Reducing your home energy use is the best of win-win deals — not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, it also saves you big bucks on your energy bills. That’s especially exciting when you consider that many home energy improvements are fast, easy and inexpensive. Often, the savings from an individual project are small, but when you start putting them together they add up quickly.

Track lighting offers a way to get directable light from a single ceiling fixture. The track works with a narrow-focus bulb to spotlight a piece of artwork, a wide-focus “wall washer” to bathe a wall in light, or a general-purpose bulb to light a kitchen counter or reading chair. Halogen bulbs provide a wide range of focusing options; incandescent systems are generally less expensive and generate less heat, but also consume more energy and burn out more quickly. Keep in mind, too, that you can have more than a single track; some systems allow you to link tracks for long, straight runs or 90-degree turns.

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.

How would you like to be able to control one or more light fixtures from three or more switch locations? It is done with a 4-way switch. This video will show you how to install a four way switch in your home.

Read this article.

There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days.
After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’tsquander water and other natural resources? But you don’thave to buildfrom scratch to turn your not-so-newhouse into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run.

Whether you own or rent, the following 45 simple ideas can help you save money (and the planet) today.  

By changing your light bulbs you’ll save money, reduce pollution, improve lighting and feel good about your environmental decisions.

Some home improvements aren’t as noticeable as others but they can still be an important step in creating just the right environment for your life. Changing the lighting in your home can not only affect the mood and environment, it can also save you money and improve your green rating. In fact, changing the lighting in your home can be as simple as changing your light bulbs.  

The best way to start using LED light bulbs is to try one bulb first. Swap a regular bulb on your porch, in a ceiling can, task or accent light, or maybe replace a bulb that you leave on at night. To get familiar with LED light bulbs, we recommend you experiment with different lighting combinations and see how their reduced light output works for you.

Topics covered:

• Running The New Wire
• Preparing The Outdoor Junction Box
• Mounting The Junction Box
• Got Vinyl or Aluminum Soffit?
• Preparing The Light Fixture
• Adjusting The Floodlight Angle
• Cautions and Warnings
• Tools and Materials

Skill Level:

• Basic to Intermediate