Homeowners are constantly looking for ways to save money when it comes to their monthly and annual utility expenses. Now more than ever, there are a wide array of opportunities available to residents of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., to give their properties energy-efficient overhauls that will pay off both in the long and short term.

With average interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages at or near all-time lows, homeowners are finding that by refinancing their home loans, they can save significantly on their monthly payments. With those savings, they can invest in projects that improve their home's energy efficiency, which will contribute to a monthly decrease in household expenses.

There is also a tax credit available through the federal government that will give homeowners up to $500 back if they have improved their property's energy efficiency over the past year. Congress recently passed legislation that would allow homeowners who undergo such projects in 2013 to enjoy similar tax deductions on next year's forms. This means that if you already filed your taxes for 2012 but started a project to improve your home's efficiency at the end of last year that bled into 2013, you can still get your money back next January.

The energy efficiency tax credit applies to some types of water heaters, furnaces, insulation, windows, roofs, heat pumps, boilers and central air conditioning units. If you choose appliances that feature the Energy Star label, these too may go towards qualifying your household for a tax break.

This Old House on how to use them in your home application.

1. THEY SAVE ENERGY

Yes, you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true – LED is changing the future of lighting around the world. Residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR rated products — use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than standard incandescent lights. They are also used in developing countries with no access to electricity to help people study, complete tasks and increase their own safety.

2. THEY ARE GREAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE AND RESIDENCES ALIKE

LED technology is advancing so rapidly that there is hardly an application not suited for it.  Because of their highly efficient and directional nature, LEDs are ideal for many industrial uses. You have most certainly seen them used in in street and roadway lights, parking garages, parks and stadiums, refrigerated case lighting, modular lighting, and task lighting.

Having a ceiling fan in the bedroom or living room is a pretty common feature in many homes. The fans are far more energy efficient than an air conditioner and can help keep a room’s temperature fairly comfortable in mild heat. Any movement of the air helps keep it feeling fresh in a space and the warm environment is much more tolerable. An electrician in Santa Monica is here to tell you it isn’t just your living room and bedroom that could benefit from a ceiling fan. Your patio could as well. The team at The Electric Connection can get you all set up with an outdoor ceiling fan that makes sitting outside on a summer day much more tolerable.

An outdoor ceiling fan isn’t quite as common as the ones you will find for inside the home, but they are available. The fans will need to be installed by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who have a deck or patio that is partially covered can take advantage of these awesome fans. The fans are specially designed to withstand the elements. The wiring and electrical components for the fan are housed inside protective plastic that keeps the fan from shorting out. The blades are made with a variety of materials that will keep them from rusting or rotting.

An outdoor fan has a number of benefits. You can enjoy a meal or a little relaxation on the patio without worrying about the stifling heat. A slight breeze can make it all better. The gentle breeze over the patio will also keep a lot of the irritating bugs like flies, mosquitoes and bees at bay explains a Santa Monica electrician. This will make your outdoor dining experience that much better. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you would like to learn more about outdoor ceiling fans or would like to have one installed.

Regardless of whether you’re a burgeoning chef or someone who prefers to keep it simple, you rely on your stove day after day to help you prepare meals for your family or friends. Make sure your home is equipped with the right kind of stove – either gas or electric. If you grew up using only a gas or electric stove, you may be partial to that one. However, it’s important to know the difference between the two so that you can know for sure if you’re missing out on certain qualities you could benefit from.

If you have little ones, you may prefer to use an electric stove, as a gas stove produces visible flames that could harm their tiny hands. On the other hand, if you’re a cooking savant, you may prefer to use a gas stove for its accuracy and versatility. If you’re considering replacing your stove soon, take these factors into consideration.

A stove should last you on average 13 years; therefore, it’s important to invest in one that you will love. After all, you’re going to be stuck with it for quite some time. On average an electric stove will run anywhere from $450 to $2,800, while its gas counterpart will run from $400 to $2,500. The price difference between a gas stove and electric stove is close to negligible. This is why it’s important to take into account the operating costs of each type.

Consider your state’s natural gas cost and compare it to the electricity rate. In most states, natural gas costs less than electricity, which would indicate a lower operating cost.

Before purchasing a new stove, take note of what all you like to cook, as well as how often you cook. An electric stove takes longer to heat up and doesn’t respond as quickly to temperature changes. Further, if you’re a chef, you won’t be able to char, toast, or flambé your food. A gas stove reacts almost instantaneously, allowing for efficiency and accuracy. If you’re the kind of person who prefers take-out then your best option may be an electric stove.