New Year Resolutions.... For Your Home

# 1: Get Healthy!

Being healthy is obviously very important for all of us and making sure your home is healthy is a big part of being safe.

Test Your GFCI Receptacles:
 press the test button with your finger. You will hear a snap sound that trips the outlet and cuts off the power. To confirm that the power is off, plug a lamp or radio into each half of the outlet; the lamp or radio should not turn on. Once you have confirmed that the safety function is working properly, press the reset button to restore power to the outlet.
Test Your Smoke Detectors:
Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries.
Surge Protection:
For the best protection against power spike damage, it's a good idea to use both whole-home surge protection and additional plug-in surge protection (for higher-priced, more sensitive items such as computers)
Panel Inspection:
Your panel is the center of your home’s electrical system. It is important that any small issues get addressed before they become more dangerous situations. Common issues like loose connections, corrosion or failing breakers can develop over time and if not caught early can create an expensive project.

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# 2 Save Money!

Being financially sound is a great thing and can lead to more opportunities. A great way to start the process is by finding ways to save money in your home.

Replace Old Bulbs with LED:
An LED bulb costs an estimated $1 a year to use compared to $4.80 for an incandescent, says the U.S. Department of Energy. LEDs even save money compared to energy efficient CFLs that cost $1.20 per year. An LED will last 25,000 hours, while a CFLs lifespan is about 10,000 hours. Traditional incandescent bulbs burn out after only 1,000 hours.
Get A Ceiling Fan:  
In the winter, your fan should be running in the opposite direction to circulate warm air through the room. (just flip the switch or push the button near the base of the fan.) Blades running in this direction will pull air up in the center of the room and push it down again near the edges. This forces warm air and cool air to mix in the room, keeping the room at a steadier temperature (not allowing heat to rise and build up at the top and coolness to settle near the floor), so your furnace won’t have to work quite so hard to keep the house warm. You’ll feel this effect if you stand near the wall in a room – a gentle, warm breeze will blow over you.
Install A Smart Thermostat:
Smart home device companies like Nest have been surveying their consumers, and their reports show that the average smart thermostat can reduce heating costs by 10% and cooling costs by 15% in a residence. For an average household, that could mean around $130 in savings each year.
Install Dimmers:
Light dimmers save energy by reducing the flow of electricity to the bulb and allowing lights to operate with lower power outputs. Since lights under less stress shine longer, dimmers are known to extend the life span of your bulbs, too.

Make The Most Of The New Year!

Sometimes a new year is just a reason to do something fun and get a fresh look!

Update Old Light Fixtures:
Sometimes, the biggest changes to your home décor are also the easiest. That’s the case when it comes to lighting: Simply adding a lamp or swapping out pendant lights can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home – without a lot of effort.
Install Smart Switches:
Installing smart switches in your home provides many benefits to make your home more comfortable and convenient. From turning lights on/off or dimming with just the sound of your voice, setting up timers or security features to setting whole home automations linked to electric window shades, thermostats and appliances.
Install New Lighting To Dark Rooms:
Have a room that currently lacks overhead lighting? It is sometimes easier than you think to install new lighting  (recessed, fixtures, fans) in these areas completely changing the look and feel of a room.