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A lot of the feedback I see about the Energy Savers.gov site says, “This is great but way too detailed. I just want to know what’s easy and what I can do now!” And that makes sense; EnergySavers.gov has a lot of information about many topics you can learn about buying efficient appliances, choosing new heating and cooling systems, selecting windows, and even using renewable energy.
But not everyone wants to make a big purchase right now; many of you want to know how you can save with what you have or with just a small investment in time and money. These ten resources detail easy ways that you can start saving now:
*When to Turn Off Your Lights
Find out when it’s most cost-effective to turn off your lights—and when to leave them on.
*When to Turn Off Personal Computers
Operate your computer and peripherals—such as monitors, printers, and other accessories efficiently. Also, check out these tips for home office and home electronics.
*Use and Heat Your Water Efficiently
There are a variety of tips here — some more costly than others — but others are quick and easy, like reducing your hot water use and turning down the temperature of your water heater.
*Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently
Pay attention to your thermostat settings and reduce your cooling costs (and heating costs in the winter). A programmable thermostat makes it easy.
*Improve the Efficiency of Your Windows
Some simple caulk and weatherstripping can help you reduce air leakage around your windows, and window coverings can help keep your home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter).
*Avoid Heat Buildup
Follow some simple strategies to reduce the heat buildup in your house on hot days, such as using window shades, avoiding oven use, and using spot ventilation when bathing.
*Replace Lamps in Incandescent Lighting Fixtures
Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with more efficient lamps, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
*Use Ceiling Fans and Circulating Fans
A fan can keep you comfortable in hot weather without blasting the air conditioner.
*Drive Efficiently and Maintain your Car
You’ve probably heard most of these tips before, but it bears repeating: less aggressive driving and slower speeds lead to savings. Not to mention fewer accidents and a less stressful commute for everyone.
*Tips for Doing Laundry Efficiently
Using cooler water and air-drying your clothes are two ways to save energy while doing your laundry.
These pages cover some easy ways to save energy without a huge investment. If you love tips and are looking for more, check out the Energy Savers Booklet and the list of no-cost and low-cost tips to save energy this summer from the Stay Cool, Save Money site.
Finally, remember that a home energy audit is the best place to start. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, an energy audit can help you assess your home’s energy use and figure out how to improve your home’s efficiency to maximize your savings.
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Go Green with Solar Training
Go Green with Solar Training learning emerging technologies, such as solar technology, is part of the fundamentals of “Green” building. Over 5 million new “green” collar jobs are expected. Learning photovoltaic systems and the fundamentals of green building will become a prerequisite in many cases. Certifications are already being offered by going to solar schools, and some colleges, universities, and trade schools are offering solar school classes. It has been found that 74% of home buyers are willing to pay more for solar power installer training, and 89% of multiple unit investors are building energy-efficient buildings using all types of environmentally friendly lighting, appliances, and solar technology systems for heating and supplemental electricity. While many architects, engineers, and building contractors are sending personnel to solar schools to learn these technologies, the expected job growth in the solar power training field cannot be met with those in the pipeline. Because of the expected increase in alternative fuel technologies, it is anticipated that demand for trained personnel will far exceed available resources unless more students are enrolled in solar schools to fill these jobs. Many solar school courses are being offered online and through existing facilities. Some states are ahead of others in providing solar school classes, scholarships, and incentives.
