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.

From island lighting to crystal chandeliers, 2015 marks the International Year of Light.  Make your home a haven for relaxation and a haunt for partying it up with your best friends–the right lighting design dictates the mood, so spend a little extra time mapping out your lighting plan and selecting the right light fixtures and light sources.

Ceiling fixtures from Quoizel Lighting add a festive finishing touch to this handsomely tailored den.

Never underestimate the power of a great lighting design.  For personal assistance in customizing your lighting plan, visit with a professional lighting consultant at a Capitol Lighting showroom or 1800lighting.com.

When you’re getting ready for bed, do you worry about the security of your home? Would you like to be able to better control the security of your home for when you go away on business or vacation? Feeling secure while you’re in your own home is important for most folks. For many, the home is a sanctuary, a resting spot, and a place where the family comes together on a daily basis. It’s where we eat, bathe, and hang out with friends. You want to make sure that your home security system is in good working order at all times so that you can be confident and at ease when under your roof.

Whether you currently have a basic home security system or not, there are some great options out there to help improve your home.

The key to any security system is hiring a professional who can advise you on the latest technological innovations in the industry as well as what products would work best for your home.

We’ve seen LED rope lights transform a staircase handrail, and accent outdoor This homeowner created an inspiring word art installation on the wall of her son’s playroom. She used the screw-in mounting clips that come with the product for wall hanging.

One great tip for a project like this is to place weights (or other heavy objects) on top of your rope light to shape it properly. Often our customers say that Image via www.prettyhandygirl.com

2. A Crocheted LED-Lit Rug:  This one blew us away! The single strand of LED rope lighting was crocheted into a generic spiral pattern to create this rug. For anyone who wants to emulate, the original Image via www.wonderhowto.com

3. A Backlit Bedroom Headboard:  Image via www.removeandreplace.com

Where are you seeing LED rope lighting used lately?

When you walk into your home at night after a long day away, what’s the first thing you always do? Switch on the lights! The lights in your home greet you every evening and they brighten up your dark, early mornings as you groggily flip the switch. So if your current lighting design does not please the eye, or if you’re installing lighting in a new home, you want an attractive and practical design to illuminate the house.

The best way to ensure your new lighting design does the job is to hire licensed electricians to properly and safely install your new system and help you decide on the ideal placement and style. Whether you want a new lighting scheme for practical purposes, or a lighting system that will be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, you need a skilled electrician to help you out with custom lighting design services. Here are a couple of reasons you should always work with licensed contractors for your new lighting.

You can look at pictures of sconces and chandeliers online or in catalogs, but nothing can bring the image to life quite like seeing these lights in person. Some lighting professionals, like the friendly people at FB Electrical Services, offer a Call FB Electrical Services or stop by to visit our showroom in Newton, MA to discuss your need for professional custom lighting design services in Brookline.