Because of our home state’s ample supply of oil, Texas isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when people hear the term “green energy.” However, recent research is showing that Texans may be embracing renewable solutions more than the rest of the country is giving them credit for.

A new report released by Choose Energy, a San Francisco-based company that helps people choose energy plans within deregulated electricity markets (like that of Texas) revealed some data that may surprise people. The company found that Texas residents select 100% green energy plans more than any other state, with 1 in 3 customers choosing renewable-sourced electricity plans (i.e. electricity coming from wind or solar power). That’s more than both Connecticut and New York, two states that most people would expect to have exponentially higher numbers of green customers. However, in both markets, fewer than 10 percent of customers were selecting green plans.

We generate more electricity than any other state in the U.S. In 2012 alone, Texas pumped out 14,201 trillion BTUs of electricity. To put this number into perspective: Montana, the nation’s #2 producer of electricity, only generated 9,611 trillion BTUs in the same year.

But not only do we produce the most electricity, we also produce more green energy than any other state! We have over 100 wind power plants across the state. In fact, we lead the nation in wind-generated electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that in 2013, our state generated around 36 million megawatt hours of electricity from wind energy. If that weren’t enough, our solar industry continues to grow as well.

Renewable energy is both plentiful and affordable in the Lone Star State, so it makes sense that more and more customers are jumping on the green bandwagon every year. But Choose Energy also suggests that even in situations where green energy might be more costly than “brown” energy, Texans still opt for the more environmentally-conscious plan in support of energy independence.

Even with our reputation as an oil-friendly state, Texas is leading the way in green electricity. As a company committed to reducing our own energy consumption and creating a healthier, safer world, we’re excited to see so many people adopting renewable, sustainable solutions for their energy needs. When consumers purchase 100% green plans, it increases the demand for efficient energy, which propels the green sector even further into success.

There are some home repairs you don’t want to tackle. Here are several red flags to look for when you’re buying a home.

common plumbing problems. Water damage is the homeowner’s mortal enemy. Water causes foundation problems, rot and mold. Want to move into that mess? Probably not.

To see if your potential purchase has suffered the consequences of water damage, start outside and

When you see water damage near an electrical outlet or a light fixture, you may have stumbled onto a fire risk. But outlets aren’t the only place to look for potential electrical problems.

Look for flickering and blinking, which signals a poor connection somewhere along the circuit. Check to see if both halves of electrical outlets are functioning. Make sure bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoors have professional electrician should determine whether the home’s circuits or fuses provide adequate power and service. The electrician can look for burned wiring, improper connections, dead-end wiring or ungrounded switches and outlets.

Your home inspector is a font of knowledge! Have the inspector check the air quality of the home to see if any mold spores are present — if water leakage or other common plumbing problems have been an issue, mold may be, too.

The inspector can ensure that the heating and cooling systems are properly installed. The inspector can also determine how old the HVAC system is and ensure that its been maintained

Your inspector will also determine the type of pipe that supplies water to the house—old lead and galvanized steel pipes are going to need replacing.

If the house you’re considering fails these tests, it may be best to move onto the next. If you still think it’s the right house for you, despite the presence of common plumbing problems or the need for an electrical overhaul, negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to pay for needed fixes.

Questions? Thoughts? Leave a note in the Comments section orschedule service today.

TRENDING NOW: RETROFITTING OLD FIXTURES

By Clarissa Allison | December 24th, 2014

Watching lighting trends in 2014 has been an interesting ride. “LED” and energy efficiency, once phrases thought to be bandied about by tree-huggers and industry insiders alone, is now quite common. The cost of LEDs and solid state lighting in general has come down faster than it would in a normal competitive environment. That has helped global adoption creep up over 10%. Environmentally friendly technology is an absolute must as the traditional lighting options we’ve all grown up with are slowly being replaced.  In one example, we’ve noticed customers wanting to retrofit old incandescent flush-mounted fixtures with LED downlights.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS): RoHS Compliant

RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Certain materials used in electronics and electrical products have been deemed hazardous to people and the environment and, therefore, must be limited. For a product to be RoHS compliant, testing must be performed and documented to show limited or no use of cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

Warranties

Super Bright LEDs, Inc. offers a minimum 2-year warranty to protect against manufacturer defects and malfunctions. Longer warranties are available depending on the product. If you experience failure of an LED or other component not caused by negligence, abuse, unauthorized repair, or disassembly, we will replace the product within the warranty period. If the same product is no longer available, a product of equal value may be substituted.

