Turn off lights that are not being used. Consider installing timers or photo cells on some lights. And instead of constantly nagging the kids, try occupancy sensors that turn on and off automatically when someone enters or leaves a room. Rather than brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. These provide low light levels when bright lights are not necessary.
Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last six to ten times longer.
Although fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they pay for themselves by saving energy over their lifetime. But in the past several years, the status of outdoor furniture has changed, albeit quietly and slowly. Flimsy resin chairs that fly into the neighbor's yard during summer thunderstorms are giving way to heavier resins and molded compounds. Aluminum chaises with rusty screws and uncomfortable seats are also becoming rarer on the well-dressed deck. Joyce Barbitta of Casual Home in Willoughby opines that the number of newer homes outfitted with multilevel decks, in-ground pools and outdoor spas is feeding a steady interest in quality outdoor furniture.