Sometimes it’s the small things that count, especially when creating an accessible home and one that can be lived in for all ages. When it comes to universal design and “age in place” housing features, there are many things to take into account. The lighting in your home is an important part of this process. Completing the things on the list below, with regard to lighting, can make your home easy to use for years to come. If some of the following are not familiar to you, take a second look at the lighting aspects of your home design.

• Make full use of natural light by opening curtains and shades.
• Place reading chairs near a window.
• Make sure windows are clean.
• Add more incandescent lights to your home.
• Use the highest wattage bulbs allowed for each light fixture.
• Make sure all stairways have plenty of light, and a light switch is located at the top and bottom of every staircase.
• Check to see that indoor and outdoor light fixtures are easy to clean and clean them often.
• Outdoor walkways should be well lit and have outside lights that turn on automatically.

For more information on universal design checklists and ways to modify your home, visit AARP.

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Micro-cogenerators

Simplifying home energy systems is now a reality. Micro-cogenerators, or combined heat and power systems (CHP) combine heat, air conditioning, electricity and hot water from a single source. Micro-cogenerators not only reduce energy costs, but also reduce dependence on foreign oil, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.

Micro-cogenerators are 90 percent efficient and are both environmentally friendly and a money saver. In simplest terms, micro-cogenerators work like a car’s engine, equipped to generate electricity and provide domestic hot water and heat. These devices can operate on natural gas, fuel oil or biodiesel.

While micro-cogenerators are considered to be money-saving and energy-efficient models, the main problem is cost due to the lack of current popularity. 

Micro-cogenerators can be installed in homes, offices, restaurants, markets, convenience stores, hotels, and farms.

Micro-cogenerators are likely to become more popular in the United States and Canada as the cost of home-heating fuel and environmental awareness increases.

For more information on micro-cogenerators go to the Fine Homebuilding section of Taunton or download an e-brochure.

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