Outdoor Lighting Tips

 

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If you are a homeowner, you most likely use outdoor lighting of some sort whether it is for decoration or just security. If you are looking to save money on lighting and be energy efficient, it is best to go with LED lights.

Since outdoor lights are left on for long periods of time, it would be wise to use CFLs or LEDs in these fixtures which will save a lot of money. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather. CFL and LEDs are also available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures. To save money look for ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features such as automatic daylight shut off and motion sensors.

Source: energysavers.gov

Save Money On Your Electric Bill This Summer

 

Summer is just around the corner, but this doesn't mean your electricity bill has to skyrocket. There are many ways to prevent this from happening. Here's a few tips:

• Change the AC filter
• Cover the southern and western windows in your home to prevent excess heat
• Consider a whole house fan
• Use more fans
• Switch to fluorescent light bulbs 
• Program the thermostat 
• Install a smart power strip
•  Make sure the ceiling is adequately insulated
• Seal any leaks or cracks around doors, windows, ducts, electrical outlets, etc.
• Use microwaves instead of electric ovens

Electrical Fire Safety

 

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Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.

Causes of electrical fires:

• Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.
• Light fixtures and lamps/light bulbs are also leading causes of electrical fires.
• Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Prevention:

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
• Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.
• Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/electrical.shtm

Your Fuse Box

 

Most people don't know what or where their fuse or breaker box is located until their electricity goes out randomly and they are left in the dark or when their hairdryer stops working abruptly.

Where is your fuse or breaker box located? A fuse box or circuit breaker box is usually located outside of the main house. It is usually in the garage. In some older homes, the fuse or circuit breaker box is located inside the home.

Once you know where it is located, it is important to know what type of box it is: fuse or circuit. You can easily tell the difference: if you see round, glass topped shapes or small tubes with metal ends then these are fuses; if there are toggle-like switches, it's a circuit breaker box.

Keep a flashlight placed at or near your fuse box with fully charged batteries that work in case of emergencies. Make sure that the the ground and area around your fuse box is free of water. This is especially important if the box is located outside the house. Consider stowing a small, dry throw-rug  stored nearby so that you can use it to stand on when you need to work on it. Also, it's handy to have a pair of leather gloves that you can easily locate to wear when working in your panel box.


To learn more about what to do in emergencies read more here: http://www.livingwithmyhome.com/101-home-tips/fuse.aspx