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Electrical Tips
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Lights and Light Switches
Defective Light Switches
BE CAREFUL---but you can do this job yourself! Concentrate fully on what you’re doing. Begin by shutting down the main power switch. Loosen the screws off the plate. The switch will be loosened and you can gently pull it loose from its setting. Then loosen the bolts holding the switch and remove it. Put on the new switch and return it to the wall. Tighten it and replace the switch cover.
Light Switches
Add a special touch to your walls or match a room’s paneling with custom-made light switch plates! Use up some of your wood scraps, paneling or wallpaper scraps. Construction time should take under an hour to complete!
Halogen Lights
Halogen lights are useful in that they emit a whiter, brighter and more easily focused beam of light than conventional incandescent bulbs. These lights help reduce eyestrain for reading and other close work. The bulbs tend to last much longer, therefore they are great for using outside in hard to get to light fixtures. They are also 10 to 20% more energy efficient and tend to burn brighter longer.
Maximum Light
To achieve maximum illumination from the bare light bulbs hanging in your basement and /or attic install reflectors above the lights. Just cut a square piece of scrap plywood, leaving a hole in the center for the light. Then paint plywood piece white, nail up piece to the joists, and you’re all set!
Lightbulb Sizes
We’ve all read the warning on lights or ceiling fixtures to stay with a certain size bulb,(e.g. 60-watt). This warning is in place because if a hotter, oversized bulb is used, heat can buildup and fire can occur! This is especially true for recessed lighting since there is no way for the air to circulate around the fixture! If you need more light in a room, add another fixture or replace the existing one that is too small.
Saving Energy
Saving Energy Tips
Try to limit the amount of heat entering your house during the summer. Try not to use lights and appliances during the hottest part of the day- as they generate more heat! Covering your windows with drapes or awnings will help keep the house cool. Every little bit will help and minimize the use of your air conditioner! That means you save money!!!
Vacation/Energy Savings
If you are soon off on vacation, take a few minutes to unplug small and large appliances not needed. Also, turn water heater and air conditioner to their lowest settings. Backing up your computer is probably a good idea, in case a power outage occurs while you are gone.
Swimming Pool Heaters/Pumps/Bills
Have high summer energy bills? If you are running a pool pump and heater, you can try reducing the thermostat setting on the pool heater by 1 degree, this should reduce your energy usage by 10 %. Also, try using a transparent pool cover to capture the sun’s heat naturally.
Beat High Fuel Bills
Installing programmable thermostats to automatically coordinate your home’s temperatures with your day-to-day patterns can help in the lowering of your yearly fuel bill.
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