Read more

Lifetime Warranty

Super Bright LEDs, Inc. offers a Lifetime Warranty on a variety of products to protect against manufacturer defects and malfunctions. If you experience failure of an LED or other component not caused by negligence, abuse, unauthorized repair or disassembly, we will replace the product. If the same product is no longer available, a product of equal value may be substituted.

Read more

CE: Meets European health, safety, and environmental standards

In order for certain products within controlled categories, such as electrical and electronic devices, to be legally sold in the European Economic Area, they must bear a CE label, which stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity). Products with this label meet environmental, health, and safety standards put into place by European legislation.

UL Recognized: Product component safety and environmental certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) LLC

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) LLC is an independent testing agency that works to verify product safety and quality. A UL-Recognized label ensures that a product component, such as a power supply or LED light strip, has been tested and verified as safe to use in a UL-Listed product. UL-Listed product samples are tested by UL and meet their Standards for Safety requirements.

DLC: Listed as a quality, energy-efficient product by the DesignLights® Consortium (DLC®)

The DesignLights Consortium® (DLC®) partners with energy-efficiency groups and utility companies to establish a set of standards for commercial LED light fixtures. The product is tested and must meet quality, energy-efficiency, and performance requirements to be added to the DLC’s Qualified Products List. For more information, click

DOT Approved: Approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets strict guidelines in respect to external vehicle lighting that must be followed in order for a light to be street legal. Vehicle fixtures, such as headlights and tail lights, that have a DOT mark are legal, safe, and considered to provide suitable illumination for street use.

SAE International Class 1: Classified for use as emergency vehicle lighting by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Vehicle warning lights are ranked by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) according to class. A Class 1 LED light delivers the most amount of light (in comparison to class 2 and class 3 lights) and is ideal for emergency lighting on ambulances and fire trucks as well as police and rescue vehicles.

ETL Listed: An ETL-Listed product meets national safety standards

A product that bears an ETL-Listed label has been evaluated by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and meets national product safety standards. An ETL certification is accepted in the U.S. and in Canada.

FCC: Complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. Won’t cause harmful interference.

Products with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) label meet all requirements and rules set forth by the FCC and won’t cause interference with other electronic devices. According to FCC’s website, “The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.” Products that generate radio frequency (RF) energy, such as RF remote controls and certain LED light bulbs, are tested to ensure that they are within the FCC’s guidelines and limits and do not cause harmful interference.

SAA: Standards Australia (SA) compliance

Standards Australia (SAA) is a company that establishes guidelines and rules known as Standards. In an effort to create a sustainable environment, these Standards are designed to ensure that products are safe and function consistently. Products with an SAA label were tested and comply with set Standards.

IP65

The weatherproof product allows zero entry of dust. It is protected against jets of water and may allow limited liquid entry.

IP66

The weatherproof product allows zero entry of dust. It is protected against strong jets of water and may allow limited liquid entry.

IP67

The waterproof product allows zero entry of dust. It is protected against the effects of immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter.

IP68

The waterproof product allows zero entry of dust. It is protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.

IP69K

The waterproof product allows zero entry of dust. It is protected against high-temperature, high-pressure water and steam.

UL 844: Meets requirements from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) LLC for use in hazardous (classified) locations

UL 844 requirements cover fixed and portable luminaires for installation and use in the following hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70:

These requirements cover luminaires for use only under the following atmospheric conditions: