Tip #2: Why Install GFCI Receptacles is a Good Idea!

Functions of a GFCI

          A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a receptacle that protects against electrical shock when using electrical devices. The GFCI senses when current is going somewhere it should not, even in the smallest amount. If there’s a different in current, then it’s leaking out somewhere, possibly throughout someone’s body. The GFCI then shuts off the power immediately, protecting us from an electrical shock.

Locations & Requirements

         GFCI receptacles are required to be installed in or near wet areas such as: kitchens, garages, outdoor areas, laundries, sink areas, boathouses, etc. GFCI protection can be provided at the distribution panel by a GFCI circuit breaker or at the beginning outlet of the branch circuit which protects the following receptacles in the circuit.

New additional outlets should be protected by GFCI and AFCI receptacles or breakers.

(We will create a separate article about AFCI receptacles and circuit breakers!)

The "Test" button should turn off the power to the GFCI
The "Reset" button should turn the power back on

Testing Your GFCI

          GFCI’s are designed to be tested on a monthly basis. To test the GFCI, you must press the “Test” button and make sure the power is off. Then you must press on the “Reset” button and make sure the power is back on. If neither button works, the device must be replaced.

Tip #1: Why You Should Switch to LED Bulbs!

Difference Between Incandescent and LED Bulbs

      There are a lot of differences between incandescent bulbs and LED bulb. Here are some of the top differences between the bulbs:

Incandescent (clear) bulbs and LED (white)

1.     LEDs last about 25,000 hours, that's more than 13 years if you keep your lights on for five hours a day. Incandescent bulbs only last about 1,200 hours and compact fluorescents bulbs about 8,000 hours.

2.     Most LED bulbs are dimmable, unlike incandescent, fluorescent or CFL bulbs.

3.     LEDs are environmentally friendly. Older incandescent bulbs contain mercury while LEDs contain no harmful mercury.

4.     You will spend less time and money to maintenance LED bulbs rather than older style bulbs.

5.     LED are becoming more affordable over time; some LEDs are more expensive when purchasing them, but in the long run, they will pay for themselves in about 2 months of savings!

6.     LEDs save you money on monthly electricity bills.

How Much Can I Save?

LED bulb glowing 

     The average American home uses 40 lightbulbs. The average rate for electricity is 13 cents per kilowatt hour. If all 40 lightbulbs were 75 watt incandescent, which is pretty common, you could convert to 11 watt LEDs to get the same amount of light (some 11 watt LEDs are even brighter than 75 watt incandescent). If you leave all 40 lights on 5 hours each day, you would save $600 a year by switching from incandescent to LED! LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs!