Two Missouri Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are jumping on the green bandwagon.

Both the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals recently implemented renewable energy projects at their home stadiums, installing solar panels onto portions of the facilities prior to the 2012 season opening games. The two teams currently join five other MLB teams in incorporating solar energy at their stadiums.

At Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the Cardinals, with the help of St. Louis-based Microgrid Energy, installed 106 solar panels onto the roof of the concession area and ticket building in the Ford Family Plaza. The new panels have the potential of producing up to 32,000 kWh of energy per year.

At Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, the Royals partnered with local electric utility KCP&L to install 120 solar panels onto the roof of Kauffman Stadium’s Outfield Experience canopy, having the potential of producing 36,000 kWh of energy per year. A kiosk educating fans about the importance and benefits of solar energy is currently available in the Outfield Experience, providing more information about the stadium’s use of green material.

Together, the new panels on both stadiums can produce enough energy to cook more than eight million hot dogs!

According to both teams, the solar projects were implemented and installed in hopes of reducing energy costs while raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy nationwide.

The National Lighting Bureau (NLB) is urging the United States lighting community to set the record straight: It seems the American public isn’t currently being given the proper amount of good information about smart, environmentally friendly lighting.

According to NLB Executive Director John Bachner, “particularly poor reporting about the ongoing elimination of 100-, 75-, 60- and 40-watt incandescent lamps from the national inventory” is currently taking place.

“Incandescent lighting is not being eliminated or outlawed,” he says. “What is being eliminated are the least efficient, commonly used versions for which are far more efficient and cost-effective alternatives are available, including incandescent alternatives.”

Bachner says, as long as people pick the right bulb for the result they want in terms of lighting quality and dimmability, the alternatives available right now can do everything positive that incandescents do while costing consumers much less. In doing so, less energy will be consumed, contributing far less to the current greenhouse-gas and air-borne mercury problems.

“To tell people that a 75-watt incandescent lamp is less expensive than a compact fluorescent lamp is irresponsible, given that the statement is true only if you use the incandescent lamp for something like a paperweight,” Bachner says. “People need to know not the cost of buying one type of lamp or another, but rather the cost of owning and using one type of lamp or another. Once people have that knowledge, they quickly realize that the incandescent lamps they grew up with are just about the most expensive there are, not the least expensive.”

Recently, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), a sponsor and founder of the NLB, has taken a step toward educating consumers by providing reliable information in a new booklet, “Lighting Options for your Home.”

Do you own a DVD player? Do you leave it plugged it all day? Even when you’re not watching movies? What about your computer? Plasma TV screen? Microwave? Laptop? On average, unplugging items around your homes when not in use can save you approximately $300 per year.

Try investing in a power strip you can turn off when you leave home or when your electronics aren’t in use, quickly and easily turning off all of the top energy-gulping appliances.

Here is a list of what is most commonly left on around your home:

Television

A TV on standby mode burns about 10 watts, burning 100 watts per hour while left turned on.

Computer

Your PC can burn about 15 watts when on in standby mode and 130 when left on. The monitor uses the most energy, burning 11 in standby and 70 when in use.

DVD Player

Using your DVD player as a clock will burn 7 watts. It uses approximately 12 watts while in use.

Phone Charger

Leaving your phone charger plugged in all day can cost you about one watt an hour, using 5 while you charge your phone.

Modem

Your modem uses 14 watts per hour whether or not you’re actually using it.

Your power goes out. What now? Here are some tips to cope with a sudden loss of electricity:

Heat

When your electricity sudden goes out, it’s important to be aware of yours and others’ risk for heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and fainting are all serious heat illnesses, but there are certain steps– like drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, wearing light-colored clothing– to ease the heat-related symptoms. Heat stroke can potentially cause death or permanent disability if not treated correctly.

Electrical Shock

If you notice something fishy about indoor or outdoor electrical equipment, it’s imperative to look first– do not touch! If someone has been shocked, the person may still be in contact with the electrical source and could potentially pass the current through you. Call 911 immediately.

Food

If the power is out for less than two hours and you’ve kept the refrigerator and freezer doors shut, your food is safe for consumption. A half full freezer will safely hold food for up to 24 hours while food in a full freezer could potentially last up to 48 hours. If your power is out for more than two hours, move spoilable refrigerated foods like dairy, eggs, meat and fish to a cooler as soon as possible.

For more information on staying safe during power outages, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

As the warmer months quickly approach– especially in Florida– it’s not uncommon to wonder what can be done to keep both your house and yourself cool without breaking the bank. Here are some easy tips to follow, without breaking a sweat:

Keep your house closed tight during the day.

Be sure to keep unwanted heat and humidity from getting inside of your home. Allowing hot outside air into your home will counteract the cooling of your air conditioning unit, driving up your electrical costs.

Plant trees.

Properly planting trees can help shade your home in hotter climates. Keep in mind that planting trees on the South won’t allow you to benefit from the passive solar heat in the winter.

Use ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans increase comfort when your thermostat is set at higher temperatures to avoid high electrical bills. The standard human comfort range in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. Turning on a ceiling-mounted paddle fan to provide air flow can extend that comfort range to 82 F.

Ensure your home is properly sealed.

Seal all air conditioner ducts and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces and attics.

Install blinds.

Installing white window shades or mini-blinds can reduce solar heat by as much as 50 percent. Close South and West facing blinds during the day to avoid direct sunlight in your home.

When it comes to the functionality of the electricity inside of your home, do-it-yourself quick fixes are dangerous and, most of the time, ineffective. When an electrical problem arises, it’s always best to call an electrician as soon as possible. Apart from simply hiring an electrician to work out your electrical kinks, you can also ask he/she some important questions that will let you know more about your home if a serious problem arises. With an expert’s help, you can come up with an efficient solution when it comes to your home’s electrical installations.

Safe Wiring

As long as your lights turn on and off, the thought of there being something wrong with the electrical installations in your home will probably never cross your mind. Despite everything being in working order, electrical wiring can become damaged over time, creating a severely hazardous environment. When you call on an electrician, make it a point to take the time during a home visit to ask if your home’s wiring is safe. If something arises during the inspection, ask your electrician for advice and recommendations on what can be done to improve your wiring and quickly solve the problem.

Saving Money

Without a doubt, money is one of the biggest factors when it comes to having work done on your home. Speak to your electrician about pricing. Sometimes, a quote is flexible and money can be saved on certain aspects of a job. An electrician can also provide information on money-saving strategies when it comes to your monthly electric bill.

Cost and Expected Completion

Before an electrician begins a project on your home’s installations, it’s imperative to make sure you focus on the two C’s: Cost and Completion. Knowing how long project or repair will take and how much it will cost will allow you to plan for the future, setting aside the appropriate amount of money for the job while knowing just how long your home’s electrical system will be out of commission. For more extensive jobs, don’t forget to ask if some parts of your house will not be accessible and if any structural changes are necessary.

As electricity quickly becomes a necessity of our everyday lives, it’s important to think before panicking when an electrical problem arises. When the power goes out, we’re quick to call our electric company or simply attempt fix the problem ourselves. Although it may seem like an easy fix, electrical contractors are trained to deal with these types of problems. Why should you hire an electrical contractor?

It’s safer.

Examining and working with electrical systems hour after hour, day after day, electricians know all of the safety precautions and dos and donts when it comes to electricity. They know what to touch, what not to touch, what tools to use and how to use them. Staying safe is important as electrical accidents are extremely common. According to the National Safety Council, 600 people die of electrical causes yearly. In fact, electrocutions rank fourth in causes of industrial fatalities at 9 percent, behind traffic and construction accidents and violence.

It saves you time.

