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How Electricians Replace a Two Prong Outlet with a Three Prong Outlet

Live in an older home with 2-prong outlets? Chances are you’re running out of outlet real estate for appliances and electronics. Here's how an electrician can fix this problem for you! 

The 3-Prong Access vs Affordable Solution Conundrum

There abundant reasons homeowners shy away from rewiring their homes, and though this option offers the safer solution, it may not be the most feasible one. There are ways your electrician can upgrade your outlets to 3-prong without rewiring or grounding for convenience, however there are risks. 2-prong outlets have no ground, without which the risk of electrocution and appliance damage is substantial. Simply adding an outlet with an additional prong will give added appliance access, but it will not alleviate these serious issues. Ground is necessary for safety.

Skirting Disaster

Converting a 2-prong outlet to 3-prong GFCI (rather than a standard 3-prong) can decrease these risks, protecting against shock-injury, however a 3-prong GFCI will not provide the necessary ground protection that prevent sensitive electronics from becoming fried with voltage fluctuations that commonly occur within your home. Thinking of tossing on one of those surge protector strips? Think again. Those devices are only as good as the ground they are connected to, serving as an escape route for excess current. No ground = no surge protection - no matter how much you invest.

How Electricians Replace a 2-Prong Outlet with a Three Prong GFCI:

1. Turn off power to the outlet being replaced at the service panel. Confirm the outlet is off with a circuit tester.
2. Remove the cover plate screw and cover, then remove the two screws holding the old receptacle into the box.
3. Pull out the old outlet, being very careful not to crack the old wiring, gently extending it to give yourself access to the wires.
4. Disconnect the old outlet.
5. Some old boxes are tight, so the new GFCI must be test-fitted by gently pushing the wires back and ensuring the new box will fit. (If it doesn’t, a new, larger electrical box will be needed – which is another tutorial entirely.)
6. If the wires aren’t long enough, add a 4-6” extension (“pigtails”), using the appropriate wire for the circuit amperage: 15amp = 14 gauge; 20amp = 12 gauge. Pickup one white wire, one black from a local hardware store, along with the appropriate wire nuts to add the extensions.
7. If the wires are long enough, look at the terminals on the GFCI, identifying the “Line” terminals. These are the only ones you will use. Connect the wires:
   • Black wire to the brass “Line” terminal screw.
   • White wire to the silver “Line” terminal screw.
8. Gently fold the wires back in the box, pressing in the new outlet.
9. Screw in the box to fasten.
10. Test the outlet, pushing RESET to turn it on, and the TEST to shut it off. Then, re-attach the cover plate and add the NO GROUND sticker.

How to Ground a 2-Prong Outlet

Long-term, you’ll want to ground outlets to ensure safety. If your home is grounded, but some of your outlets are not, a trained, licensed electrician is still recommended to ensure the safest modifications. Grounding an outlet requires attaching a wire and running it all the way from your outlet to the grounding screw at the back of your electrical box, which is often a long, complicated endeavor, and exceedingly painful for the inexperienced – sometimes “shockingly” so.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Cleaning Your Electronics

The Do’s and Dont’s of Cleaning Your Electronics

What’s a guy or gal to do when their most coveted electronics are covered in crud? Sensitive and persnickety, electronics surfaces and the fragile working components they house must be carefully addressed with the correct cleaning methods and supplies. If your gadgets are covered in germs because you fear for their lives, read-on to uncover safe, effective methods to clean electronics without bringing about bodily harm…

What Do You Use to Clean Electronics?

Cleaning electronics is essential to proper function, but more importantly, stopping the spread of disease. More ick-infested than even public restroom toilet seats, electronics in your family’s grubby grasp can harbor everything from strep and staphylococcus to cold and flu bacteria, MRSA, norovirus, and even fecal matter. Among the worst offenders? Smartphones, tablets and e-readers, game controllers, keyboards, and remote controls.

