There are a number of reasons U.S. consumers are resistant to solar panels. Cost is the number one consideration, as the average cost of installing a residential system is $25,000-$35,000. With generous tax rebates available on the Federal and state levels, this price tag can be considerably lower. Sites such as dsireusa.org (Databse of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) provide state-by-state, comprehensive lists of rebates available to commercial and residential customers. There is still an initial cash layout, though, one that can be cost-prohibitive to the average consumer.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a type of electrical outlet that should be installed in certain areas of every home. This outlet looks similar to a traditional outlet, but has two additional buttons in the middle of the unit which should read “test” and “reset”. Usually installed near potentially wet locations, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and outdoors, GFCI outlets can prevent electrocution and death, as well as some electrical fires.

Many homeowners who are willing to do the work of changing a switch or replacing that old ceiling fan do not do the work for fear of getting shocked. It is much easier to follow protocols to avoid getting shocked when working with home electric than it is to do the actual work of those electrical projects needing done.

First and foremost is to identify the correct fuse or breaker at the service panel that disconnects the power to the circuit being worked on. Second is to not only shut off the power to the circuit but post a written notice on the service panel that the power is off because it is being worked on.

OK, so you went to Home Depot and picked up a nice new ceiling light fixture. This could be a chandelier, a ceiling fan, a flush mount, a semi-flush mount, or even a sconce. You turned off the power (you did turn off the power, right?) and delicately removed your crummy old fixture.

Let’s see here, there are now 3 wires coming from a box (some homes may only have 2 if your wiring is in metal conduit). Let’s look at the green or bare copper wire first …

There are many good reasons to light your property at night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond safety, though, there are other considerations. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has a reputation for being expensive to install and maintain, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget to install outdoor lighting that makes a statement and turns your home into a nighttime showpiece in your neighborhood.