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Rewiring a Los Angeles House Room by Room

Posted on April 8, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Deciding to rewire your home does not come easily, and there’s no surprise why. Aside from the fact that home rewiring projects dig deep into your pockets, there’s the disruptive nature of the project to consider. But despite what seems like two distinct disadvantages, here are the many benefits that outweigh them and support your decision for home rewiring.

New wiring, new electrical power experience
A dependable electrical system
No more flickering lights, burning smells, or shortage of power
More room to add new appliances and remodel
Save on energy bills
Improved electrical safety
Reduce the chance of a power cut
Ensure electrical wiring lifespan
Prevent damage to your home appliances
Increase home resale value

While a home rewire is an option for many reasons, not just any homeowner should rewire their home. There are conditions under which a home rewire is needed and they include:

If your home is old, and the wiring is outdated
You have hazardous aluminum wiring
You are renovating
Your electrical system is unsafe with several faults, flickering lights, and so on.
Your electrical wiring has insufficient capacity

When you are experiencing any issues with your electrical system, it’s advisable to call on a professional Los Angeles electrician to inspect your wiring and point out the issue. The electrician will advise on if a home rewire is needed.

How to rewire room by room

Make a list – Make a list of the appliances you have now and those you would like to add in a few years. It’s best to think as far as 25 years. This is because most rewiring projects are done every 2 decades. You can consider installations like:

Lighting and ceiling fans
HVAC
Kitchen appliances
Water heater
Devices such as wheelchair lifts and stairlifts
Home office electronics
Hot tub, spa, sauna or swimming pool
Entertainment systems

Get an electrical building permit – The person who will perform the rewire project has to pull a permit before the work can start. If a rewiring project is carried out without the necessary permit, you might have to take it all down later.
Get to work rewiring room by room – Shut off the electrical power to the home, disconnect circuits, and disconnect wires from electrical boxes. Draw a plan of your new circuitry. Cut holes in the drywall to install new outlets and switches. Run the new wires through the backs of the electrical boxes and staple lateral runs of wire with wire staples. Run the wiring for the new devices and connect each new circuit.

Attempting a rewiring project yourself is no joke, and it gets worse if you have no electrical experience or knowledge. It is always better to leave such demanding electrical services to professional electricians. Hiring a professional saves money in the long run, guarantees electrical safety, and is stress-free for the homeowner.

Be sure to test all your electrical components after the project and ascertain they are working fine. If you opted for DIY, ensure a professional electrician inspects the wiring room by room afterwards.

Contact A Local Los Angeles Electrician

The Electric Connection is proud to employee some of Los Angeles’ greatest electricians. If you need help with a house rewire in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, be sure to give us a call. We have even created an online form where you can get a free house rewire quote delivered to your inbox in minutes. Don’t take a house rewire project on yourself, give us a call and we can help!

What is the Cost to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in 2020?

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade cost 2020 It’s just annoying to live in a home that does not have enough power. The voltage will drop frequently, and this can be damaging to your electronics. Situations like this indicate that you need to upgrade your electrical panel. Other reasons why you might need to upgrade your panel include:

Living in an old home
Adding new appliances
Expanding the home
Experiencing frequent breaker tripping, buzzing or crackling, flickering lights and more
Your insurance provider wants it done.
To meet up to current electrical codes and standards

The benefits of an upgrade include:

Improved electrical safety and efficiency
More power in the home
Use of any appliances you need.
Satisfy electrical codes and requirements and your insurance provider.

The disadvantages of an electrical panel upgrade include:

Costly to carry out
The process can be messy and intrusive to your comfort and home structure.

What an upgrade will cost:

Upgrading an electrical panel is first a serious project both financial and in the service itself. Upgrading to either a 100 amp or 200 amp panel can cost anywhere from between $800 – $3000. The exact amount depends on several factors which we will discuss below.

What influences the cost for an electrical panel upgrade?

Materials– The materials for the upgrade always contribute to the cost. The process will need materials like wires, fittings, and so on. Your electrician will give you a clear view of what is needed depending on other factors with your upgrade.
Labor– An upgrade is a tedious work and some electricians charge by the hour or per the job. Sometimes, other components of your electrical system will need to be fixed or replaced. These could be the circuits, grounding, wiring, fixtures, outlets, and more. This will increase labor costs. If the walls need to be taken down completely, that will matter too.
Amperage of the new panel– Is it a 100 amp or a 200 amp? This also influences cost.

