Imagine a future free from electricity bills. A home where you can maintain or improve your current levels of comfort, but one that is so efficient that it costs little to nothing to power its electrical work. Someday soon, this vision could become a reality, with a combination of renewable power generation and hyper-efficient technologies allowing Americans to enjoy elevated standards of living without placing a burden on their pocketbooks or the environment. Read on to learn more about the ultimate in energy-efficient homes.

Testing the Effectiveness of New Technology

One hotbed for innovation in efficient home construction is in the Pacific Northwest. A pilot program comprised of builders and utility companies is studying new homes built in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington to discover how new technologies are functioning and which ones are most effective. The program is looking at homes that are at least 30 percent more efficient than required by local code and monitoring them for a year after they are built to ensure that their performance is living up to their promise.

Among the energy-saving features that are included in the new houses:

Filling in the Other Side of the Equation

Naturally, any modern home should also include features like LED lighting technology in lieu of incandescent bulbs and efficient Energy Star-rated appliances to keep the costs for your electrical work low. Add smart technology to the mix, which can automatically find extra savings, and you are looking at a historically low electrical bill.

Of course, it's extraordinarily rare to find an American household that gets by without electricity at all, so no matter how efficient you are, you'll still have some level of energy consumption to power your electrical work. That's where the other side of the equation comes in: personal, renewable power generation. Once you install solar panels or a wind turbine on your property, you can make your own power. Pair that with a good electricity storage option and you're well on your way to being free from electrical bills forever.

Conservation in Your Circuits and Wires

The nation hasn't realized its efficiency dreams yet, but we are well on our way. If you need electrical work in a new or existing home, call up a qualified residential electrician today.

There are hundreds of empty homes on the market in any given area, but those homes generally have their own list of issues that need repaired. You have to put money into the home to make it suitable for you and your family and in many cases, it ends up being you compromise quite a bit just to get into the home. This is why many homeowners choose to have their home built by a contractor. Having a home built is a dream that is not all that hard to achieve with the many financial options available today. Once you get your financing secured, you will need to pick the various contractors for specific duties, like an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can rely on The Electric Connection to get their home electrically ready for them.

There is undoubtedly a lot of work that goes into the pre-planning and then ultimately the building of a new home. Along the way, there are going to be a lot of areas where your input will be needed. It is your dream home after all and every detail matters, right down to where your electrical outlets go. An electrician in Beverly Hills can consult with you to get an idea of what kind of needs you have when it comes to your electrical appliances and the kind of technology you use.

If you have an electric car, it is important you talk with your Beverly Hills electrician and get your charging station all hooked up the right way. This applies to things like a hot tub or heated pool as well, which will all require the expertise of an electrician. It is easier and more cost-friendly to take care of these things now. Give The Electric Connection a call today and learn more about their new home construction services.

One of the best ways to save on your energy bills is to limit the amount of energy you use in the bathroom. Easily save money and energy in your bathroom by following these 9 simple steps.

Water heating is the second largest household energy expense, after heating and cooling. Cutting your shower time by two minutes can reduce your water use and lower your energy bills.

Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120 °F can help you to improve the performance of your water heater and cut your water heating costs. If you plan to be away from home for at least three days, turn off your water heater or turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting.

Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of your household electricity costs. Turning the lights off when you leave the bathroom is an important energy conservation measure.

Switching to energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy in your bathroom. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the Energy Star label to identify energy-saving products. For further energy savings, choose LED light bulbs, which typically use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs.

Leaving your bathroom extractor fan on too long can remove heat from your home. Save energy by turning off your fan when you leave the bathroom.

Ventilating your bathroom can go a long way toward creating an energy-efficient environment; research reveals that it costs less to cool or heat a dry environment than a damp one. Improve the ventilation in your bathroom by leaving a window open when you’re taking a bath or shower.

Sealing any air leaks with caulk, weatherstrips, or sealant can cut your energy costs and create a healthier indoor environment. For best results, focus on filling gaps around your windows and plumbing.

Older water heaters can use more energy than new ones, so replacing them can help you cut your energy bills. When shopping for a new water heater, consider the size, fuel type, and energy efficiency before making a purchase.

Leaving appliances plugged in wastes energy, even when they’re not being used. Be sure to unplug your appliances after using them, or switch them off at the wall.

Learning how to conserve energy in the bathroom doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following the above tips, you can maximize your energy savings and cut your energy bills.

Taking on a Thanksgiving get-together is no easy task, and if you’re going to do it, you might as well make it something guests will remember. Fortunately, making it memorable doesn’t have to be complicated. We have some simple LED lighting ideas that will help you dress up your home for the holidays.