Never Fear – You CAN Safely De-Germ Your Electronics…

• How to clean touch screen laptop or tablet
  With touch screens, gentleness and a microfiber cloth are key. Using very slight pressure, wipe horizontally, then vertically across the screen. (A solid white or black background makes it easier to see dirt.) If the screen is still dirty or greasy, mix a solution of 50/50 distilled water and white vinegar, spraying it onto a clean cloth (NOT your device). Turn it off, then wipe in the same manner. Turn it on only when dry.
• Cleaning computers/laptops with keyboards
  Turn off laptops or unplug keyboards, carefully upending and gently shaking loose debris. Spray with compressed air between keys, then brush around keys with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Use a clean cloth dipped in isopropyl to clean keys and surfaces. Do NOT use alcohol on the monitor. Instead, unplug and follow instructions for touch screen monitors (above).
• Mouse cleaning
  For standard laser models, simply unplug, and slide gently back-and-forth over a clean sheet of paper till streak marks disappear.
• Clean your phone screen with alcohol
  Household chemicals and disinfectants are too harsh for smartphones. To clean, turn off your phone and remove its case/cover and battery if possible. Cleaning electronics with alcohol and a microfiber cloth works well for the cover, case, buttons and keyboard, but not on metal or touchscreen surfaces, which contain an oil-repellant coating that can be prematurely worn with alcohol cleaning. When using any solutions, be certain not to get fluid under the keyboard or inside the phone. Refer to touch screen laptop/tablet cleaning instructions for the screen.
• Keeping TV screens clean
  Today’s LCD and LED flat screens, like touch screens, are easily scratched and damaged, and are thus cleaned in the same manner as cleaning touch screen monitors (above).
• DVD players
  Clean the exterior of your DVD player and buttons with a dry microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and germs. Water is corrosive and may ruin the player.
• Remote controls
  Remove remote batteries, using a dry toothbrush to remove debris stuck between buttons. Then lightly mist a cleaning cloth with a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water, tapping to remove excess moisture, then wiping along the sides, back, and then down buttons. Don’t let any water seep-in.

Ultimate Guide to Recycling Electronics

Ultimate Guide to Recycling Electronics

It can be extremely tempting to toss obsolete and broken electronics in the trash. However recycling electronics offers a far better alternative, removing “e-waste” from your home, and preventing heavy metals found in these product from contaminating soil and water

A Prolific Problem

Americans own around 24 electronic products per household according to the Consumer Electronic Association. These product break or are replaced with newer models, leaving 2.4 million tons of electronic waste in American landfills annually according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Comprising only two percent of landfill trash, these items account for 70 percent of overall toxic waste.

Support the Solution: Recycle Electronics

Which electronics can be recycled? Common types of e-waste which are easily recyclable include:

• Cell Phones
  Of the 100 million cell phones purchased annually – only 20 percent of those cast aside are recycled. Accumulating to the tune of around 65,000 tons of electronic garbage annually, these items, which house gold, silver, copper, and palladium, could be easily recycled or sold back to cell phone carriers, or donated to local charities such as Cell Phones for Soldiers and Hope Phones.
• Computer Equipment
  Nearly 130,000 computers are dumped in landfills daily. However computers and accompanying equipment from mice and keyboards to tablets and copy machines should never be dumped in a landfill. Nearly every component of these items are valuable and recyclable, from plastics and glass to metals. However a reputable recycling organization/program is key to protecting personal information and proper handling of materials. Computer manufacturers and retailers often accept these for free, even without a new purchase.
• TVs
  Even go-to donation sites like Goodwill and Salvation Army no longer take analog TVs, and most municipalities prohibit the disposal of these items at the landfill due to the large amounts of lead they contain. Luckily, many TV manufacturers and retailers will take back and recycle old products – analog or digital - for free. The Electronic Industries Alliance also provides a list of non-profits that accepts used, working models. Otherwise, check with your city regarding special disposal days or drop-off sites.   
• DVD Players, VCRs, Stereos, MP3s, Home Phones…
  As well as audio equipment, calculators, recording devices, and digital clocks broken or deemed obsolete by you may find a new life elsewhere. Whether refurbished, repurchased at the area consignment store, or scrapped for recyclable parts ranging from plastic and glass to precious metals, recycling this large class consumer electronics could keep literal tons of waste and toxic metals out of landfills. If your item’s not ripe for donation, contact your local municipality regarding e-waste pickup or drop-off locations.