Other factors might be if the panel has to be moved.

Who should upgrade an electrical panel?

A licensed and experienced electrician should be the one you call for an electrical panel upgrade. The electrician will first confirm that an upgrade is what you need and then proceed to consider all the necessary factors. He will give you the total cost, get a permit, and the project can begin.

How about DIY?

Changing a light bulb can be a DIY project. Installing a ceiling fan can also be a DIY project, but upgrading an electrical panel is NOT a DIY project. It requires knowledge of electrical codes and standards. It requires training, a license, permits, and experience. If you skip getting a permit, you can be fined for this. It is equally dangerous for someone who is unsure of what they are doing, as mistakes could cause fires and electrical shocks. It also requires the right tools and equipment.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection for inquiries on upgrades.

Which State Pays the Most for Electricity?

Posted on October 14, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Many Americans dread opening the energy bill when it comes. With your electric bills spiking all the time, it’s only right to wonder if you are alone in this situation. In fact, you may just wonder if another State might offer you cheaper electricity.

As your reliable electrician technicians, we come through with the information you need to satisfy this curiosity and probably make a decision to move.

Most Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

Hawaii – Hawaii sits top of the list with 32.45 cents per kWh. Hawaii has the most expensive electricity rates at any time. It relies heavily on petroleum as the main source of power, and this resource is consistently costly. The State is moving towards using solar energy and geothermal energy sources.

Alaska – Alaska’s electricity is like that of Hawaii. The State depends on petroleum liquids as well for their electricity. The rate is 23.51 cents per kWh. And also like Hawaii, Alaska is harnessing geothermal energy sources for renewable energy.

Connecticut – The State has an electricity rate of 23.1 cents per kWh. It is the most expensive state in the Northeast. The State is working towards obtaining electricity from renewable sources.

Least Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

Louisiana – Louisiana is popular for its oil refineries. Its high number of industries make it one of the highest energy consumers in the country. The electricity rate in the State is, however, 9.66 cents per kWh. It is the lowest dropping below Washington this year.

Arkansas – More than half of the State’s energy is generated from coal. Arkansas has an electricity rate of 10.35 cents per kWh.

Washington – For years, Washington always ranked the lowest in electricity rates. It is the largest hydroelectric power producer in the U.S. The electricity cost is 9.90 cents per kWh.

Why the electricity costs differ by State

Electricity is sourced from the conversion of other raw materials. Hence, the electricity rate for a state usually depends on their raw materials, the cost of converting them to electricity, and electricity use. So, states like Hawaii have expensive electricity rates because they depend on expensive materials like crude oil. Louisiana, on the other hand, depends on one company with several power plants. This makes their electricity cost low. Different seasons also contribute to electricity costs.

What you can do

Not everyone is lucky to live in the States with the lowest electricity costs. Even when you do, who wouldn’t want to beat their electricity bill down to the minimum? Tips you can use to reduce those figures on your bill significantly include:

Change your light fixtures to energy saving options; Use dimmers and LED bulbs.
Get a smart thermostat; a smart thermostat offers flexibility and control. It helps you save up to 10% of energy.
Install ceiling fans; using ceiling fans can save as much as 30% on the bills.
Dress the part; Wear light clothes during hot days and thick clothes during cold ones.
You can also opt for an audit to know how or where to save from the Electric Connection.

What Uses the Most Electricity in Your Home?

Posted on September 29, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Home appliances are necessary for comfort and efficiency. They literally make life easier for everyone. The only problem is that they all demand electricity to run and some use up much more power than others. Hence, while you enjoy the convenience of warm water or cool air regularly, your electric bills keep rising higher.

A typical home uses energy in the following way:

Air conditioning and heating – 46%
Water heating- 14%
Lighting – 9%
Appliances – 13%
TV and other media – 4%

Of course, these numbers might shock you. If you are searching for the best way to cut down on your energy bills, you must start by knowing what uses the most electricity in your home. These big eaters will have to be controlled to help you save significantly. Read on to learn about them.

Air conditioning
The air conditioner is one of the most demanding electrical appliances in the home. On its own, this appliance takes up to 19% of electrical power. It is frequently used during summer months to keep the heat at bay and enjoy cool air.