Many states are offering incentives for public schools to start exposure to solar technology in public school classrooms. Still, the demand is expected to be unmet for several years before these children ever hit the job market. There is a need to make the adult population more aware of the solar power training and unspent scholarship money available for solar school education and certification. In addition, many unemployed could find new occupations in this growing field. Right now, it is in the infancy stages, but not since the computer technology boom has a field that looked so promising for job growth and off-shoot business development. By 2030, the renewable energy or green career field is projected to employ 16 to 37 million. Getting in on this field’s ground floor is why solar school classes are becoming more popular and widespread. With new National initiatives, “green” collar jobs are the future wave. Solar school education will become a prerequisite to working for the top jobs in this field. Many constructions and building trades will need to become certified and knowledgeable, especially electricians and installers. There will become a growing need for all different aspects to be learned for proper engineering, design, and installation of newer solar technologies. The research and development in solar designs will be another area that will need knowledgeable staffing. Indeed, anybody in the construction and building trades should sign up for solar power installer training and get certification as soon as possible to secure their positions and offer a competitive advantage. By getting in on the ground level of emerging, sustainable, and renewable energy trends, going to solar school can make you invaluable as the technologies progress.
Despite opportunities for environmental jobs increasing, the economic slowdown has translated into growing economic worries for a large portion of America’s workforce. A good thing forecasted to come out of this economic disaster is a surge of green jobs that should put more people back to work than originally were laid off. This is one of the many reasons Green Degree Courses are one of the most sought-after tracks in North America.
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People give a lot of thought to utilizing their closet space through good organization and innovative space-saving design. What they forget is the need to provide closet lighting as well. Unfortunately, you cannot keep your storage area neat if you cannot see your way around inside. So proper lighting is going to be of extreme importance.
Natural Light May Not Be An Option
The good news is that there are many options for ensuring that your closets have some illumination, but the one source you usually can not count on in this area is natural light. The reason is that a window can take up a lot of space and might not even be possible to install.
Fluorescent is the Code-Compliant Solution
Safety is most important, and you must ensure not to create fire hazards in your closet. So, the only option is fluorescent lighting – the only code-compliant solution. You can hire out this job out if that option fits your budget. But this can also be a do-it-yourself project for someone who is a handy person. The actual directions for each lighting system may vary, but it is essential to know a few things before attempting to begin such a project yourself.
Steps in Doing it Yourself
First, you must identify which power source you will be able to pull power from inside the closet. You have to make sure that before you start working on any electrical projects, you turn off the primary power source first. You will want to install this fluorescent light between studs, and the same goes for the placement of the light switch itself.
Keep the Light Away from any Insulation.
You will need access to your attic to complete this job to fasten the lighting mount, ensuring that you keep it away from any insulation so that it will not become a fire hazard. Another important rule of thumb is not to cross wires – keep black with black and white with white. If you have a confusing wiring system, you should abort the operation immediately and call an electrician. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Lighting that Runs on Batteries
Now, if you are not very electrically inclined, you might want to consider another option for closet lighting. Some very inexpensive lighting systems do not have to be connected to the electricity grid but run on batteries. They are small, energy-efficient, lightweight, and inexpensive. This system requires no wiring, and it is a guarantee that you will not have to end up calling an electrician.
They are just simple light bars that attach under your cabinet or to the ceiling of your closet. These systems generally run on four AA batteries. These kits include two very bright Krypton bulbs in swivel pockets, making it very easy to place the light directly where you need it.
The main electrical panel, commonly referred to as a “breaker box,” is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It is an essential device in the modern world and one of the most important safety mechanisms that can be found in your house. Your household’s electricity is sent to your home from the utility company either through overhead power lines, underground conduits, or a combination of both. After passing through your home’s electric meter, the energy is sent to the main electrical panel to be distributed throughout the house. The central panel is your dwelling’s power distribution center, providing electricity to outlets, light fixtures, and appliances throughout the house.
Electrical service panels are manufactured in various types, sizes, and configurations. The central panel may be mounted on the exterior of the building or and more commonly, located inside the building, providing easier access and better security. The central panel receives electricity through 3 main incoming cables and then routes this power to many smaller wires that create circuits throughout the house. The average breaker panel consists of 2 main “buss bars” which control power for the entire building. The main breakers draw electricity from the incoming energy source and transfer it to these two main bus bars. Sequentially, these two bus bars pass the electricity to all the secondary breakers. The secondary breakers each control separate aspects of the house. For example, one may control the electricity flow to a particular room of the house, such as the kitchen. In contrast, another may control the power flow to the dwelling’s air conditioning unit.
