With winter descending full force, residents of northern states are bracing for the potential of major blizzards. Of course, other extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods can strike throughout the year, putting life and property. Wise homeowners make sure they prepare in advance so their homes have a better chance of surviving disaster. The good news is that many of the steps that help disaster-proof a home also serve to make it more energy efficient.

Do what you can to help your home and belongings make it through the next big storm:

Use Surge Protectors: You spent a lot of money on your electronics, so why leave them vulnerable to a sudden power surge due to a lightning strike or disruption in the power grid? If you have advance notice that a storm is coming, you should unplug unnecessary devices, but sometimes disasters arrive without warning, so make sure everything goes through a surge protector, or better yet, an uninterruptible power supply.

Solar is Your Friend: One unfortunate result of extreme weather can be power outages that last for days, even if your house doesn't suffer a direct strike. Be prepared with solar panels so you can get by before the power comes back. Note that most home solar setups are tied into the power grid and therefore won't power your house independently if the rest of the electricity is out, but some systems do allow you to charge a battery directly so you can keep the lights on. Another option is to keep a generator on hand for emergencies. They aren't as eco-friendly as solar power but don't rely on the sunlight for fuel so tend to be more reliable.

Walls Matter: The latest in building wind-proof houses is using insulated concrete forms, or ICFs, to make a mold for quick and easy concrete construction. Not only are concrete walls far stronger than wood, making them more likely to survive extreme winds, they are much more fire resistant than standard construction as well. What's more, concrete usually costs a bit more than wood framing, but over the life of your house you should see big energy savings. The superior insulation provided by the concrete walls and foam molds means you spend less for heating and air conditioning. Estimates range from a few hundreds dollars per year in savings to as much as an 80 percent reduction in heating costs. You can also find cheaper insurance rates for concrete houses than for wood.

Let the Experts Help: Have a trusted professional inspect your house to make sure that your roof and foundation are in good shape and your HVAC and electrical equipment is all functioning correctly. You can resolve any issues in advance to increase your chances of weathering a bad storm, and if disaster never does strike you still know you made a good investment. Call local Mister Sparky for a check of your electrical system and any necessary repairs as a part of your disaster preparedness plan.

By Clarissa Allison | December 2nd, 2016

When it comes to choosing which manufacturers to represent, several things are taken into consideration. Longevity, reputation, variety of selection, and response time are all paramount. This week LouieLighting.com would like to introduce a manufacturing partner we are proud to showcase: RAB Lighting.

RAB Lighting has been a leading manufacturer of sustainable indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures since 1946. Their reputation is grounded in the finest manufacturing, supported by a growing infrastructure complete with sophisticated facilities and engineering capabilities. Known for its cutting edge product design, quality, and customer support, the company operates the 6 acre corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Northvale, New Jersey as well as locations in China, Taiwan and Malaysia, from where RAB is serving a constantly growing lighting market.

In 2002, RAB Lighting provided the Vaporproof fixtures which formed the Olympic Rings – this project resulted in the largest sign in history. What a feat! Accomplishments such as these demonstrate the pride and craftsmanship central to the brand.

Solar power isn't just for going off the grid anymore. More and more homeowners are finding solar panels are a great option to supplement their existing power source and lower utility costs.

If you have the cash to make the up-front payment, installing solar panels can be a smart long-term investment. They last for up to 30 years with minimal maintenance. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce or even eliminate your power bill to the electric company. Furthermore, there are federal and state tax credits that can reduce your initial installation costs, making it an even better deal. At the same time, you will be reducing your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, making your own contribution to the health of the planet.

How It Works

Your solar system will hook right into the power grid. On sunny days, when you generate more electricity than your house needs, you will actually send the excess out along the power lines. Then at night or on overcast days, you will draw conventional energy from the grid. If your conditions are favorable enough, you can make a profit by creating more electricity than you use overall.

The panels can pay for themselves in saved electricity costs in anywhere from two to 15 years, depending on how much energy you create and your state's incentive programs. Many companies also offer financing options so you don't have to come up with all the cash up-front.

Solar isn't a good solution for every homeowner, however, so consider the following factors when making your decision:

The Next Steps

If you think your house is a good prospect, the next step is to contact reputable solar installation companies and get some estimates. Their experts can help you go over the costs and savings and make the decision that is right for you.