Stop! These Items Typically Do NOT Make the Recyclable Materials List

Some items are not commonly recycled through the e-waste recycling process, but CAN be recycled through other programs. These include microwaves and other large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, which contain dangerous electrical components and/or gases that can be harmful to the environment. Ionization smoke detectors, which contain trace amounts of radioactive material, and mercury-containing thermometers also require special handling. If you are unsure of proper disposal, the E.P.A., your city, county, or state government can point you in the right direction. As with many of the above recyclable products, manufacturers and retailers may accept these items for complimentary in-house recycling as well. However the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of these items is to donate it for reuse.

Don’t Forget These Springtime Electrical Safety Tips

Don’t Forget These Springtime Electrical Safety Tips

Now that the weather is warmer and people are spending more time outside, it’s important to make sure certain electrical components are functioning properly and you are practicing good habits around electrical items both inside and outside of the home.
Focusing on electrical safety awareness can help ensure you are not injured due to an electrical malfunction.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes.

Here are some simple safety rules to remember:

• Ladders of every material should not come in contact with a power line, as it may result in a serious injury or death. Keeping a 10 feet distance from an overhead power line is a good rule of measure.
• If your power tools are not being used, make sure to unplug everything. If not, it’s possible for the tools to overheat and cause a fire.
• Check for damaged cords on power tools. It is important to check if the cord is frayed or the plug is broken. This makes the tool dangerous to operate.
• Avoid wet areas while using any electrical item. Be aware of your surroundings, being sure to check for a running hose or sprinkler. Wet grass is particularly an issue.
• Teach kids to never fly a kite or climb a tree near a power line. If a kite gets tangled in overhead power lines, don’t try to remove it yourself. Kite string can conduct an electrical current, which can cause serious injuries or death.
• Call 811 before you dig so underground utility lines can be properly marked. This free service is required by state law, and should be done at least two business days before the digging begins.

All electrical lines and equipment should be treated seriously and with caution.
Use these simple and easy to follow tips to stay safe this summer.

What You Need to Know About Whole House Surge Protection

What You Need to Know About Whole House Surge Protection

Power surges can be damaging to the home, and should be prevented at all cost. From thunderstorms, to intense heat and freezing temperatures, it can be difficult at times for power companies to regulate distribution. Unstable distribution will increase the opportunity for surges to occur. Preventing these surges is typically left to the consumer to solve, and should be done so in a timely manner.

What causes power surges?

The operation of heavy-duty electrical appliances is often a major cause of power surges. When certain appliances are turned on and off frequently, a large amount of energy is used. Refrigerators, air-conditioners and elevators are all common.
More than half of the power surges are internal. These happen over 20 times a day, generally with motors that continuously start back up again. Small devices like hair dryers and power tools also cause power surges.
External power surges are caused by factors outside of the home, such as tree limbs touching a power line or an animal entering a transformer. After a power outage, an external surge can occur when the power turns back on.

Why worry about power surges?

Almost everything in a home can correlate to a power surge. All items with microprocessors are highly susceptible. Microprocessors are found in many consumer products including cell phones, computers, televisions, microwaves, dishwashers and refrigerators. Large power surges can cause fried circuits, but this type is less common. Low-level power surges gradually degrade internal circuitry, and will eventually fail completely.

Where are whole house surge protectors installed?

These protectors are usually hard-wired to your electrical box. They must be properly installed and grounded by a licensed electrician. If not, they will not be able to function properly.

Whole house surge protectors

The Whole House Panel Surge Protector is the main source of industrial protection for your home. This prevents high-energy surges from ever entering your home. It also provides the best defense for major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. With a whole house panel surge protector, your home’s electrical panel will be saved from power surge damage.
Every home should consider installing a whole house surge protector. The National Fire Protection Association and Business Home Safety recommends them. Help out your home with the protection it needs!
Want to know more? Visit GetNeighborly.com.

