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The Biden Administration banned the sale of incandescent light bulbs for general service lamps in 2023. All household light bulbs must meet a minimum efficiency of 45 lumens per watt, three times that of a standard incandescent light bulb. 

The main motivation was to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It is expected that banning incandescent light bulbs will cut over 200 million metric tons of carbon emissions over the next 30 years. Some bulbs are exempt, like chandelier lights and Christmas lights.

A standard three-prong electrical outlet typically lasts for about 15 years with normal use and should be replaced accordingly. GFCI outlets may have a longer lifespan of 15 to 25 years. While some outlets can last longer if used infrequently, they can also fail prematurely. Reasons for early failure include poor wiring, an overloaded circuit, improper grounding or installation, or loose plugs. Signs that an outlet is failing include flickering lights, overheating, a discolored or melted faceplate, plugs that fall out easily, or frequently tripping circuit breakers. It is essential to address faulty outlets promptly to avoid safety hazards, especially in homes older than 15 years.

A C-wire connects your thermostat to your household heating and cooling system to provide continuous 24V power. The furnace's transformer converts household electrical current into this low-voltage power to operate the HVAC system's circuitry. In most configurations, the C-wire connects to the terminals labeled "C" on both the furnace's low-voltage terminal block and the thermostat. In some cases, if a dedicated C terminal is unavailable, the C-wire can be connected to the "G" (fan) terminal at the furnace.

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), GFCI outlets should be installed in wet or damp locations where they might be splashed with water or other liquids. This is to protect against ground faults, which are more common around water. Specific areas that require GFCI outlets include kitchens (especially near counters), bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and all outdoor receptacles. Depending on local electrical codes, you may need at least one GFCI outlet in these rooms, or every outlet in the area may need to be GFCI protected.