light which is not used by the plants.
    Plants require specific amounts of red, blue and green light depending on their development stage. When considering different variations or particular wavelengths, LEDs offer the most flexibility, as they offer the full light spectrum and can be customized according to the grower’s needs.

    Lower Heat Emissions

    Like all lights, LEDs also emit heat. However, the amount is minuscule compared to the vast amounts that HID lamps produce. Extremely high temperatures can hurt your plants and dry them out quicker than normal. That’s why growers who use High-Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide (both belong in the HID category) lamps tend to keep them at a safe distance and use fans to regulate the grow room temperature.
    On the other hand, LEDs are more efficient at transforming electricity into usable light, making them much safer in indoor situations. The cooler temperatures make LED lamps safer to use closer to the plant canopy, ensuring better light penetration.

    More Savings on Utility Bills and Maintenance

    Perhaps the most significant advantage of LED grow panels compared to HID and fluorescent grow lights is their low maintenance cost. Of course, a LED lamp will cost far more than any other type at first, but the savings end up paying for themselves in the long run.

    Utility Bills

    First of all, due to their solid-state technology, LEDs are less wasteful when creating light. Their efficiency, comes with a notable decrease in electricity costs, without sacrificing brightness or power. Also, since there is no filament to burn (unlike HIDs, which contain toxic chemicals), they last about 5-10 times more. An average conventional lamp will last for up to 10,000 hours and start to lose its intensity by 3.000. An average LED panel will last for 50,000 hours at a minimum if operated at 50-70% of its full power. More expensive models with heatsinks will last for double than that.

    Logistics

    With HIDs, things are pretty straightforward: You get a lamp, a reflector and a ballast that will provide light for your indoor plants. However, there is not much control over your grow, and if there is one thing that growers hate, it is unpredictability.

    Logistics

    Most LEDs can run on a schedule programmed to your plant’s needs, while some even offer smartphone support for remote control. They can be plugged into standard outlets, and most, if not all, can function in traditional lighting fixtures. Higher-end models include dimmer features, allowing you to adjust rates of red to blue, or green, individually, to find the right balance. LED setups are also usually one integrated unit, not requiring ballasts or other accessories.
    Finally, their ability to fit into the tightest of spaces is often understated. Not all people have the available space to accommodate HID lamps, as they need to be hung at least one meter above the canopy.

    Are LEDs the Future? We Think So!

    LED grow light technology is continuously improving and has already started to gain the grower community’s trust. Traditional light panels such as HIDs and CFLs are always going to be popular among growers, but there are undeniable benefits in using LED grow lamps for your garden.
    Feeling ready to make the switch? Browse our collection of LED grow lights and see for yourself why they are the cost-effective option. If you have questions about any model, get in contact. We’ll be happy to assist you every step of the way!

  • 4 Best Local SEO Michigan Strategies to Use

    4 Best Local SEO Michigan Strategies to Use

    Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, can be of great benefit to local business owners. Your goal with SEO is to ensure your business ranks at the top of search engine results, and above your competitors when local customers perform a relevant search. With so much advice available for improving your local SEO strategy MI, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to invest your time, energy, and resources. By following the proven tactics below, you will give your business the best shot at reaching the top of the searching rankings in your local Michigan area.

    1. Optimize Your Website’s Content for SEO

    Strategies to improve the content of your web pages to be friendlier to search engines form the basis of SEO. SEO is always changing, and methods that used to work, such as keyword stuffing, are no longer recommended. Today’s SEO focuses on crafting value for the visitors of your website. Provide them with information about your products or services and contact information in an easy-to-navigate way. Make sure your site is optimized for mobile viewing, which will also boost your local SEO Michigan ranking.
    Inbound marketing is a term used to describe hubspot marketing agency. Inbound marketing focuses on attracting consumers by providing relevant and helpful information and offering value at each stage of the purchase process. With inbound marketing, potential consumers find you through channels like blogs, social media, and search engines. While outbound marketing, inbound marketing does not have to compete for the attention of potential consumers (direct mail, advertisements, print and TV, cold calling, etc). It helps you attract the proper consumers and prospects. You can attract qualified prospects and develop confidence and credibility for your company by providing content that addresses all of your ideal clients’ concerns and demands. The following are some of the methods and tools used in inbound marketing: Blogging Social Media Search Engine Optimization Landing

    2. Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

    According to recent surveys, many potential customers read online reviews to help them decide which local business to choose. Reviews not only give a favorable impression of your business but also inform readers about your service or product. Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by linking accounts to your website. If a client tells you they had a great experience working with you, gently ask them if they would leave a review—you may be surprised how often they will. These reviews improve your online image as well as boosting your search rankings.

    3. Claim & Fill Out Your Google My Business Account

    No matter where your local business is in Michigan or what industry it operates under, having a Google My Business account is a crucial part of a successful SEO strategy. The first step is to claim and verify your business, a relatively simple process. Once your profile is set up, fill out every area entirely, ensuring that all your contact information, such as your business’s address, phone number, and email, are accurate. Add a brief but informative description of your business but steer clear of keyword stuffing or other outdated SEO techniques.

    4. List Your Business on Other Business Directories

    While Google My Business is an important directory to be a part of, it’s not the only one. Other sites, such as Citysearch and Yelp, are used by customers all over Michigan when making decisions on where to spend their dollars. Claim your business on each of these directories, ensure all information is up-to-date, and fill them out according to the individual website’s specifications.

