Electric cars offer an energy efficient, less-polluting alternative to conventional gasoline engines, so why aren’t more people buying them? One of the major reasons for the slow acceptance of electric vehicles is that many people still believe a lot of outdated myths or have misconceptions about how these cars work. Here’s a look at some of the most common electric car myths.

The chandelier used to mark your arrival. Clad in crystal, it met you in the foyer of a well-appointed home, then dazzled you from a power position over the dining room table.

Rarely did you find a chandelier in a starter home. To see them illuminating any room other than one used for entry or dining, more unusual still.

My, how times have changed!

Today chandeliers rate as a brilliant idea just about anywhere — from modest homes to magnificent mansions, contemporary digs to traditional houses. They dangle decorously in almost every room of the house.

Credit our bigger-is-better building boom. Taller ceilings and increased volume in today’s homes means chandeliers are less likely to crowd a room.

“Nine-and-10-foot ceilings almost demand something hanging to fill the space,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, educational consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA) and assistant professor of interior design at the University of Kentucky. The ALA is a non-profit organization of leading manufacturers, retail lighting showrooms and sales representatives in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to expanding public knowledge about lighting.

Colorful chandeliers create drama in the kitchen. Mini ones provide elegance to powder rooms. Even walk-in closets go upscale when lit with a small chandelier.

“Beyond laundry rooms and garages, any room is an open target for hanging a chandelier,” adds Rey-Barreau. “More commonly, kitchens and bathrooms have become the popular locations for chandeliers.”

Chandeliers add twinkle to a boudier. “People are treating their bedroom suites as more luxurious personal spaces with elaborate bathroom areas, so it is not unreasonable to consider chandeliers there, either,” says Dan Blitzer, Director of Education for the ALA..

If you need some electrical work done in your home or office, you may notice that there are various titles used by some of your local electricians. The fact is that there are various types of city and state licenses available.

While certain licenses will vary from state to state, in general, there are two kinds of electrical professionals: electricians and electrical contractors. The following is a breakdown of each role.

A certified electrician has completed the necessary requirements to obtain his or her license, such as classroom training with a passing score on city/state examination, a few years of on-the-job training under strict supervision, and adequate insurance coverage policy. Electricians often handle small to medium sized jobs, such as wiring repairs and specialty lighting additions.

An electrical contractor license can be obtained by business entities, allowing contractors to work on big jobs, such as rewiring the entire home or building or a remodeling project. Electrical contractors often hire several certified electricians. Furthermore, they must possess a high level of insurance coverage.

You look up. Movement. What is this? It looks like your fluorescent lights have come alive! They’re swirling and spiraling, like each one has an angry snake inside. This is no good. The light level in your room isn’t even. The fixtures flicker, annoyingly, and your eyes start to feel overworked and tired.

Southern California has always been an ideal area for harvesting solar power but the financial situation continues to improve for solar installation in the area. If you’ve been waiting for the right time for solar panel installation at your home or business, the time has arrived. Here is a quick breakdown of the positive economic situation for home solar systems in California.

If you want to better understand the beneficial atmosphere for solar panel installation in your area, give The Electric Connection a call. We’ll help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of solar panel installation and get you on your way to energy independence and long term savings. Why wait to realize a greener and more fiscally sound future?