Climate change is a growing concern in North America. We’re already seeing some of its consequences, with warmer temperatures and more extreme, less predictable weather over the past decade. Nevertheless, we continue to burn massive amounts of fossil fuels to satisfy our energy needs, sending troublesome levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. How can we best combat the phenomenon? Numerous studies show that energy efficiency is the cheapest, easiest way to meet our climate goals.

Inexpensive to Deploy

The climate goals of the United States are currently defined through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, which dictates CO2 levels that states need to meet by 2030. In a recent report, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) assessed six different studies on the effects of the new rules. In all six, there is a common thread – improving our efficiency is the most cost-effective way to achieve the standards.

The studies were conducted by a variety of different observers: the EPA, the Clean Air Task Force, Energy Ventures Analysis, National Economic Research Associates (NERA), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Rhodium/Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“Despite starting with different assumptions, all of the studies project that energy efficiency will be the most used and least-cost option for states to implement the plan, and that overall electricity consumption will decline as a result,” C2ES fellow Jason Ye writes on the organization's blog. “In addition to being relatively inexpensive to deploy on its own, energy efficiency reduces the need to build new, costly power plants in the future.”

Show Me the Money

The average consumer might be more worried about what the plan means for their household utility bills. Fortunately, the news isn’t too bad; the plan could cost the average home as much as $87 per year, or 25 cents a day – nothing to sneeze at, but not crippling to the family budget, either.

More optimistic forecasts project that households could actually save money under the Clean Power Plan. The savings would be due to an increased reliance on cheap renewable energy as well as investments in household efficiency technology, which would reduce the amount of consumption and therefore lower utility bills.

The total savings could be much greater. None of the plans take into account the savings the nation could realize by averting some of the more devastating impacts of climate change, nor do they assess improved health care outcomes that could result from a reduction in airborne pollution.

Take Climate Change Into Your Own Hands

You don't have to wait until 2030 to do your part in the fight against climate change. Look for some easy ways that you can reduce your energy consumption around the home, or ask an electrician to conduct an energy audit and point out even more ways you can cut back. The environment, not to mention your pocketbook, will thank you.

WAC Lighting:  Illuminating Your Home for Peak Performance

Fun fact:  According to recent findings, the seven dwarfs were correct:  Whistling while you work may increase your performance and help shield your brain from “choking” during pivotal moments on the job.  “A leading psychologist claims whistling or singing helps distract the mind from trying too hard and prevents mental overload.” *

Need more reason to whistle while you work?  Healthful illumination and affordable lighting solutions are within your reach. Update your home and work environment with superb lighting design from WAC Lighting.

Why WAC Lighting?

Enjoy Capitol Lighting’s specials and experience the latest innovations from WAC…

Peak Performance Track LIGHT and Tape Light Systems:

SUPERIOR RECESSED INNOVATION:

BEAUTIFYING Mini Pendants:

Since 1984, WAC Lighting has created “design excellence in lighting” by integrating state-of-the-art technology with world-class lighting designs.

WAC Lighting has transformed its strong family values into successful business values while promoting the highest standards for sustainable lighting and professional development.

Capitol Lighting presents the latest from WAC Lighting.  Visit with one of Capitol’s professional lighting consultants or shop 1-800lighting.com to illuminate an environment that works for you.

Nothing is more important than your family's safety. That's why you need to make every effort to identify and eliminate fire risks in and around your home, particularly in your electrical work. Faulty wiring, delayed maintenance or carelessness can lead to a disaster that can cost you your home and endanger your life. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of electrical fires and how you can prevent them.

Power in Percentages

Electrical failures contributed to about 47,700 home structural fires in 2011, according to a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Those fires resulted in 418 deaths and $1.4 billion in damage. Clearly, the stakes are high in making sure that the electrical work is safely installed in your home.

According to the NFPA's report, 48 percent of home fires caused by electrical failure were started by the electrical distribution and/or lighting systems. Of that 48 percent, 63 percent were started by wiring, 20 percent by lighting, 11 percent by cords and plugs, and 6 percent by transformers and power supplies.

Fans caused an additional 6 percent of electrical fires, washers and dryers another 6 percent, space heaters 4 percent, air conditioning 4 percent, water heaters 3 percent and stovetop ranges 3 percent.

Don't Become a Statistic

The good news is that electrical fires have declined steadily since the 1980s. Modern technologies and building techniques have lowered the risk of fire and kept everyone safer. However, there's no reason to be complacent when it comes to safety. To decrease your risk of falling victim to a fire caused by your electrical system, follow these tips:

Keeping Your Family Secure

Stay vigilant about maintaining your electrical equipment and follow all safety recommendations to reduce your risk to a minimum. If you are concerned that your home is at risk of fire, have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical work and point out any danger areas without delay.

The electricity running through your home from the main power grid is fast and hot. In the U.S., supply lines carry electricity at 115 to 240 volts. When you plug something in, you’re dipping into this current to power your appliances and lights, making the potential for electrical outlet sparking very real.

Sparks are no laughing matter. If they’re large and hot enough, they can even start a house fire. So when you notice electrical outlet sparking in your home, it’s important to take a closer look. While some sparks may be part of normal operation, other times they can be a sign of a severe issue. It all depends on the cause of the sparking.

As summer winds down, you are probably just about tired of the heat and the high electrical bills of July and August. September can be pretty hot as well, but you are ready for a break from the heat and the ridiculous power bills.

Never fear, an electrician Burbank residents have been relying on for years has some tips you can use to get you through the end of summer and apply to next year’s hot months. The Electric Connection has the staff you need to help you stay cool in the summer.

1-Close the blinds and curtains early in the morning to prevent the sunlight from heating up the house. Darken the house before you leave for work and it will be much cooler in the evening.

2-Turn the AC up a couple of degrees. Wear light clothing in the house to make it more tolerable. 2 degrees can make a big difference.

3-Do not do any major cooking or clothes drying during the hottest part of the day. Save it for early in the morning or evening hours.

4-Use ceiling fans and oscillating fans to keep the house cool. Fans help move the air, creating a breeze that will keep you comfortable. If you do not have a ceiling fan, or would like additional fans installed, call your electrician. Burbank residents will appreciate the cost savings of a fan instead of solely relying on the air conditioning unit.

5-Consider having an attic fan installed. These fans are designed to pull in the cooler outdoor air from underneath a home’s roof into the attic and pushing out the hot, stuffy attic air. This can help keep the entire home much cooler without overworking the air conditioner.

If you would like to learn more about ceiling fans or attic fans, give The Electric Connection a call today.