Saving on the air conditioner can be tough but also easy with the right practices. Start by getting an upgrade to a smart thermostat. The thermostat will make cooling schedules work better to save energy. Wear light clothing in the house and sometimes use cost-efficient methods of cooling. These include opening up a window and using fans.

Water heater
The water heater is used more often than the air conditioner, especially on cold days. We rely on water heaters daily for various needs such as showers, washing dishes, and clothes.

You can save on energy by reducing the temperature of your water heater. Change the presetting to 20 degrees and combine this with other saving tips such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Take shorter showers and use cold water for washing sometimes. Maintain your unit with a professional electrician to improve its efficiency.

Lighting
Saving on lighting is quite simple and should be almost unnecessary if you have taken the right precautions earlier. Throw out the old-school incandescent bulbs and replace them with LED lights. LED lights last much longer and use far less electricity.

Refrigerator
A typical home refrigerator runs for 24 hours on every day of the week. It only goes off when the power does too. But like any other appliance on this list, the refrigerator consumes as much power as it gives. If you don’t have a refrigerator yet, the good news is you can just buy the new and energy-efficient models. If not, you can employ a few strategies to cut down.

Proper maintenance is important to help your appliances work better and use less power. Clean the vents and coils of this appliance regularly and replace any broken parts like the rubber gaskets. Don’t keep the door open for too long and set the refrigerator’s temperature lower.

All saving tips must be practiced consistently to see results.

How to Save Money On Electric Bills In an Apartment

Posted on July 29, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Owning a home comes with several benefits including the flexibility to make changes as you please. But it’s a different thing altogether when you are one of the millions of people who rented an apartment and have limited control over the building. High monthly electricity bills can threaten that sweet feeling of having your own space and freedom.

The good news is, there’s no need to panic or subject yourself to the hassle of high bills. In a few seconds, we will share some practical and effective tips to help you save money on the electric bill in an apartment.

Find perks that work to your advantage.
Living in an apartment means you must go with the electricity provider your landlord chose. While it may not be your first choice, it’s possible to make this existing plan work to your advantage. Take a look at the bill you have received and call the electricity provider with the number on the bill. Ask the following questions:
- Is there a specific time during the day or night when electricity is cheaper?
- Are there perks or extra plans available?
- Is there time for free electricity?
- Do they offer free audits?

If you are lucky and most of your questions come with positive replies, you can work your schedule around using electricity more during the cheap or free hours. For example, if electricity is free at night, do the laundry or use the dishwasher during that time. A free audit can help you learn ways to save on electricity and use less power.

Change your habits
Perhaps you have never had to pay the electricity bills so you never practiced restraint. Well, you get to learn how to change your habits if you want to save on the bill.
- Don’t leave idle appliances on
  If you are not using a certain appliance, unplug it. Leaving these appliances plugged to the outlets still draws electricity which is accounted for in your bills.
- Establish electricity-free days
  It won’t hurt you to go without the Television or other power demanding electronic appliances once or more times in a week. They consume more electric power and limiting your use can save a lot on the bill.
- Use cold water and sun dry
  Wash your clothes or dishes in cold water and save on the electric power needed for hot water. You can also opt for sun drying clothes if possible.
- Maintain your appliance
  When electrical appliances work slower they consume more power. Keep all your electronics efficient with regular maintenance to avoid the demand for more power.
Get tooled up
The changes you can make to the apartment to save on the electric bill include:
- Switch to the power saving LED bulbs
- Use a low-flow shower head
- Insulate your water heater
- Purchase a smart thermostat
- Use fans
- Use a low-flush toilet

If you are unsure about making these changes, then don’t hesitate to ask your landlord before proceeding.

13 Easy Ways to Save Money on Electric Bill

Posted on June 22, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Regardless of your socio-economic class, every one of us could benefit from a little frugality in our lives. If you keep track of your spending and compare the figures over a long time, you find that you spend more on certain things you believed were cheap. In fact, according to the energy department, a regular family spends an average of $2,200 on utilities alone within a year.

At some point, you may have realized that you spend a lot on electricity. This can rack up a hefty bill and nobody wants that. We have put together some practical tips to help you save money on electric bills.

