We all know that lowering the thermostat a degree or two in the winter will also lower our energy bills, and that turning off the lights when you leave a room conserves energy. There's a lot more you can do to protect your wallet from high utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy shares eight ways to help you get more bang for your energy buck.

One of the easiest ways to dress up your space and update the style is by changing your chandelier. Before you run out the door in search of the perfect chandelier, make sure you know the dimensions of your space. An appropriately sized chandelier should serve as a beautifying focal point that fits seamlessly into your overall design scheme.

For a room without furniture: Add the length and width of your room in feet, and then convert that number to inches. For example, a room that is 12 feet by 14 feet (12 + 14 = 26) would require a chandelier this is approximately 26 inches wide.

For a room with furniture: If you already have a dining room table in the space, the width of your chandelier should be about a foot smaller than the width of your table. This will leave a 6-inch clearance from the outer edge of the chandelier to the table’s edge.

The bottom of your chandelier should rest at least 30-34 inches above the tabletop. Adjust according to personal preference, fixture style and ceiling height. It is okay to hang your chandelier a bit higher in dining rooms with cathedral ceilings.

Chandelier height should be about three inches for each foot of ceiling height, so for a room with a standard 8-foot ceiling (3 x 8 = 24), choose a chandelier with an approximate height of 24 inches.

Whether you have purchased land and are looking forward to having your own home built or live in a home that you want to give a complete renovation, your project is going to be a big one. There are so many factors that go into the building of a home, it can be a bit overwhelming. The key to remember is that it should all be left to trained and certified contractors. There is a great deal of planning that is involved in the construction of a home, even if it is a fairly straightforward renovation or addition. It is important that an electrician in Glendale is included in the planning process from the very beginning. The team at The Electric Connection has a great deal of experience with new construction and can provide valuable input.

If the project you are working on is a bit more of a do-it-yourself job, it is absolutely crucial you do not attempt to do the electrical yourself. There are not only laws and regulations that must be adhered to, it just isn’t safe for you or the construction project. When you hire a Glendale electrician to complete the wiring and fixture installation, you can rest assured it is done right. You know you will pass the inspection that must be done to follow code and you will know it is safe.

Some people assume they can skip the hiring of certain contractors, including the electrician. Glendale property owners need to think long-term. The risk of an electrical hazard or a fire starting because of faulty wiring is far too great. Budget the expense of an experienced electrician into the construction cost and save yourself a lot of hassle and worry. The team at The Electric Connection is standing by to help you with your next big project.