Highland, IN

There is a lot of discussion these days about saving energy and using energy efficient light fixtures. What are they? How can you do it? And, what should you look for? These are all common questions when trying to tackle this task. The professional craftsmen with Handyman Staff LLC can definitely help you by choosing the right light fixtures and bulbs, and installing them for you. Here are a few tips to get your started.

1. Switching to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and replacing light fixtures with energy efficient ones can save up to 75% on energy costs. When you go into your home improvement store, you will notice that fluorescent bulbs are taking over more and more of the shelf space. This is due to the high demand for saving energy and saving money. Fluorescent bulbs will cost a little more to purchase than the standard bulbs we have been used to in the past, but they will pay for themselves in the long run and help the environment. These bubs can last seven to ten times longer than regular bulbs.
2. When shopping, the energy star label means a fixture meets strict guidelines for energy efficiency. The government has forced manufactures to produce the lights in accordance with new energy saving methods. Each product that meets those guidelines will have an Energy Star Label on the box for easy viewing. This makes choosing your products much easier.
3. When removing the old light, making notes will help in wiring the new one. You can avoid mistakes on the ladder by doing a dry run on the floor first. And, if you can use the old mounting hardware, it will save a step or two. If you don't feel comfortable changing a light fixture, you can always call the professionals at Handyman Matters. And don't forget to turn off the breaker first!
4. Outdoors, energy efficient fixtures save money by using CFL Bulbs and shutting off automatically in daylight. Many of the newer light fixtures have sensors on them which will turn on at dusk and turn off at sunrise. You won't have to remember to do this each day or worry if you forgot to shut them off while you are at work. Some will also come with motion sensors so that they only turn on when there is motion in front of it. This is a great option for flood lights or walkway lighting. If no one is around to need it, it just stays off and saves your energy.
5. Sealing the base of your fixtures will help keep out moisture. This is a simple step that many builders forget to do and most homeowners neglect to do. Buy a tube of 100% Silicone and a caulk gun. You can go around your home and seal up each of the exterior lights. You want to make sure that you seal the gap between the light fixture and the wall or siding. This gap will not only allow bugs and other critters to enter your home, but moisture and air will leak through as well. By stopping this leak, you will save energy on home heating and cooling, as well as preventing costly repairs by moisture entering your walls.
6. You can also save energy by turning off overhead lights in favor of task lighting. Just use what you need. Under cabinet lights in the kitchen or a reading light in the bedroom does the job at a fraction of the cost. Those big ceiling lights with four to six bulbs can be four to six times the cost to run than using just one task light.

We can all do a better job at being energy efficient, especially at our homes. This is a great place to start. If you need help in choosing, purchasing, or installing any of these items above, please feel free to email us...your local Handyman Staff LLC to help. We look forward to helping you save energy - and money!

Highland, IN is located 2 miles east of the Illinois boarder along the I-80/94 corridor with south exits of Indianapolis, Kennedy and Cline Avenues.

It's a great place to raise children. Activities sponsored by the town include baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and host of other fun activities offered by the park district. The community has a host of places of worship and church sponsored grade schools. The housing costs are very affordable and property taxes are low compared to other boarder cities along Indiana and Illinois. Highland's paved bike trail travels 11 miles south to Crown Point, IN. with park benches to rest along the way. We have major shopping shopping and resturants in addition to the quaint downtown shops and restaurants on Highway Ave.

The Main Square Park on Ridge road offers festivals, plays and music throughout spring, summer and fall. Look for the scheduled of events on the towns web site at http://www.highland.in.gov/

The Highland school systems website is http://www.highland.k12.in.us/

Erie Lackawanna Bike Trail website http://www.indianatrails.org/Erie_Trail.htm

Commuting to Chicago is a snap. Cline Ave north turns into the Chicago Skyway for easy access into the city and lake front. Train service via the South Shore Line is approximately 6 miles north of Highland.