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Posts Tagged ‘electricity tips’

I dunno but nobody yet discovered that these two light fixture that are in our living room were actually outdoor lights used mostly as street lamps or in perimeter posts in some homes.

Yes.

When I had won over the husband (RE: home improvement), and had our living area renovated (along with our bedroom and the kitchen) last November 2012, he had to remove the two old chandeliers (he was the one who purchased the lights back then)  hanging in that same area as in the photos.  He cleaned the chandeliers so that it will look new when he installed it again. Whereas in the back of my mind, I vowed never to let those lights come inside the house again. Oh! They were quite okay. However with my mind racing to updated ceiling designs back then, I thought that those old chandeliers wouldn’t jibe into the overall concept of the ceiling plan.

And, my plan worked again. It was the husband who even suggested we better get newer light fixture into the areas -the living room, the kitchen, our room.

I went alone one day in home depots merely browsing around for designs. I got overwhelmed by too many pretty light pieces -chandeliers, pendant lights, and more. I I don’t know which one to pick. Besides, the prices of the ones I did fancy were quite high.  I am one frugal buyer.

But, I went home with pretty nifty ideas that could save me thousands.

First off, I plan to do a DIY on a lamp light I found for 895 pesos. When I asked the good hubby if my project would be possible, his major concern was our ceiling height. Too low. So, I quit on my first idea. Then, my second idea…this was it…

As I said, those lights were mostly used outdoors. It comes in three different diameter sizes. These one’s the biggest size. It also comes with covers, separately sold. Steel covers are use for protection and for aesthetic appeal. But since I am not keen on using it outdoors, I politely tell the store staff that we will be getting just the lights sans the covers. The staff are shocked when I told them I’d be putting the lights indoor and in our living room.

Yes. I did. And it saved me a lot. Each one cost 1295 pesos only. And, each one needs only 26 0r 32-watt circular electronic fluorescent light. Very energy efficient as compared to chandeliers which needed 5 single separate bulb lights. That’s over a 100-watts power usage. I am always on the lookout on how I can decrease my electricity consumption.

These units are very easy to install, too. Only, it was installed wrong side up ^_^

Hope I do not sound like bragging here, but I guess, the light fixture, even in its simple circular form, did fit into the design of the ceiling. The ceiling architecture should steal the show here, the light added should enhance its features. That’s my main goal here. Hence, no need for too much elegant chandeliers.

I always tell my friends who came to visit, I do not have the money to splurge on expensive fixture, I just look for inspiration on the net. And let some imagination and DIY magic do the works.

It helped me to save a lot.

PS: If you have time, please do check my post on a budget pendant light design and more lighting fixture which we installed in our kitchen.

Many thanks.

Image from Google.com

There are so many energy companies to choose from, so many tariffs and plans and offers and unit prices; quite frankly it can be exhausting just thinking about it. Fortunately for many, electricity from British Gas is so much simpler.

Those choosing electricity from British Gas have three main tariffs to choose from, two which are variable and one that is fixed. The difference between the two is quite easy to understand.

What is a fixed price tariff?

A fixed price tariff is great for people who want to pay a predictable amount each month and protect themselves from potential price rises. All fixed price tariffs run for a set amount of time and during that time the customer only pays the unit amount that was set at the beginning of the term. Basically if prices rise, those on a fixed price tariff won’t feel it. This is a great tariff for controlling spending. The only way the bills for someone on a fixed price tariff will rise is if they use more electricity. Many people who enjoy electricity from British Gas like the protection this type of tariff offers them.

So what is a variable price tariff?

Basically a variable tariff is the opposite to a fixed price plan. Those on a variable tariff pay the unit prices that are in place at the time the electricity is used. This offers no protection against prices hikes however does mean that customers can benefit if the unit prices go down.

Having just three tariffs to choose from makes life for residential customers easier. Choosing electricity from British Gas needn’t be confusing and can definitely be cheaper than many providers. To find more information on the three tariffs currently being offered have a look at the website or contact the British Gas team who will be more than happy to talk you through the options and advise you about which of the electricity from British Gas plans would suit your needs best.