How do Generators Work?

How do Generators Work?

Unlike noisy and inconvenient portable generators that you have to lug out and set up in the event of an emergency or outage, standby generators offer convenient backup power that is always at-the-ready, and capable of kicking-in within seconds of power loss with little to no attention from you

What makes them so darn convenient?

The setup. Standby generators, professionally installed with an automatic transfer switch, sense when power stops flowing to your home, transferring power to your standby system automatically to ensure minimal power interruption. When power from the electrical grid is restored, your home is then automatically transferred back to utility power, returning the generator to standby mode until its next use.

How do they make this fantastically fast power?

Much like the engine and alternator on your car – you add gas in the form of natural gas or liquid propane, and this energy is then converted to electricity for your home. But unlike your car – and noisy portable generators – the muscle that makes the power is housed outside in a weather-shielded, sound-deadening, permanently anchored box. Only the transfer switch (the brains of the op) remain inside and in contact with your home’s main breaker panel.

Do I really need one?

Today’s electrical grids are becoming increasingly unreliable. Age, inclement weather, natural disasters – even auto accidents and animals lead to frequent outages. “Hiccups” in the system (short power outages) are also occurring at increasing levels with sheer consumer electronic demand versus grid supply, making standby power high atop the must-have list for the prepared home and business owner. Powerful, long-lived, quieter and safer, these permanent power solutions are rising in popularity annually for their capacity to ensure comfort and safety, as well as to prevent financial losses (from that freezer full of food to production capacity at your local office) in the event of an outage.

Return on investment

A functional upgrade to your home, standby models do cost more than their portable cousins, running an estimated $5,000-10,000 on average. However they handle ALL of your homes electrical needs when properly sized – not just the well pump and refrigerator. And they don’t require you to go out mid or post-disaster and engage in setup. Payback beyond peace of mind and security varies by locale, in areas with a more mild climates seeing a lower return than areas that frequently experience weather “mishaps” – such as hurricane-prone Miami – which offer a near total return on investment.

Don’t let portable generators leave you hanging. You have the power to ensure the safety and security of those who count on you with the help of Mr. Electric. Learn more about installing a standby generator at your home or business today.

How to Protect Outdoor Outlets

How to Protect Outdoor Outlets

Outdoor electrical outlets provide convenient power access to light your yard, operate power tools, and take advantage of entertainment devices. Failure to properly protect these outlets, however, can do more than damage your equipment – it could be extremely dangerous to the safety of your family and home.

Avoid hair-raising outdoor electrical experiences – protect your outdoor outlets!

Though most outdoor receptacles include weatherproof covers to keep moisture and dirt from compromising outlets, once you plug in a device – all bets are off. Luckily, you can ensure safety with the help of a few simple, common-sense measures…

• Select the right kind of outdoor outlet.
  National Electrical Code REQUIRES the use of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for safety. You can identify these outlets by their ‘TEST’ and ‘RESET’ buttons – and by the ‘WR’ embossed on the outlet, indicating it as ‘weather resistant.’ Only this type of outlet is safe for outdoor use.

• Ensure proper installation.
  Be sure to install the outlet with a gasket and a cover plate, sealing the connection to the wall, or attaching a weatherproof cover (see below). Always use the proper, external mounting brackets provided with the outlet – otherwise moisture could get into the box, causing tripped breakers, melted outlets – or worse. To protect against shock as well as safeguard the lifespan of valuable tools and electronic equipment, ensure adequate ground. (Surge protectors do NOT supply grounding.) A 3-bulb receptacle tester can help you determine this – IF you know what you’re doing. If you’re not sure what you’re doing – NEVER toy with electrical yourself – enlist the help of a qualified electrician.

• Add a weatherproof cover.
  The little flip up tabs that cover your outdoor electrical outlets are only enough to protect the outlet when it’s NOT in use. Luckily, the addition of a properly connected weatherproof cover can allow you use of the plug while safeguarding it against moisture – even allowing for use in the rain. Sometimes referred to as ‘flip up’ or ‘bubble covers,’ these outlet additions are now mandatory as per the National Electrical code. Typically clear or smoke-colored, they come in a variety of configurations. Designed with a deep lid and grooves allowing for device and extension cords to run out of the bottom while protecting the outlet from inclement weather, for proper fit it is essential to be sure to select one with the same configuration as your outdoor outlet type (GFCI) and outlet design (single gang/2 outlet, double gang/4 outlet, etc.).

• Don’t assume safety.
  Outlets already installed prior to the purchase of your home? Don’t assume they are the right kind – check them for type and proper installation!

What’s an Electric Grid

Ever wonder how the kilowatts that power your killer HDTV arrive on-scene? Every day, homeowners nationwide take advantage of the grid’s power prowess – without giving much thought as to the complicated distribution network that is the electric grid.

Who’s on first? The power plant.

The first of the three large, interconnected systems that comprise the electric grid, generating electricity is the name of the game for the power plant, whether its wind, water, coal or gas-fired or nuclear. A constant supply is key to keeping up with demand – lest a blackout or brownout occur. (This is also why the U.S. and Canadian systems are interconnected – to ensure a smooth, balanced flow of electricity, and to prevent power plant or transmission line failures from resulting in service interruptions.)

What’s on second? Transmission lines.

Carrying electricity long distances, tall, towering behemoths called high voltage transmission lines ferret power away from the plant, carrying it long distances to where it is needed. Though an efficient and inexpensive way to transport power, however, they do not make for a safe mode of delivery for areas homes and businesses

The monkey in the middle: Transformers

Transformers step-up voltage for transmission – then step it down again once it reaches neighborhood distribution lines. They are also used to step it down once more before it enters your home. Think of transformers as sort of the monkey in the middle of each distribution checkpoint.   

Sliding home… Distribution lines

After transformers pare-down voltage, power is more safely distributed and delivered through neighborhood distribution lines. (Though it is paired-down yet again by a hanging transformer before it enters your home.)

Who gets it?

You. Though the electrical service to your home or business may be delivered via a different circuit of the grid than your neighbors…. Explaining why, maddeningly, every time there is a storm your home or businesses loses power – but your neighbors does not. Think of it kind of like the electrical system in your house: When you trip a breaker with your hair dryer, power stays on in the kitchen. The same concept applies to the grid system and the neighborhood(s) each circuit of the grid serve.

How Does Electricity Get to Your Home?

How Does Electricity Get to Your Home?

It seems so simple. You get home from work, bump up the thermostat, grab a hot shower, and flip on the TV while dinner is warming in the oven. But you take for granted all these lovely conveniences rely on the electricity pumping through your home to exist. How does electricity arrive on the scene to keep your life running? It’s a complicated, albeit interesting journey…

Please May I Have Some More? Electricity Generation

Electricity begins its journey at the power plant, where it is brought into existence via fossil fuel or renewable resources ranging from coal and natural gas to hydroelectric and wind power. In most cases, these resources are used to power turbines via the force(s) of gas, steam, water, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and even nuclear fission.

An Interesting Twist – Turbine Use & Power Generation

As the turbines spin, powered by their chosen fuel source, the shaft between the turbine and a generator convert this kinetic energy into electrical current via the magnetic field within the generator – and produce voltage (electricity).

Which Way Do We Go? Electricity Transmission

After the voltage leaves the generator, it heads to the transmission substation. Already high voltage, the large transformers within the substation further ramp it up to extremely high levels (around 115,000-500,000 volts). This is essential for its efficient transmission towards its end destination (your home).

Bigger is Better: Transmission Lines and Poles

Huge steel towers and lines carry this high voltage electricity up to 300 miles – but it’s nowhere near ready for your home, yet. It must go through a step-down process (a reduction of voltage) for safety.

A Quick Switch – Transformers

Transformers then step-down voltage at switching stations/substations before it is distributed through neighborhood distribution lines.

Headed for Home: The Distribution System

After transformers reduce voltage to lower levels, it is more safely distributed locally. But it must be pared-down again for safety before being carried into your home. This happens via hanging transformers conveniently attached to distribution lines.  

Dropping In – The Service Drop & Meter

Electricity is finally delivered to your home from the distribution transformers via a service wire connected to your home, called the ‘service drop.’ If service is underground, it will then be run through the meter box so the power company can monitor how much electricity you use (and have to pay for). For overhead service, it will be tied-in via the ‘weather head,’ or point of contact between your facilities and the electrical company’s, then run through the meter.

Different Types of Electrical Sources

Different Types of Electrical Sources

Like most Americans, you rely on electricity daily, but probably don’t give much thought as to where it comes from, or how it magically appears in your home to power your various electronic devices.  However it pays to take a look, as between current global environmental concerns and the changing geopolitical climate, you don’t want to end up ‘in the dark.’

Going with the Flow: How Electricity Powers the World

Simply put, electricity involves the flow of electrons, which are defined by current. There are two main kinds of current: DC or direct current – a ‘flow’ of energy like you get from a battery; and AC, or alternating current (like from your wall outlets) – which reverses the direction of electrons, allowing current flow to turn on and off. But that current must be sourced or created. Luckily, there are many different ways, ranging from the simplest static electrical charge produced by merely rubbing materials together, to the infinitely complex process of harnessing nuclear energy as a power source.

Infinite Potential: Common Energy Sourcing Options

Nearly all forms of sourcing energy involve turbine use. For fossil fuel generated power, this involves combustion for the production of steam and gases to rotate turbine shafts, which, when connected to a generator, convert this mechanical energy into electrical current. In renewable options, however, the source itself typically fuels turbine movement….

• Natural Gas
  Natural gas combustion alone, or as part of a furnace/boiler system, propels turbines to create energy.
• Coal
  Most power plants use coal-fired steam turbines to generate power, though a few convert coal to a gas before using it in turbines.
• Petroleum
  Petroleum can also be burned to produce combustion gases or steam to power turbines.
• Nuclear Power
  With nuclear power, nuclear fission produces the energy-generating steam necessary to spin turbines and generate electricity.
• Hydropower
  Hydropower from dams and other setups power turbines via flowing water.
• Wind
  Like giant pinwheels, turbines capture energy from the wind for conversion into electricity.
• Biomass
  Derived from plant and animal waste, materials are burned directly and used as other fuels to power turbines or internal combustion generators.
• Solar
  Energy from the sun is captured in photovoltaic solar cells, heating fluids to produce steam and drive turbines.
• Geothermal
  Heat from within the earth is harnessed to for heating water into steam to power turbines.

Energy Source Comparison: What’s Americas Biggest Energy Source?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most of the electricity in the U.S. is created through the use of fossil fuels

Looking Into the Future

The Institute for Energy Research (IER) points to fossil fuels leading the way as the United States’ top energy source through 2040, supplying 80 percent of America’s energy needs. However in a study by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), it has been noted the U.S. could generate the majority of its energy from renewable sources by 2050. And this can be done with feasibly and affordably with currently available technologies (wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biopower) - provided the nation take the steps necessary to reach this goal.

Proper Generator Maintenance

Proper Generator Maintenance

Your generator is the piece of machinery that provides peace of mind during weather emergencies, accidents and blackouts. It’s your generator’s job to take care of you and your loved ones, but it’s your job to take care of your generator!
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your generator performs well when you need it. Giving your generator adequate attention is also necessary in preventing damage to your machine as well as injuries to the operator.  Check out these tips on properly maintaining your generator:


Don’t neglect the manual – It’s easy to throw the owner’s manual to the side, especially when you’re in “crisis mode.” Invest some time in getting to know your generator before you need to use it. Familiarize yourself with the features specific to your machine. Keep your manual in a safe space for future reference.

Refrain from backfeeding – Not only is backfeeding dangerous – it’s actually illegal. Avoid the temptation to “backfeed” power into your home through double-ended power cords. Instead, try installing a transfer switch.