    By taking these steps to improve your business’s SEO, your website will rise to the top of the search rankings, gaining you more business and visibility.

  • A Guide to Workman’s Comp in Michigan

    A Guide to Workman’s Comp in Michigan

    Have you recently been injured at work?

    Becoming injured at work should never be a life-altering experience. Thanks to the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act, employees are guaranteed medical care and wage compensation when they become injured or disabled at work. All businesses in Michigan with one or more employees are required by law to carry insurance covering workman’s comp. You may be entitled to some or all of the following:

    • Medical Care
    • Wage Loss Benefits
    • Prompt Payment
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Hearings
    • Mediation
    • Rehabilitative Care

    What should I do?

    Depending on the injury and the employer, there may be a litany of steps that take place over a period of several months. Regardless of the nature of the incident, you should always seek immediate medical attention and notify your employer as soon as possible. From there, the help of workman’s comp professionals can alleviate the undue stress of becoming injured at work.

    After the injury has been reported, most employers will require you to fill out a claim. While it is suggested that an injury is reported within 90 days of occurrence, it is important to note that past-due benefits cannot be obtained for injuries dating back more than two years. Details of the injury will be required for the claim, so be sure to maintain a record of the date, time, place, and as many specifics of the incident as possible.

    Claims are then filed with the employer’s insurer, as well as with Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation Agency. After the claim has been evaluated, you will be contacted about the benefits to which you are entitled.

    Why seek legal help?

    Obtaining workman’s comp in Michigan is generally quite straight-forward, but too often those without the help of legal professionals do not receive all the benefits for which they are eligible. Depending upon the severity of the injury, the recovery process may leave you out of work for an extended period of time, if not indefinitely. Aside from assisting you in the initial claims process, an experienced workman’s comp lawyer may be able to help you with the following:

    • Answering client questions
    • Ensuring receipt of the accurate compensation rate
    • Securing long-term care attendants
    • Obtaining reimbursement for medical care
    • Determining appropriate conditions for returning to work
    • Contacting medical professionals and maintaining organized records
    • Evaluating all eligible benefits
    • Negotiating settlements

    While workman’s comp cases are typically settled expediently and to the claimant’s satisfaction, all work-related injuries should be taken seriously and handled with legal separation lawyer expertise when possible.

    Many law offices do not charge fees up front, and the rate of workman’s comp lawyers are based upon benefits recovered and the procedural process of each case.

    Recovery after a work injury is stressful and arduous on its own, don’t let the workman’s comp process add insult to injury.

  • History of the Damascus Knife

    History of the Damascus Knife

    If you’re looking for a bold addition to your knife collection, look no further than a Damascus blade. There are lots of attractive knives on the market today, but not many will have the same impact as a Damascus knife. They’re available in just about any configuration too, from fixed to folding and with lots of options, so finding the right one for you won’t be a problem. Read on to find out more about these amazing knives.

    History

    Damascus steel traces its origin back to about 900 AD in the Syrian city of Damascus, where it was used to make swords. When western crusaders witnessed these swords slicing through other weapons, they were understandably impressed. The trouble for the crusaders was that the sword makers keep their methods secret. The material was popular for weaponry until the mid-1700s were when knowledge of the unique forging process was lost.

    Luckily for modern knife enthusiasts, during the 1970’s, knife makers were able to closely replicate the forgotten Damascus steel making process. The result today is a strong and versatile blade that is used for such diverse purposes as hunting, camping, and even cooking.

    The Pattern

    The distinctive look of these blades comes from a manufacturing process of combining different metals which creates the unique patterns they are famous for. During this process, hundreds of metal layers can be combined using extremely high levels of heat to produce a solid block of material. This block is then used to create blades that are exceptionally strong and durable with a unique and attractive pattern. It’s not often that a tool is so useful and attractive at the same time. However, the toughness and durability combined with the distinctive pattern of these blades make it easy to see why they are a favorite of knife lovers everywhere.

    Looks and functionality

    Don’t let the eye-catching blade fool you though, Damascus tactical knives aren’t just for show. When these high-quality blades are combined with an attractive handle and versatile options, they are perfect for several purposes including camping, hiking, and even everyday carry. Add on a clip to hold it in your pocket, thumb studs for easy opening, and a locking mechanism, and you have a great knife that will provide many years of service in the field.

    There are lots of top quality Damascus tactical knives for sale, so finding the right one for you won’t be a problem. Plus, owning one is a great way to show your love of knives and your sense of style too. Hunters, hikers, survivalists, and collectors have recognized the value and beauty of these knives, ensuring they will popular for a long time to come.

    Galvanized Steel Barricade Crowd Control Heavy Duty Steel ONE Person Operation.

  • Little-Known Facts and Misconceptions About Drain Repairs

    Little-Known Facts and Misconceptions About Drain Repairs

    There are quite a few unknown facts and misconceptions about how to properly maintain your home’s drainage system. You would be surprised by the countless number of plumbing myths that actually exist. As a homeowner, the more that you understand about how your home’s plumbing system works. Then, the better chance you have of providing proper maintenance and care to your home’s drainage system. Proper drain cleaning is an essential part of a happy and healthy home. (more…)