Although the weather is still not exactly perfect for spending time outdoors, there is not time like the present to start getting ready for those outdoor get-togethers. As you sit outside and enjoy your patio this summer, things tend to get a little too hot for comfort on some of those hottest days. A cool breeze is always a welcome addition when you are sitting in the heat. An electrician in Pasadena is here to offer you a solution to your outdoor heat issues. You can rely on The Electric Connection to provide you with an electrician who is professional and able to take on the job.

An outdoor ceiling fan is an excellent way to keep the outdoor heat from becoming stifling. The fans are specially designed to be suitable for the outdoors without shorting out. There are a couple of different kinds of fans for you to choose from. The type you choose will depend on where you live and where you want to have the fan hanging.

There are fans designed to withstand the harsh, salty air for those who live very close to the ocean. The other two types of fans are wet fans that are designed to tolerate rain. This is the fan you will want to have your Pasadena electrician install if you plan on having the fan hang in an area that is exposed to the elements. If your fan will be placed in a covered deck, you can get away with a less-protected fan. You will need to have an electrician complete the wiring portion of the outdoor ceiling fan installation. A switch to turn the fan off and on can be included during the installation process if you choose. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment to have your fan installed.

If you're looking to increase the efficiency of your home, there's some good news: Not only can you save a bundle of money with lower utility bills, studies show that you will be able to sell your house faster, and for more money as well. Green houses are attracting more attention on the market, so when it does come time to sell you could see a big increase in the price.

Decision Influencers 

Efficiency matters. Ninety percent of potential homebuyers rate home efficiency features as “very important,” according to a survey by the National Association of Homebuilders. The survey went on to report that 61 percent of buyers would pay up to $5,000 more for a house that promised lower utility bills. Other studies found that green-certified houses sell for $34,800 more than similar homes without efficiency features in California, and green houses in Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore., sell at a premium of 8.5 percent and 12 percent, respectively. The Seattle study also found that the green homes sold 22 percent faster than others.

Make sure your realtor is aware of all the efficiency upgrades you’ve made and can highlight them to interested buyers. If you provide old utility bills you can really showcase the savings. 

Keep that Electric Bill Low

The electric bill is one of the biggest ongoing household expenses, so any reductions you make will go a long way. There are a lot of places to look for savings. For starters, if you have old, outdated appliances, replace them with new Energy Star-certified models so you know that they meet the strictest efficiency standards. Your lighting system is another place to upgrade -- it's time to toss old incandescent bulbs and replace them with compact fluorescents or LEDS. Finally, if you really want to save money and make your house look good to buyers, install some solar panels on the roof, which can reduce the electricity bill to near zero. 

How Else Can I Increase My Efficiency?

Don't forget to take other steps to increase the energy efficiency of your home, especially when it comes to heating bills:

You can also hire a qualified professional to conduct an energy audit and point out other ways to increase your efficiency and save money. Even if you don't plan on selling your house any time soon, you can enjoy seeing the savings in your bills each month.

Who wouldn’t love to live with a little less clutter? There’s a reason Pinterest is overflowing with images of perfectly categorized & organized cupboards, closets, pantries, drawers, desks, garages, kitchens … the list goes on! via artisticdesignsforliving.com

Track lighting has become incredibly popular for residential settings in the past couple of years. After installation, the light fixtures can be moved along the track easily, making them perfect for storage spaces where your lighting needs may change over time. Their spotlighting effect adds a touch of drama.

2. Multi-Functional Closet Rods (Built-in LEDs!)

3. Illumination Without the Fixture

4. Glamor in an Unexpected Place