More giant breakers found in buildings with a higher capacity may divert power to sub-panels. These sub-panels will have breakers to control a specific aspect of the house. For safety reasons, a ground wire (usually copper) is permanently installed with the building’s main service panel. This metal wire runs from the neutral connector within the panel to a metal rod driven into the ground.
Every home’s main electrical panel contains a mechanical switch for each of the circuits contained within the residence. These switches temporarily allow the course to be purposefully broken, thereby cutting power to that aspect of the home. These are used when service or repairs must be performed to electrical aspects of the building. Also, these switches may be “tripped” automatically due to a failure in the circuit, such as a power overload. We can help with any problems and will answer all your questions in Texas.
Installing a security system yourself is an undertaking that is not to be taken lightly. You want to be able to complete the installation safely and effectively. It is not worth it to save the cost of having it professionally installed if you cannot install it properly yourself. A security system that is not properly installed may not work or may not work as well as it should. You can do it yourself, but make sure that you can.
Type Of System
The type of system will affect the ease with which you can install it. Some basic systems and security measures are practically made to be installed by a layperson. These simpler systems involve locking sensors on a door and an adjacent wall or floor to create the desired alarm. The same pattern may be used to affix alarms to windows. You do not need to limit yourself to the basics of installing an alarm system. It all depends on your knowledge and skill level in installation. You may know enough to install and coordinate more advanced security tools into one functioning, cohesive system. Your expertise will decide the outcome, so ensure you know enough to pull off the type of alarm system you install.
Other Considerations
Installing a system yourself will not allow you the luxury and the safety of a security monitoring service. Having a security system professionally installed allows you to have professional monitoring services so that trained individuals are monitoring the safety of your home at all times. You will also need to choose systems with or without wires. If you select one with cables, then you will have to be able to deal with them or hide them to your satisfaction. This is both for aesthetic concerns and for safety measures. You do not want wires revealed that could compromise the safety and integrity of the system. Finally, you want to ensure that you can install the security system safely. This is a concern for any do-it-yourself project. There is always some risk of harm when working on your home in this fashion, so ensure you are thoroughly versed in the proper safety protocols before you begin.
An electrician is one tradesperson in high demand for new home construction and repairs that need to be done on the home wiring. When you need an electrician, it is not the cost of the electrical supplies that drive up the price but the electrician’s hourly rates. Because these people are considered specialists, you can expect to pay a high rate for their services. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $70 per hour; this does not include the cost of travel.
If the electrician has to travel a fair distance to do the work that needs to be done, you may also have to pay a set rate for mileage. Some electricians charge the same hourly rate for the travel time as they do for the work. When choosing an electrician, you should never decide based on the hourly rate alone. Look at the experience the person brings to the job. An electrician that has all the necessary tools for the job and can supply you with the materials you need is the best choice, rather than an inexperienced person that expects you to purchase all the materials yourself.
If you want repairs done that are not urgent, you can save money by making a list of things you need to do and then getting the electrician to do all the jobs simultaneously. This way, you won’t have to pay two or three different times, as electricians usually charge an hour at a time. You could finish all the jobs in one hour instead of paying for two or three hours. We will gladly quote you the price over the phone; call now.
Landscape Lighting
Developing the home’s exterior can improve its functionality, efficiency, and curb appeal. When you are done with the process, you will most likely feel that you have moved into a new home. Home improvement can either be performed alone or with the help of professional contractors, and this can be an exciting transformation for homeowners. Many people hesitate about doing exterior remodeling or renovating. Aside from being costly, you need to spend time and effort doing the job. Mostly, people will just hire someone to do it for them. Home improvements typically include upgrading backyards, replacing windows and doors, and replacing roof-tear-off. These are all risky and very tough to handle. However, there are a few renovations that you can take alone. The outdoor lighting fixture is the best example. There are several areas outside your home into which you can fit your lights. You need to consider a few things before making significant improvements.
