Well, it happened again. The kitchen and bath pros who make up the via www.marketwatch.com

Giant windows are great if possible. That’s a big IF, though. Sometimes, natural light isn’t an option, either because the laundry room is subterranean or otherwise windowless. Obviously, in the image below, natural light is not an option. Yet, the color temperature of the ceiling light is neutral enough to make this laundry room bearable while another, poorer lighting choice could have made this tiny laundry room annoying to visit and kind of scary.

You didn’t think I was going to avoid talking about lighting solutions just because natural light is such a great option for laundry rooms, did you? So, how should you light your laundry room? For any type of laundry room, there are some fundamental guidelines.

I’ve already suggested that you ALWAYS USE NATURAL LIGHT, when and if possible. And for your other light sources? Consider choosing lights with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of as close to 100 as possible. A light source’s CRI is, in effect, a metric by which to compare the ability of artificial light to render color as well as the sun. 100 is the maximum CRI. Some lamps, like low-pressure sodium lamps, can actually have really low CRIs, while there are now some LED lights with CRIs of 95 – 98. If the sun isn’t shining in your laundry room, there are plenty of excellent options that closely match natural light’s ability to render color and help you keep your clothes clean and fresh as can be.

Layer your lighting.

OK, so this is the main theme in pretty much all lighting design guides. Layering your light pretty much means that you should think about general light, accent lighting, and task lighting. In the main section of a house, this might look like mini recessed ceiling lights with square bronze trim, elegant track lighting to spotlight a painting or picture, and a reading light by the chair or some under cabinet lights illuminating the bar counter. In a laundry room it might look like the image below.

Sometimes, in larger laundry rooms, you can have all three kinds of light. But, generally speaking, laundry areas are on the smaller side and are too focused on pragmatism for decorations that would benefit from accent lighting. Keep in mind that this is a generalization with exceptions galore, but, generally, the two kinds of lighting you’ll find in laundry areas are ambient overhead lighting and task lighting, and this scheme usually takes the form of a ceiling light or two and under cabinet lighting.

Creative Options.

Do you have ranges and ovens on your mind? Maybe you just got a big bonus from work, or your last child finally graduated from college. There's no better way to celebrate than a new kitchen. From granite countertops to the latest in state-of-the-art appliance technology, you can cook in comfort and increase the value of your home to boot. If you haven't bought a new refrigerator or oven in a decade or more, you might be shocked at all the features you're missing out on. Read on for some of the latest in kitchen function and form.

Keep your food cold in style: If your ancient refrigerator is still chugging away, replacing it with an efficient ENERGY STAR-certified model could actually pay for itself in a few years through reductions in energy costs. That's to say nothing of all the new features there are to play with. You can find a fridge with multiple segmented compartments to keep different foods at different temperatures, or compartments in the doors that offer quick access to snacks and drinks. If you want to go really futuristic, check out models that have touchscreen controls so you have the temperature and other settings right at your fingertips.

Fun with ranges: Many new stovetops come with touchpads so you can precisely control the temperature and timing of your culinary masterpiece, down to the degree. If you prefer electric stoves, a flat glass or ceramic top can make the kitchen look more modern compared to the old coil elements. If you have the budget, you may even consider an induction range, which is hyper-efficient and uses electromagnets to turn your cooking pots into heat sources. One feature that might be useful no matter what type of element you use is downdraft ventilation, which can pull steam down through the stovetop before it can damage your walls or cabinets.

Double your oven: Is baking your thing? The oven market is heating up. Consider options like two oven bays so you can bake items at different temperatures at the same time, and convection ovens that use a fan to circulate heat and cook food more evenly. You can also find ovens that cook at super-low temperatures, down to 150 degrees, so you can dehydrate food and store it for later in the year. The very latest in oven technology is smartphone apps, which allow you to remotely monitor and control your settings.

Remember, you aren't alone in your quest for the most modern, stylish and efficient cooking area. Let the experts help you decide what your dream kitchen looks like, and then bring it to reality. Also, if you are just swapping out appliances there shouldn't be too many complications, but more serious work that involves adding or moving outlets, installing vents or changing the physical layout of the kitchen means you will need to make sure you are in compliance with local building code. Always consult with a professional so you don't accidentally create a safety hazard or find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

The experts at local Mister Sparky® are always here to help. Give us a call if you are considering kitchen renovations and we can help you evaluate and potential electrical changes or issues before you get started.

When you think about your personal pool or hot tub, what comes to mind? Probably parties, relaxing evenings, or family fun, right? Electrical shock, property loss, and other dangers are probably the furthest from your mind, and that’s how it should be! That is, if you’re sure the wiring for your pool and or hot tub are in perfect working order.

The holidays are nearly here, which means it's time to string up the lights. And while it doesn't take an electrician to get that job done, it doesn't hurt to think like an electrician - especially when it comes to safety.

Whenever you're using electricity, heat-producing lighting and power cords, it's a good idea to observe some basic precautions to avoid accidental shock, burns, fire and tripping hazards. This and every holiday decorating season, observe these simple tips for a safe and festive experience:

Inspect and Test

Before putting up any electrical holiday decorations, take time to thoroughly inspect them for damage. If you find frayed wires or signs of melted plastic, don't use those decorations - throw them away and replace them. If they appear to be in good condition, test them before hanging them up. There's nothing more frustrating than stringing up a strand of lights only to find out it's a dud!

Upgrade Your Lights

If your lights are showing signs of wear or you just feel it's time for an upgrade, consider switching to LEDs if you haven't already. LEDs are not only brighter and more energy efficient, they're safer because they produce almost no heat.

No Dry Trees

If you have a live tree, be sure to give it plenty of water. A dry tree can burn quickly, and any significant source of heat could pose a serious fire risk. Be especially careful to hydrate your tree if you're using lights, and never allow candles in the area of your tree stand.

Careful With the Cords

Be deliberate about where you run all cords and wires, including strands of lights. Never run cords across walking paths, as this can create an unsafe tripping hazard. You should also never run cords under rugs or through doorways, as this can cause damage that could lead to electrical shock or fire.

Stay on Your Feet

If you need a ladder to hang your lights, have a friend hold the ladder and act as a spotter. Wear non-slip shoes and make sure your ladder is locked into position on a level surface before climbing.

Right Lights for the Job

Most strands of lights are rated for either indoor or outdoor use. Indoor lights are not designed to withstand all-weather conditions, and in the worst-case scenario, using them outdoors can lead to electrical shock or a fire.

Any homeowner can observe these smart tips, but they might not address all of your holiday decorating challenges. If you find that you need new outlets installed to make your lighting scheme a reality, reach out to your licensed, local electricians while there's still time to decorate!

An electrical panel upgrade in Fairfax, VA should require careful consideration. After all, an electrical panel is basically the heart and soul of your home’s electrical system. Replacing it can mean all the difference in how you’re able to live in your home, especially when you need a steady flow of electricity for all lights and appliances. You certainly don’t want to wait too long in getting an upgrade, or else you have to start relying on candles for all of your home’s lighting needs.

Many homeowners struggle to find a good time to seek an upgrade. If you’re one of them, you should be on the lookout for: