Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. We all know that switching to fluorescent lighting saves energy and money. But if it s such a good deal, why aren t we all doing it? One reason is the bad rap that fluorescent lighting has gotten from those old-style fixtures we all remember from schools and commercial buildings of decades past. T-12 type standard fixtures are infamous for humming, buzzing, flickering and giving an unflattering cast to everything they illuminate. Those older fixtures can be upgraded with an electronic ballast. They can also be replaced with the new t-8 type fluorescent fixtures that eliminate humming and flickering. T-8 type fixtures last just as long or longer because they weigh less and run cooler, and they save 40 percent on electricity. Installing them on timers or occupancy sensors saves even more energy, and that s very good for business. At home, a lighting upgrade is much simpler. Now you can find a compact fluorescent bulb to fit almost any fixture in your home. While they may take a few seconds to warm up, they produce more accurate color and less glare than standard bulbs, which reduces eye strain and headaches. A new generation compact fluorescent bulb will cost more than a regular incandescent bulb anywhere from $5 to $25. But each one can save you $100 in electricity and last up to 13 times longer. As if that weren t motivation enough, some utilities offer free light bulbs or rebates for homeowners who are willing to make the switch. Best of all, upgrading your lighting saves greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing just one 75-watt light bulb with an 18-watt compact fluorescent can keep one ton of carbon dioxide emissions and 20 pounds of sulfur oxide out of the atmosphere. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

If you're looking for ways to add some character to your house, try designing some mood lighting. A single overhead fixture can make a room seem flat. To really brighten up a room, try using wall washers and uplighting for ambient light. Hiding lights inside casework or with sconces is great for accenting certain areas. For a more romantic scheme. bring down the ambient levels and try uplighting plants or other objects.

Track lighting is a great option if you want versatility in a lighting scheme. Tracks can be hung at different levels and are held in place with set screws to support the weight of several fixtures. The track heads themselves can be redirected at different angles to achieve the desired effect, and because the track itself is electrified, you can swap fixtures in and out with just a twist.

When you design the lighting for your bathroom, keep these points in mind. Downlighting from the ceiling will give you unwanted shadow if you're trying to use the mirror. Installing lights just above the mirror will reduce that somewhat, but it's not the best option. Placing lights around the mirror works best, giving you plenty of light, but with few shadows.

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to worry…

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to…

If you are looking to save some money on a home improvement project this year, consider starting with those old windows. A new federal tax credit can put 30% of what you spend on new energy…

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With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring. If there is a heating register near the wall to work around, you will need…

…of the project, your budget, and time frame if you want them to say yes. Anyone who has embarked upon a home improvement project has heard advice on how to select the right contractor. The emphasis is on finding an honest, competent, professional…