1. Find the Right Lighting
Gooseneck Outdoor lighting is ideally the best option to use. Aside from illumination, it also creates a dimensional view of the exterior accent of the house. It can also withstand bad weather conditions. Gooseneck outdoor lighting comes in various styles, sizes, and shapes. Just make sure that your exterior lights match the color and design of the house. Always ensure adequate light to illuminate the driveway and garage doors, which is the primary purpose of your Gooseneck Outdoor lighting.
2. Good Wiring system
Avoid entangling with wires. Sometimes it causes trouble and accidents once the wiring is not well organized. If you do not know the existing setup of your wiring outside your house, you need to have someone look at it and let him do the installation. Avoid confusing yourself with the setup. You can install your gooseneck outdoor lighting devices with a sound wiring system.
3. Screw in Tightly
When you have fitted your lights, ensure that they are screwed in tightly to the ceiling or walls. Sometimes, we leave the screws only partially tightened, which sometimes creates accidents. Always insert screw plugs into the walks to give the screw something to cling to. Once you make it sturdy, you can install your sconces or your Gooseneck Outdoor lighting. We will gladly give you a free estimate. Texas residents can contact us by phone or email.
I’m not sure if you’re aware that many sensitive electronics are inside your home. The first thing that comes to my mind is the personal desktop computer. You also have your home theater systems, and I’m sure some appliances inside your house have a circuit board that can be easily damaged by electricity. Do you have any idea what they are? This could be your microwave oven, dishwasher, and the more popular heating and air conditioning system.
Inside they have what you call a smart circuitry board. This intelligent board is responsible for the fantastic features that an appliance has, like triggering a feature when it detects an irregular situation in your house. Those circuitry boards can also make your appliances to deteriorate faster if you do not read the safety precautions. One of the best moves you can make to prolong the life and make the most use of your sensitive gadgets and appliances is to call out a professional electrician who can install whole-house surge protection.
Defining Whole House Surge Protection
There’s a good chance that your computer, refrigerator, television, and other sensitive electronics are plugged into a power strip. The thing is that, hopefully, your power strip has a surge protection capability. Devices with surge protection will be like a safety bridge even if a transient voltage occurs in your system. Inside a device will be a particular type of fuse called metal oxide varistors (MOV). This unique fuse will be responsible for absorbing the voltage spikes that will help protect your equipment.
What are the Types of Surge Protection?
There are many different types or levels of surge protection. Type 1 is typically installed on the line level. This will be between your power pole and where the power enters your service panel. Type 2 is more commonly known as whole house surge protectors. They’re ideal for indirect lightning strikes and protecting the house from internal surges. They’re regularly installed on your breaker panels.
You have probably seen the Type 3, also called surge-protected power strips. There’s also the fourth type, but when it comes to residential and semi-commercial applications, you don’t have to concern yourself about it.
Types of Voltage Spikes
There are two types of power spikes. The first one is probably the first thing that will come to mind, and this is the lightning strike. A lighting strike will be mighty, frying out your electronics in a blink of an eye. However, this doesn’t happen much and is not very common. Low prices and excellent service. Ask about our new customer discount.
Our Electricians want to give you the best price for the best service. We’re standing by to answer any of your questions.
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These days, it’s tough to decide on a career path. Sure, if you’re going straight out of college or high school, there are always options regardless of your education. However, recent years have shown that specializing in a single skill or education can be a bit troublesome. For example, you finish college and got a job in a prospective company two years ago. Everything seems fine at first. Then one day, a notice about the company suddenly going out of business is sent to all employees. Well, that’s paraphrasing it a bit, but it is something that happened to a lot of us. So we need to scurry around for a new job as fast as possible, preferably something in the same field. However, when multiple companies in the same industry are going through a challenging period, finding a job in the same field is hard. So adding additional skills and getting more education to have something to fall back on might be very beneficial in the long run. For example, I have a friend who works as a stockbroker but has worked as a security guard, writer, journalist, sales manager, and even programmer. He’s 27 years old and has degrees and licenses for all his jobs, so he always has something to fall back on. My secondary education choice was electrician school.
