A recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that homes constructed within the past decade are significantly less expensive to maintain than properties that were built a generation ago. On average, the combined annual maintenance and utility costs of a home that was built in or after 2008 is roughly $241, while the same yearly price to live in a home built before 1960 is $564 a year. There is also a noticeable variance in the average operating costs of houses built during these two periods - properties constructed more recently only have operating costs of roughly 3 percent while those built before 1960 averaged 5 percent.

A large factor is the kind of plumbing, wiring and overall utility setup of a given property. Over the past several decades, streamlined construction methods and an overall "greener" sensibility among shoppers have led to the development of more energy conservative appliances and layouts that cut monthly power and plumbing costs.

For example, the federal government offers homeowners a tax credit when they replace older appliances with Energy Star-approved ones. The results are savings in both the short term, with the immediate rebate most suppliers offer, and long term when monthly utility savings are taken into consideration.

Even manufacturers must meet higher efficiency standards today than in the 1960s whether or not they are looking for an Energy Star certification.

The year 2012 marked one of the hottest summers on records. Interestingly enough, this also corresponded with one of the best years for the solar industry. Although the solar power industry is still relatively young, meeting milestones frequently, these milestones are getting to be more and more substantial each year.

A great example of this was a California utility company placing into operation a solar generating station that was able to generate the same level of energy as a large coal or nuclear power plant. In addition to the gigawatt being generated by this utility-scale facility, there is also another gigawatt of solar power being generated by the rooftops around the state.

Another great sign of growth for the solar panel industries is the statistic that nearly 742 megawatts were installed by solar panel installers in the second quarter of 2012. This is greater than double the amount that was installed in the first quarter of 2011, 343 megawatts. For an industry that has been skating by in the background for so many years, such exponential growth is incredible. Not only does this mean cleaner, renewable energy for many homes across the country, but also countless jobs generated to help support this quickly growing industry.

What does this mean for you? As the demand for solar panels rises, so do the options for purchasing, installing and generating solar electricity. Because of the immense land required to operate a utility-scale solar generation facility, the number one method of generation remains on the rooftops of the average consumer. Because the cost of solar panels has been going down, and smart options such as financing and the solar lease have become more popular, it is easier than ever before to go solar. Take a few minutes to check out all of our resources at solar-panel-info.com. We specialize in solar leasing, rebates and locating solar panel installers near you. (Visit our Home Page)

Low-voltage landscape lighting is a simple improvement that can make an enormous impact on the beauty and appearance of your home after dusk, as well as its safety and security. Installed along walkways, steps, and driveways, or directed up at trees, garden objects and walls, the typical low-voltage lighting system requires just three components: a transformer, low-voltage electrical cable, and the fixtures.

As your household increases its use of electronics, it seems that the clutter of cords associated with them tend to pile higher and higher. You are constantly stepping over cords or tangling them together behind entertainment centers. There are cords from your tablets, smartphones, TVs, video game consoles and laptops. It seems that you may drown in the clutter of cords before you can find a way to get them organized.

Declutter with Washi Tape

Picking the right electrical equipment is essential no matter what line of business you’re in, so take your time with the selection process. It is especially crucial for companies in the food processing industry to pick the right cord grip and connector materials, since machinery and fittings at these plants are often exposed to harsh chemicals, water and other environmental threats, which can lead to corrosion, leakage and damage.

Electrical connectors for food processing plants normally feature corrosion-resistant properties, with different degrees of resistance for various environments and applications. Picking the wrong material will not just cause your connectors to require more frequent maintenance or repairs, but can also lead to short circuits and other safety hazards.