Keep it filled – If your generator runs out of gas while still in use, the magnetic field from the generator coils can be drained, causing damage to the machine. Always keep your gas tank filled to avoid paying to have these coils regenerated.

Check the “insides” – Essential “insides” like oil, spark plugs and air filters will run low and experience wear over time. Monitor these components of your generator and replace them as necessary.   

Where to Begin When Switching to LED Light Bulbs

Where to Begin When Switching to LED Light Bulbs

With the prices of led light bulbs rapidly falling – and light bulb technology boasting features you’d have to see to believe – consumers are finally jumping on the LED bandwagon. LEDs beat out other bulb options in efficiency, far surpassing halogens and leaving mercury-containing CFLs roadside, offering the same light for a fraction of the energy expense, with amazing longevity of up to 10 years.


How cheap are they?
Now giving even the cheapest bulbs a run for their money, you can now pickup an entry-level LED for less than $2.50 per bulb in a multi-pack, or opt for fancier models for a couple bucks more, finding daylight-sensing bulbs starting at $9, dimmable options at around $15, and fancy-pants, color-changing and smartphone-operable bulbs starting at $30.


Where should I start when replacing LED bulbs in my home?
Energy saving LEDs can be used in most common light fixtures, from lamps and accent lighting to track and outdoor fixtures.
Start with the bulbs you use most, like the family room and kitchen. Replacing these bulbs first offers the greatest opportunity for savings, gaining return-on-investment fast.
Focus on areas where bulbs are left on for a long time, like your porch or garage.
Just be sure to check ratings (read on).
Take a load-off in hard to reach places like vaulted ceiling lights and on porches.
Here they’re ideal, rarely requiring a change and preventing the need for frequent ladder acrobatics.
Learn the lingo before shopping for your best bulb buddy

• Lumens
  Lumens measure brightness, and now replace watts, which actually refer to energy use – not light intensity.
• Color temperature
  LEDs offer a rainbow of colors. Identified by color temperature and measured in kelvins, lower temperatures produce warm whites, higher temps mimicking cool, daylight tones.

Dialing in the right lighting room-by-room:

• Living room
  Mixed lighting here should mirror the mixed use of this room, such as adjustable lamps paired with 3-way LED bulbs in the 1,500-3,000 lumen, 2,200-3,000K color temperature range.
• Dining
  Dimmable fixtures paired with dimmable LEDs allow for the perfect brightness for any setting. Look for a total brightness of 3,000-6,000; lumens in the 2,200-3,000K range.
• Kitchen
  Maintain energy in the kitchen with total brightness in the 4,000-8,000 lumen, 2,700-5,000K range. Here, recessed LED retrofits kits are a boon, as are dimmable fixtures.
• Bedroom
  Avoiding blue light waves here keeps your body from confusing overhead light with sunlight, preserving circadian rhythm. Go for 1,500-4,000 lumens of total brightness, with color temperatures of 2,700-3,000, adding soft neutral bulbs to bedside reading lamps.
• Bathroom
  Task lighting around the mirror and general overhead lighting should be bright, offering 4,000-8,000 lumens of total brightness in the 3,000-5,000K color range.
• Home office
  Cool white lights in the 3,000-6,000 lumen and 3,000-5,000K color range ensures productivity.

Not a match for every outlet

• Dimmers
  Due to circuitry, not all LEDs are compatible with traditional dimming switches. Also, only certain LED bulbs offer this capability, so reading labels carefully is essential.
• Enclosed fixtures
  Do LED light bulbs get hot? Yes, but not as hot as incandescent. Despite this, they still suffer heat dissipation problems in recessed and enclosed fixtures. Why can’t LED bulbs be enclosed? Enclosed spaces require specially-made LED bulbs.    
• Omni-directional light
  Most bulbs put out light in only one direction, which is fine for most fixtures, but not table lamps which will require Omni-directional LED bulbs.
• Outdoor use
  While most LEDs work outdoors, performing well in the cold, they cannot get wet, and are heat sensitive, thus looking for those rated specifically for outdoor or enclosed fixture use are preferable.