Get an energy audit
Before you dive into cutting down on this and that, it is relevant to assess the energy needs of your home. Several utility companies offer an energy audit for free so you can take advantage of them. The information will give insight on where to cut down your energy use.
A smart home saves energy
As professional electricians, we know that modern and smart homes have better chances of cutting down electricity bills. Smart homes come with several automated or programmable systems which make it easy to increase comfort levels and save on bills. You can turn off lights, heat, air, and more when you are not home or don’t need them. This control can help save big on electricity bills and enjoy a safer, comfortable home.
Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans still work and are a great substitute for air conditioners. They help to circulate air around the home, and although they might not change room temperatures like air conditioners; they are great for lowering energy costs. An electrical technician at The Electric Connection can provide a ceiling fan installation service.
Replace light bulbs
Slowly replace the light bulbs in the home with energy saving, efficient LED lights. LED lights are uniquely designed lights that are affordable and capable of cutting energy use by 50%. Some home decorators dislike LED lights for their ugly bright coils, but in recent times, better-looking LED lights are being produced.
Install dimmer switches
An electrician can assist you with the installation of dimmer switches. A dimmer switch allows you to set the brightness of your home lights to your liking. Setting it on low when not in use or in the evenings helps you use less electrical energy.
Line dry your clothes
Saving involves sacrifice and compromise. In this case, line drying your clothes is not so tough. After using the washing machine, save on energy by line drying clothes outside (in your backyard) or in an airy place.
Carry out yearly HVAC maintenance
Lower the water heater temperature
Do laundry with cold water
Do home chores at night to avoid peak time billing during the day.
Unplug appliances when not in use
Use a programmable thermostat
Upgrade home appliances for better efficiency and energy saving.

What Does An Electrician Do?

Posted on August 26, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

Working as an electrician you can expect to do everything from installing to maintaining all electrical and power systems found in homes, businesses, or factories. If you take a look a the wiring or control equipment found in a structure, there’s a good chance, as an electrician, you will be working on it. Wherever electricity flows, you can find an electrician.

Like many fields, electricians often specialize in different areas, such as commercial or residential, installation or maintenance. For example, an electrician specializing in construction can often be found installing wiring for new buildings or homes. Residential electricians often focus more on homes and apartment buildings, whereas commercial electricians focus on working in buildings, such as offices or stores. It’s not uncommon to specialize in a multitude of things as well.

There are many tools an electrician must use throughout their day. For example, when an electrician is installing new wiring, you can see them using conduit benders, screwdrivers, pliers, and wire strippers. To test the wiring, tools such as voltmeters or ammeters are used. These tools are used to ensure the job is safe to start and safely completed.

When performing electrical maintenance, the work varies from day to day. There are many different components of electrical items so it greatly depends on where that electrician is working that day. Residential electricians will often provide a variety of jobs for homeowners, such as rewires or new ceiling fan installations. Commercial electrical jobs are more intense and require a bit more training. These electricians will be found repairing motors, transformers, or generators. A great skill that a commercial electrician also has is advising on which equipment works well together and which will cause hazards.

If you are considering becoming an electrician, be prepared to work indoors and outdoors, as well as inside attics and underneath homes. Work can be very strenuous sometimes and require the lifting of heavy items which standing and crouching for long periods of time. There are great risks of shocks, falls, and cuts if you’re not careful or know what you’re doing.

Each state varies in what is necessary to become a journeyman electrician. Schooling and testing and required in order to get your license. Many companies offer jobs as helpers for those who do not yet have their license. This will give a junior electrician the experience necessary to take the next step. You can also learn a lot by working with a professional electrician.

Working as an electrician can be a tough job but can be very rewarding work. To see a homeowner happy with a new installation or to see your work admired by customers can be a great feeling. Electricity runs the world so there should be no shortage of electrician jobs in the country.

The Electric Connection has been providing electrical services to the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We are proud to provide homeowners and businesses with excellent services. If you need any electrical work done in your home or business, please contact us.

How Attic Fans Work

Posted on July 24, 2018 | by K Hopkins

If you don’t have an attic fan installed in your home, you have probably wondered if one would work for you. You’ve probably heard about attic fans but aren’t sure how they work or what they even do. Attic fans are special ventilation fans that give your home an energy efficient way to cool hot attics. In doing this, they help cool off the rest of the home.

