7.  Convert the extra closet into a sewing/hobby center.  Install a custom-cut countertop and a little task light… “Viola!” You are done.

8.  Or, maybe you are not done….Why not literally “Knock Her Socks Off” and build her a bigger closet?!

Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for lighting an enclosed closet space.  The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) sets standards for safety:

Because closets contain flammable material with limited ventilation, strict building codes dictate that specified lighting fixtures must be installed 18” to 24” from walls depending upon which lamp source is being used.  Surface mounted and recessed fixtures must allow for 6”-12” of clearance from any storage space, such as shelving or clothing rods.

♦Of course,these standards are not a problem for Mariah Carey whose closet is as big as a bedroom!

One of the latest changes to the NEC code is the addition of LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but energy-savings, greater illumination and safety features will prove to be well worth the investment over time.  The quality and adaptability of newer LED lighting makes it an excellent choice for closets and dressing rooms.

9.  Don’t leave Mom in the dark!  Create a cozy corner with a new den floor lamp so she may relax and read, while you watch the ball game! Try a lamp with full-spectrum lighting to elevate her spirits.

10.  Reward yourself:  Clean out the garage and carve out a space for a workshop that is all your own!

People are investing more into floor covering, cabinetry and shelving to make the most of their garage space.    Fluorescent fixtures, track lighting and simple portable lamps are making their way into upgraded organized garage systems.

As lighting technology has advanced, one of the clear front-runners in long lasting, energy efficient lighting is the LED light. With uses ranging from interior lighting to landscape lighting, there are many reasons why you should switch your home lighting over to LED. Because LEDs are being manufactured in many of the same form factors that you are familiar with, you have the option of calling a Burbank electrician such as The Electric Connection to help you switch out the majority of them if you feel it’s too overwhelming of a job, or you could take it on by yourself. If your lighting project is more extensive than changing out a few light bulbs, and you plan on installing recessed lighting or new fixtures, you should definitely look into having the work done by a professional electrician in Burbank.

Benefits of LED Lights

The most publicized benefit of using LED lights for most lighting applications is the extremely low energy usage and long lifespan. This benefit is seen best when compared by an electrician in Burbank CA with other light bulb technologies. A standard incandescent bulb has a lifespan of around 1,000 hours, a compact fluorescent has a lifespan of around 8,000 hours and an LED has a lifespan of nearly 30,000 hours. This is a huge increase, meaning that you will have to change your bulbs much less frequently than before. Furthermore, LED light bulbs are mercury free, unlike compact fluorescents.

In regards to energy efficiency, LEDs are also way ahead of the pack. As a result of the low energy required to run an LED bulb, there is also much less heat required. This leads to lights that are cool to the touch, making them much safer for many applications. When asked about power consumption, an electrician in Burbank will tell you that LED bulbs use much less than any other currently on the market. For example, a 40-watt incandescent bulb burns just as bright as an 8-12 watt compact fluorescent or a 4-5 watt LED. By switching from incandescent to LED, you’re only using about 10% of your previous energy. This can make a huge difference, considering that lighting can make up almost 25% of any home energy budget!

Choosing an LED

When choosing an LED, there are many factors to be taken into consideration. If your home lighting project is extensive, think about doing a quick Internet search for electrician Burbank and then find one that you can trust such as The Electric Connection. Working with an electrical contractor on this type of project is very much like having ceiling fans installed, outlets replaced, bath fans installed or having new switches or lighting dimmers installed. A licensed Burbank Electrician such as The Electric Connection will be able to explain everything that needs to be done in order for your custom lighting job to be done well. If you are just looking to replace some of the bulbs in fixtures around your home, there are just be a few things that you should know.

To make things simple, most packages rate their light bulbs with both actual watts, and watts relative to an incandescent. This means that if you are using a 45-watt incandescent, you should be able to find a 3W LED with packaging that lets you know that they are equivalent. If these comparisons are not listed on the box, there should also be a lumen rating. If necessary, you can compare the lumens between types of light bulbs. When choosing light bulbs for your fixtures, you will most likely be shopping for diffused bulbs. These bulbs look very similar to a standard fluorescent bulb, and help to diffuse the light. This gives the light a more natural feel. Other types of lights include outdoor landscape lights, such as floods and interior spotlights for more focused light concentration. Regardless of what type of lighting you choose, your licensed electrician Burbank CA can always help you with any questions that you might have. Enjoy your new lighting!

