Most home appliances have become more efficient over the past 30 years, but those gains have been offset by the influx of personal computers, televisions and related devices, according to data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

In the latest update to its Residential Energy Consumption Survey, which is has updated periodically since 1979, EIA found that:

• 58 percent of U.S. homes had energy-efficient, multi-pane windows, up from 36 percent in the 1993 survey.

The editors here at Popular Mechanics would like you to know that we’re not perfect. Whether tackling home improvements or making automotive repairs, we’ve all made our fair share of mistakes. Here are some of the worst. If you’ve got some that you’d like to share, send them to pmwebmaster@hearst.com, along with any lessons that might have been gleaned from the experience.

Those flimsy bamboo and coconut ­torches of luau-themed summer shindigs and Gilligan’s Island reruns now come in dur­able materials such as copper, iron, and steel. They illuminate all manner of outdoor living—not just in warm climes, but also points north, even after the temperature drops.

“You wouldn’t believe how many we ship to the Northeast in November,” says John Manning of ­BuyTikiTorches.com, whose most ­popular model is the Maui, a hammered-copper torch that’s sturdy enough to hold up well in any weather.

Electrical problems come fully equipped with more than their fair share of stress — and with good reason. We all know what electricity on the loose is capable of, so utmost caution should be used whenever approaching a repair situation that involves electrical current. But that doesn’t mean that every electrical crisis needs to be left to the pros—especially at the hefty hourly rate a licensed electrician charges. Many small electrical problems can be easily handled by the homeowner equipped with a modest number of specialized tools and a modicum of sense.

1. Remove the light shade(s) on your old ceiling fan by removing the screws holding it/them in place.
2. Remove each blade by removing the screws holding them in place.
3. Remove the canopy by removing the screws holding it in place. Slide it down.
4. Disconnect all of the wires coming from the old fan.
5. Remove the mounting bracket by removing the screws holding it in place.
6. Secure the new mounting bracket in place with the new screws.
7. Connect the new wires and secure them with wire nuts. If there is a remote control, connect it now. Put batteries in the remote control.
8. Put the rod and/or canopy on the fan. Slide it up to the mounting bracket.
9. Cut the lead wires as needed. Slide the canopy up to the ceiling and secure it with the new screws.
10. Put each blade onto the blade brackets with the included screws.
11. Put each blade bracket onto the fan with the included screws.
12. Connect the light kit and secure it with the screws. Put the glass on and secure it with the included screws.
13. If not using a light kit, connect both the fan and light wires together and put the light cap on. Secure it with screws.
14. Attach the included pull chains, if applicable.
15. Turn on your new fan!