Save Energy use CFL's

For most homes in developed countries, lighting alone accounts for 9% of the total energy requirement. For other parts of the world, it is far more than that. Thus, using cost-efficient lights can be a huge energy-saver.

By using 66% less energy than the conventional light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs are made to be very efficient. Just by changing from incandescent to CFL's could reduce electrical consumption by 7%.

When compared to the regular light bulbs, CFL's give the same amount of luminescence for less power. While it does have a higher purchase price than the incandescent, CFL's have a longer lifespan (approximately 12 times than the incandescent light bulbs, about 11,000 hours), enough to save US$30 in electrical costs during the bulb's lifetime.

A US published article claimed that if a household changes 30 fixtures in their home, investing $90, the money saved in the span of five years could be anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the area's electrical costs.

For commercial buildings and other bigger establishments, the savings are even greater. An average CFL at 75 watts could save $22 dollars in direct energy savings per year. If that is multiplied by the number of light bulbs in a building, and include the cost of labor that could be saved from changing light bulbs, the savings could rise exponentially.

True,there is a capital investment of about $2 - $3 USD per fixture; however, that could be recovered in a month from money saved.

Other manufacturers of CFLs also apply a titanium dioxide coating. This is because titanium dioxide is claimed to neutralize bacteria, odors, and molds. Still many manufacturers of CFLs apply a luminous coating to the bulb for the purpose of luminescence after the CFL is turned off.

The idea behind is that a little light could still remain, even for a short while, in cases of power failure and accidents.

Because Carbon Fluorescent lamps do not emit as much heat as the incandescent light bulbs, there is also less work for air conditioners in cooling up the space.

Surely there must be some downsides...

CFLs behave differently from the ordinary incandescent bulbs. For one, they take longer to attain their full brightness depending on the temperature. The colder the climate is, the longer it will take for the bulb to give off full brightness. CFLs also give off the brightest light during their first use and begin to dull gradually, giving off less light as they near the end of their life; a CFL is expected to reduce its brightness by 20% from the original brightness after its first installation. The second issue - each CFL light bulb contains about 5 mg of mercury, a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested over a period of time or in large enough doses. As a result, they should be recycled properly to make sure they don't end up in landfills. 1. Check with your local solid waste disposal program to find out how to recycle compact fluorescent bulbs in your area. 2. Check www.Earth911.org or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for an automated hotline. 3. If a CFL type light bulb breaks in your home, immediately open the windows to disperse any mercury vapor that may escape, carefully sweep up the glass fragments, and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove any remaining fragments. Do not pick up broken glass with your bare hands and do not use a vacuum cleaner. Use a sealed plastic bag and dispose of the glass with your other household trash.

Why Wise Buyers Get a Home Inspection

The list of things that can be wrong with a new home is endless, so don't sign on the dotted line until a reputable home inspector gives you the all clear.

The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It's also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don't have a home inspection.

Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.

A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.

During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home's interior.

The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It's always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don't expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.

When looking for a qualified home inspector, don't overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.

The NC Licensed Home Inspector Association. (HCLHIA) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don't, it's important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NCLHIA. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.

Remember that the inspection report won't guarantee you're set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that's your job.

How to Sell Your Home Fast in a Troubled Economy

Whether you are relocating, purchasing a new property or simply needing to move ahead, it's sometimes necessary to sell a home fast. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done during a buyer's market.

During the height of the real estate boom homes were selling in weeks, but today much of that has changed. Don't despair, though. There are several steps that you can take to help move your property in troubled times.

Work with an Experienced Agent: A surprising number of people try to sell a home on their own. Most turn to a professional agent after a few months, but the damage is already done. When time matters, go with a pro right from the start. Remember, the agent is acting like a publicity manager for the property.

Tackle Those Tough Jobs: Clear out the clutter and yard debris and then ask your agent for an honest appraisal of the property. Be sure to complete the "honey do" list to avoid competing against foreclosures and other homes with deferred maintenance. Not only will the home show better, but photographs, virtual tours and open house events will generate more interest when the home looks its best.

Invest in an Inspection: For approximately $300 to $500, an inspection might be one of the best investments you make. It demonstrates the condition of the home to prospective buyers and helps ease their minds. If you have access to a recent survey and appraisal, be sure to include those in the information package given to prospective buyers. Affordable Home Inspections can help answer any of your concerns. Contact us today! www.houseinspections.com

First-Time Buyers: Tax Credit

First-time and seasoned home buyers received some good news recently.

On Nov. 6, 2009, the federal government extended a valuable tax break to home buyers under the Worker, Home ownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

The legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress as part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing the country.

The act includes elements that extend time frames for home buyers and ease eligibility requirements.

It extends a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

It also extends a credit of up to $6,500 to current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home.

The credit applies to sales occurring between now and April 30, 2010, and covers home purchases completed by June 30, 2010.

The income-based qualification system allows for a $125,000 limit for a single taxpayer and a $225,000 limit for married couples filing joint returns.

The final tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home being considered and it only applies to homes valued under $800,000 for qualified first-time home buyers.

But there's more good news.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is allowing monetization of this tax credit, meaning that buyers with a Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgage can apply for and receive their anticipated tax credit immediately rather than wait until they file their income taxes to receive a refund.

This allows home buyers to apply the funds to closing costs. Home buyers can also use the funds to increase the amount that they put down on their home.

The tax credit applies to any home that is being used as a principal residence and includes detached homes, condominiums, townhouses and a wide variety of manufactured homes.