Visit our company profile.

There's an easy way to save money on your electricity bills that doesn't require any new appliances, smart technology or other expensive upgrades. This revolutionary idea is beautiful in its simplicity: Just unplug your devices when you aren't using them. It turns out that “always on” or standby technology is filling up the electricity meters and draining the pocketbooks of consumers across the nation. Read on to find out more and inspire yourself to pull the plug.

A Shocking Waste of Energy

Ready for a shocker? Idle devices are costing Americans a cumulative $19 billion per year, or $165 per household, according to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The paper, titled “Home Idle Load: Devices Wasting Huge Amounts of Electricity When Not in Active Use,” translates the numbers into something compelling: Each household wastes enough electricity to brew 234 cups of coffee per day. That's a lot of caffeine!

To be more explicit, the excess electricity use is equivalent to the output of 50 large power plants. In addition to spending money unnecessarily, we're creating an enormous amount of pollution just to power electronics that aren't in use. These bits of electricity are called energy vampires or phantom loads, notorious for their scary effect on your wallet and the environment alike.

Devices Gone Digital

Most devices drain small amounts of electricity no matter what, and the proliferation of standby technology that makes it easy to turn things on quickly or via remote control amplifies the waste considerably.

“One reason for such high idle energy levels is that many previously purely mechanical devices have gone digital,” Pierre Delforge, the report’s author and NRDC’s director of high-tech sector energy efficiency, told EnergyEfficientMarkets.com. “Appliances like washers, dryers, and fridges now have displays, electronic controls, and increasingly even Internet connectivity, for example.”

Obviously, you can't unplug your refrigerator or freezer, and some equipment like electric stoves and central air units might be inconvenient or impossible to disconnect on a regular basis. But there's still plenty of savings to be found in your televisions, computers, game consoles, phone chargers and other electronic devices found in the modern household.

What Can I Do?

It’s not realistic to expect every homeowner in America to go around plugging in and unplugging dozens of devices every day. But there are some tips that can help you out:

With just a little bit of extra diligence, you can do your part to reduce our energy consumption in the United States, and save money while you're at it.

When homeowners think about licensed and bonded electricians, they mainly think about them in terms of fixing broken outlets in the bathroom or kitchen. Sometimes they know they need a pro for landscape lighting needs. But there are a multitude of jobs that residential electrical repair services perform.

Moving to a new home?

What you say you are moving to a new home it doesn’t always mean you’re are moving into a recently built home. Many, many people like to purchase older homes and put their own personal marks on them. Usually this means updating the kitchens and baths. A plain kitchen it turned into a chef’s kitchen with all the updated appliances. Will the electrical panel be able to handle the current for all these appliances?

Luxurious master baths are now the norm with the look and feel of an expensive spa. Along with the spa comes the jetted tub. Can the prevailing electricity run the current needed for the tub? Oftentimes the panel needs an addition to accommodate the tub jets working while other appliances are in use.

Remaining in your current home?

If you are staying where you are, you still may be thinking about making updates. The same situations apply to you. So many people like to watch the television programs about flipping homes and those about modifying homes to sell or to live in. It is not a surprise to the slippers or the construction crews when they tell their hosts that a totally new electrical panel needs to be installed or that the whole house needs rewiring. The only way you will know if you have these issues is to have your electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician.

Has your cooktop or range exhaust stopped working on your electric range? It’s time to call in an electrician. Maybe your ceiling fan has quit working and you are waiting to purchase a new one. Have you had an electrician look at it to determine the problem? He may be able to repair it and save you from buying a new one.

Want to protect you and your family with outdoor lights that come on when someone walks past your windows or doors? Your local electrician can handle that job for you. Are you considering a new hybrid car that runs on electricity? You will need a licensed electrician to install your charging station.

Trust your electrician

One you have used a bonded and insured electrician you trust, he can be your friend for life. He may even become a member of the family. When you are having electrical problems or you want to add services, he will look at the situation 360 degrees. He will view it from all angles. He knows you and your family. He will make recommendations – sometimes there will be several options. Ultimately it is your decision.

The bottom line is that you want to keep your family safe. You also want your most expensive investment to be in perfect working order.