Practical Strategies to Electrify Your Home

While it’s good to envision an end goal, if we focus too keenly on the size of a problem, we can get stymied and do nothing at all. That’s especially true when it comes to lowering carbon emissions that exacerbate climate change and all that needs to be done to turn things around. That’s why we’ve developed a new series called Think Big. Start Small. The world is full of good ideas. Each of us just has to pick the ones we can employ now, and let the little steps inspire us to take bigger ones. All along the way, it’s important to celebrate our victories. A good place to start is with the icon for ideas itself…the light bulb. In this blog, “bulb” refers to all types of lighting whether in traditional bulb or other form.A good first step is to take an inventory of everything in your home that currently uses incandescent bulbs. Then, make a plan to replace them with LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. The incandescent bulbs of yesteryear use 10 times the energy as their LED counterparts for the same utility. With advancements in LED technology, LED bulbs provide a comparable or better quality of light, last longer, are safer, more affordable and use a lot less energy. And that not only reduces your energy bill but your carbon footprint as well. Check desk, bedside and floor lamps, recessed lights, ceiling light fixtures, pendent lighting, chandeliers, lights under the stove hood and cabinets, porch lights, holiday lights…you name it.LED lights come in all shapes and sizes including long-tubes (think old florescent counterparts), spot lights, bulbs shaped like the Edison bulb, strips of lights that can be placed under cupboards to illuminate countertops, bookshelves, art displays, and more. LED bulbs come in a variety of colors from soft blues to bright whites, depending on how and where you use them. LED lights are more affordable than ever.Once you have your list and know your budget, pay a visit to your local hardware shop or home supply store and talk to an expert who can advise you on the right LED options for your home and specific purposes. Stay tuned for more practical steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient, increase comfort, durability and safety, reduce your carbon footprint and save money while you’re at it.