Why Electrician School?
Training in progress
Now, my personal choice of a secondary electrician career to fall back on isn’t something that I’ve decided randomly. Ask yourself what you like to do and then look if any jobs involve the things you’re interested in. For I like tinkering with electronic appliances. My wife says I’m a mad scientist when she finds me in the basement. However, being an electrician is not something you necessarily have to “fall back” on. You can even open a small business and deal with it during your spare time. It helps significantly to think of it that way.
Electrician Course Requirements
However, since you’ll be dealing with electricity and higher voltages, do make sure that it’s something you’re interested in. An absentminded mistake may lead to injuries or property damage. Check what kind of electrician training available electrician schools offer. If you’re comfortable with the price, education variety, and schedule, go for it. But if you do go for it, stick around to the end. An electrician school is like most of the schools you’ve been through – but it takes both time and money, so it’s a significant loss if you quit halfway through.
Training Availability
Regardless of what part of the world you live in, electricians always have options for education. After all, electricity powers our modern age, and it’s something that every town and country uses. The simplest way would be to search your local area online. If you can’t find an electrician school, you like nearby, expand your search to nearby cities or counties. The value of knowledge, in general, is not to be underestimated, so don’t shy away from a distance if what you may receive in the end can help you all through your life.
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They are attending college to gain a certificate, diploma, or degree that allows working as an electrician requires specific and specialized electrician courses to be completed. These courses in colleges are specifically designed to teach the knowledge that is required for a person to become a successful electrician. The electrician training courses don’t only prepare the students for their future careers – they also provide them with the knowledge and level that will allow them to take the licensing exams. Electrician schools include courses in electrical fundamentals, electrical code, electrical blueprints, and first aid and safety.
The Basics Learned From Electrician Courses
Basic wiring exercise
All electricians should complete the introductory course in electrical fundamentals to start their degree programs. The college course in electrical fundamentals is a high-level overview of electrical processes and systems, including standard electrical devices and AC and DC circuits. This course provides the students with a broad understanding of the basics of electricity, including current, power, and voltage. This represents the entrance into the field of electrician training, and the student can gain a solid ground level for building further knowledge. The electrical fundamentals course is fundamental, as the name explains itself. The student could never become a successful electrician without completing this course with high success.
First Aid And Safety Course For Electricians
Electrical first aid and safety is another vital part of the electrical training courses. It is widely known that electricians need to handle dangerous wires, and these individuals are constantly exposed to the risks of fires and electric shocks every day they do their jobs. All electrician courses are essential, but the first aid and safety course provides knowledge that cannot be gained with experience or talent but with studying and devotion. This course reviews the safety requirements and guidelines and teaches the students the recommended processes and applications of first aid, including burn treatment, electrical shock aid, and CPR. The course on first aid and safety for electricians teaches the students how to safely handle emergencies, administer first aid, and possibly save their own lives and other people’s lives in case of accidents.
National Electric Code And Electrical Blueprints
The course of National Electric Code is also a precious course that needs to be completed successfully by all electricians before they enter the workforce. The National Electric Code is the safety standard that all electricians follow regarding fire and electrical precautions and safety measures. This course teaches the students about the requirements, guidelines, and safety when dealing with electricity. Specifications and codes are nationally set to prevent injury, fire, and loss of life. Electrical blueprints are also an essential part of the electrician courses, which is necessary for all electricians who want to complete their degree programs successfully. The system provides the students with an understanding of the site and architectural and electrical blueprints. The electricians need to understand how to interpret and read the electrical blueprints if they want to install or renovate the electrical systems within different structures. The course provides the students with an understanding of space and the relational requirements between construction, structures, and electrical systems.
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