Is it time to replace your old dryer? Great news: The federal Energy Star program has started certifying clothes dryers, making it easy to pick out the most cost-effective and efficient models. Read on to find out what the change means and how to pick out the best model for your home.

Moisture and Heat Settings

The upside is clear: “ENERGY STAR certified dryers use 20 percent less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features or performance,” the program promises. So what took so long for dryers to get the federal efficiency stamp of approval?

“With dryers there are fewer major variables to manipulate — mostly it’s drying time and the amount of heat provided,” said Emilio Gonzalez, a Consumer Reports test engineer, so it was harder to find adjustments to meet the standard.

How did manufacturers finally find the extra energy savings?

The savings are not trivial. Energy Star claims that if every household in America switched over, consumers would save a total of $1.5 billion annually in utilities. The reduction in pollution would be the same as taking 2 million cars off the road.

Upgrade the Laundry Room

The first certified models are already available -- find a list of them on the Energy Star directory, which allows you to compare size, fuel type, energy use and other factors.

If you have a gas hookup in your laundry room, consider purchasing a gas-powered dryer. These models have a higher price tag but are more efficient across the board than their electric cousins. No matter what kind of dryer you buy, make sure you adhere to the following tips so you get the most for your money:

If you are in the market for a new solar panel, you’re probably already sold on the incredible energy and long-term monetary savings that come from a home solar system. And even if you understand the process of installing the solar system, does that necessarily mean that your home is ready for the installation? In this post, we take a quick look at the process of preparing your home for solar panel installation.

One of the first things to consider is the structural stability of the roof. Is it strong enough to support your new solar panels? Consider getting a building inspection to make sure the roof is equal to the task.

In addition to the structure, you’ll want to take a good look at the surrounding area. Are there tree branches overhanging the future solar array? The debris from trees and the possible trauma from branches can inhibit and even damage solar panels. Such trees are best trimmed for near-term and future growth.

Any structures or devices in the area of the solar array need to be removed or relocated. Antennas and ceiling vents are particularly crucial pieces to work around. If your roof prevents easy access to the solar panels, think about finding a way around that. Some roofs don’t encourage access and need hatches built in so you can easily reach panels for repair.

Of course, we have plenty of experience devising and consulting on such solar projects. We’ll help you decide on the most appropriate changes to make in your home and yard to make the perfect solar installation work for you. Don’t hesitate to call us so we can start the process right away. We get the ball rolling with a free consultation over the phone. We’ll check out your home with satellite data before we even visit. By the time we’re done with our first site visit, you’ll have a good idea of what our installation and the necessary preparation mean for you.

If you own your home, it is essentially yours to do as with you please. You are not restricted to what colors you paint the walls or how you decorate your home. For those who don’t live in neighborhoods with strict home covenant laws, you are also free to make your home a little bigger. Every square foot of livable space you have in your home adds value. The cost to add the space is far lower than what the additional square footage is actually worth. Home additions are an excellent way to make a home big enough to suit your family’s needs, while adding significant value. This is definitely a big project and will require the services of a trained, professional Pasadena electrician. The team at The Electric Connection is available and can help you iron out the details of your addition.

Additions can be anything from a single bedroom add on, adding on to an existing room in the house, transforming a basement or even something a little more elaborate like installing a second story. Adding mother-in-law apartment’s are also a common home addition that seem to be growing in popularity. These are all possible with the help of an electrician. Pasadena homeowners that are big on DIY can certainly do a lot of the construction of the addition, but the electrical wiring will need to be completed by a licensed professional in order to meet city code standards.

You will also feel better knowing the wiring has been completed by an electrician in Pasadena. If you have hired a contractor, you can request to use a particular electrician that you have researched and are comfortable using. This project is going to make your life a little easier and will increase your investment into your home. Don’t leave it to anybody you don’t trust. Give The Electric Connection a call today.

With the arrival of spring and the inviting weather it brings, you may want to spend more time outside, especially after having been cooped up all winter long. While it’s not yet warm enough to jump in the pool, there are numerous other ways to enjoy a pleasant evening with friends and family in your back or front yard. Without the proper outdoor lighting, though, come nightfall all the fun will have to stop. Because of your limited sight, you run the risk of hurting yourself and others. Whether you’re barbecuing, roasting marshmallows, watching your kids jump on the trampoline, or gazing up at a meteor shower, make sure you have the right lighting to maximize your experience! Check out these __ reasons to install adequate outdoor lighting.

Before you install lighting, consider how you use your outdoor space. For example, if you have a patio, deck or pool area, consider installing zoned lighting, which highlights a designated area. You’ll also want to illuminate areas such as your driveway, garage, sidewalk and entry way. All of these areas are important to light to ensure safe navigation and prevent a trip to the emergency room. Without proper lighting, one could trip over a hidden step, fall off the deck or worse – overcook the meat!

The more light the better. By installing the right fixtures in the right locations, you’ll eliminate all the scary spaces, increasing safety and peace of mind, not to mention guests will be able to find your house with ease. Illuminating your outdoor spaces will allow you to get the most of your day, and since the weather is only going to get warmer from here on out, we have a feeling you’ll want to be outside as much as you can!

When you add flood lights to your back patio, deck or front lawn, you’ll be able take full advantage of these spaces. Instead of having to go inside when dusk comes, you’ll be able to relax with your friends and family outside for as long as you like.  You could even enjoy a nice dinner around the patio table.

A well-lit yard and landscape deters unwanted guests from coming onto your property.  There are numerous types of lights you can install to increase home security:

Many homeowners make the mistake of adding security lights to the front of the home while ignoring the back. The back of your home can be one of the most vulnerable places because of fencing, so make sure you install lighting in this area as well. When deciding where to install your outdoor lighting, determine the darkest areas of your home as well as any places where an intruder could enter.

Your home is one of your most prized possessions. When you’ve spent countless hours perfecting the exterior of your home as well as your lawn and garden, why allow it to go unseen when nighttime comes? You can highlight the best features of your home by installing uplights, garden lighting and low voltage exterior lighting around your trees and shrubs. Not only will the perfect lights add appeal to your home, it will add an undeniable sense of warmth too. Friends, neighbors and passersby won’t be able to stop themselves from glancing at your home each time they walk or drive by it.