Best installed during the spring or summer months, these fans can be used to help out the central air conditioning systems. Attic fans definitely cannot replace a central air unit in terms of cooling off a whole home, but they offer a smart alternative to help cool down a home. Since attic fans aren’t as powerful as an air conditioner, they can’t completely cool off your home. They use a fraction of the energy, which makes it appealing to thought who want to stay energy efficient.

An attic fan is first and foremost a fan. It will push the hot air out of your attic and replace it with cooler air found outside. As with any fan, there are several types available. Most of them contain the same features – small vents to bring the cooler air inside and a fan that pushes the air to the outside. It may seem simple, but can be very effective.

What are the benefits of installing an attic fan?

Cool your home and be energy efficient
No unsafe gas use
Brings down the humidity levels
Easy to install
Usually inexpensive
Great alternative to cooling the home

Be careful to not make the common mistakes of installing an attic fan. This is to cover the vents with insulation. The more insulation in your attic, the more energy efficient it will be BUT if you cover the vents of your attic fan it will render the fan useless.

Also, be sure to keep your windows open when you are using the attic fan. By keeping your windows closed, you are reducing the effectiveness of the attic fan. The fan works by creating a negative pressure to release the air to the outside. By leaving your windows open, you allow the fan to bring in more cool air into the attic and your home.

The Electric Connection has been serving the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. Our electricians have the expertise and knowledge to complete a variety of electrical jobs. From attic fan installations to whole house rewires, The Electric Connection can do it all.

Importance of Bathroom Fans

Posted on April 30, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

You might be thinking, “do I need a fan in my bathroom?” The answer may surprise you. In addition to keeping the bathroom from getting too hot, a bathroom fan actually has many benefits. The first purpose of installing a bathroom fan is to keep the moisture out of the room. The fans can also help remove odors as well as remove fumes from cleaning materials that might pose health issues.

Where to Install Bathroom Fan

There is actually a lot that goes into deciding where to install a bathroom fan. If you have a smaller bathroom, this may be an easy decision, but larger bathrooms require some thinking and math. Design architects and builders work hard to ensure that bathroom fans are placed in the right spot not only for safety and proper ventilation but also for the aesthetics.

The most important aspect of finding a place for the bathroom fan is finding the right size fan. So, what bathroom fan do you need? It must be big enough to ventilate your entire room or else it’s purpose is diminished. There is a simple math equation that helps determine the size of fan you need for your bathroom. Simply take the volume of your room (the cubic feet) and then multiply that by 8 (which is the number of exchanges of air per hour). Take this sum and divide it by 60 which will result in the required CFM, or cubic feet per minute, you need for the room.

Once you know which bathroom fan to buy, finding the right spot is pretty easy. Heat rises and the primary function of the fan is to reduce the moisture in the room so the best place for the fan is in the ceiling that is the highest from the ground. You should also place the fan near the element that is creating the most moisture or odor. Do not just place the fan in the middle of the room, it should be placed either over the toilet or the tub. Remember that fans placed over a shower or tub must be rated for where they are located and protected with a GFCI.

When To Install A Bathroom Fan

If you currently do not have a fan in your bathroom, you might want to consider installing one. This will help remove the moisture and unpleasant odors. Without a bathroom fan, you might find yourself cleaning the bathroom more. You might even be faced with a mold problem if the moisture can’t escape properly.

When To Replace A Bathroom Fan

When your bathroom fan starts acting up, how do you know if you need to replace it? Repeated use of any device can cause it to fail over time, but fortunately there are some warning signs to look out for.

Odd noises or sounds. Loud throbbing or clanking can mean that the bearings are starting to fail or the blades are not aligned properly. It’s important to realize that most bathroom fans cannot be repaired properly so they must be completely replaced. Since the unit is sealed, it is impossible to grease the bearings so when they stop working the unit must be replaced.
Power up time. If you are noticing that the fan is starting slower and slower it may be time to replace it. Sluggish or slow startup times means the unit is starting to fail.
No power. When you turn on the fan and nothing happens, this might be a big sign it has failed. If you have access to check for power, do so, but it might be time for a replacement. The electrician you call to replace it can give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Bathroom fans are a great addition to any home, almost a necessary one. Any electrician can help you decide which one to buy and where to place it. Be sure to ask for references before you have an electrician visit your home.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We have been installing bathroom fans for over 30 years. Our electricians are licensed and insured to bring you the best services in the area. Give us a call today to get on schedule.