Instead of blankly staring at electrical box for hours, trying to pinpoint a problem, electricians know what to look for and can often solve an electrical problem immediately. Electrical contractors are certified, licensed, qualified and experienced to ensure the safety and functionality of your home. In the amount of time it could take the average person to figure out and “fix” the cause of an electrical outage, your power could be up and running with the help of an electrician in no time.

Investing in solar power can reduce your monthly electric bill while protecting you from rising energy costs, provide you with clean power and present itself as a reliable investment. But before you jump on the solar bandwagon, it’s important to do your research, math and follow a few simple steps:

Reduce Energy Consumption

Although getting solar power may seem like a good alternative, renewable energy is still expensive. Making the appropriate steps to reduce your energy consumption prior to investing in solar power means any solar energy you produce on-site will offset more of your total usage. Small changes can make all of the difference– use less to save more.

An Efficient Home

A responsible solar installer will almost always recommend that a few energy efficiency improvements be made prior to making the switch to solar power. For instance, your home may be poorly insulated. Some states even offer a higher solar rebate for applicants who have a professional home energy audit performed before solar is installed.

Read/Assess Your Energy Bill

Most people have absolutely no idea how much they’re paying per kilowatt-hour for electricity. Find out your rates for electricity, adopting better habits during the peak energy-use times. It’s also important to do some research with a solar calculator to get an idea of the difference between your solar and non-solar charges.

Look At Your Roof

Does your roof receive full sunlight? Are trees or other obstructions preventing this? Does your roof face south? Check your roof and get your facts straight. In order to get the most out of your solar panels, it’s recommended that direct sunlight shines on your roof between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Did you know electricity rates can change by as much as 40 percent during peak hours during the day? Just as there are off-peak airline fares and telephone rates, there are off-peak periods when the cost of electricity is low. Typically, the highest prices in the summer will be in the late afternoon and early evening– when most people are in their home, enjoying all the benefits of electricity.

A new way to pay for your electric use, avoiding peak hours can help you save money by living more efficiently and becoming more aware of your energy use. To take advantage of the high price periods, follow these simple tips during peak hours:

• Air Conditioning: Temporarily change your thermostat to a warmer setting.
• In The Kitchen: Avoid cooking, instead feasting on no-cook sandwiches, salads and other meals that won’t heat up the kitchen. Firing up the outdoor grill is also a great way to avoid both using electricity and producing heat!
• Household Chores: Save laundry and dish washing for the early morning or late evening hours.

To learn more about off-peak periods, check your bill and call your electricity provider.

Change Your Filter Often

A clean air conditioning filter can cut your energy use between five and 15 percent. Many thermostats have a filter change indicator, reminding you to change your filter at predetermined intervals. If you’re using an efficient air filter, it’s best to change it once a month.

Leave Your Thermostat Alone

Since air conditioners cool at the same rate no matter the setting, it’s best to set the temperature at about 78 degrees F and leave it. Adjusting the temperature to 70 degrees F will not get your house to 78 degrees any quicker.

Use A Dehumidifier

Ridding your house of humidity will help make you and your home more comfortable. Simply turning the dehumidifier on when the temperature rises will get the job done. Combining a dehumidifier with fans may even allow you to set your air conditioning above 78 degrees F, removing moist air, making your home feel cooler.

Use Fans

Moving air is cooler air: Even a one-mile-per-hour breeze will make you feel three to four degrees cooler. Providing a comfortable breeze, even in warmer climates, fans help ease the work load of an air conditioner. If you run a ceiling fan, sans AC, at its highest setting for 12 hours, you could potentially spend about only $10 per month on cooling electricity.

Save Chores For The Right Time

Cooking, dishwashers, hot showers and clothes dryers all create heat, making both you and your home warmer. Such chores are better left for the evening or early morning hours when the temperature outside is cooler or, better yet, when nobody is home. If you’re unable to schedule these tasks appropriately, use vents in your bathroom, laundry room and kitchen, if available.