Tag: glendale electrician

Reducing Energy Costs by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

This is the time of year you can get by without running the heat or running the air conditioner all day. It is a great time to save a little cash by reducing your energy costs. As you enjoy this downtime, this is a good time to start thinking about other ways you could reduce your electricity usage in preparation for the hot summer weather. You know its coming, along with the high electric bills that can be staggering after such a lull. Your electrician in Glendale has some tips to help you reduce your energy usage. The team at The Electric Connection can provide you with helpful information as well.

1. Pull out your vacuum and give your vents and filters below the fridge and around your home a good cleaning. Change the filters on your furnace and AC as well.
2. Buy a roll of foam insulation, spray foam or caulking and seal up those drafty areas around your windows. This is going to keep your cool air in during the summer or warm air in during the winter.
3. Have an programmable thermostat installed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners can set the temperature to adjust throughout the day and night. Some of the newer models allow you to use your smart phone to adjust the temperature in your home. If you aren’t there, you don’t need to keep it as cool or warm when you are home.
4. Adjust your hot water heater temperature. You don’t need it to heat water more than 120 degrees. Scalding water is just asking for trouble and is a waste of energy.
5. Go with LEDs. Buy in bulk and change out your old lightbulbs for the energy-saving bulbs. They are just as bright or brighter than the CFLs or incandescent bulbs.

These are things you can get done in a matter of days. All it takes is a little time and effort. It is worth it when you see the savings on your electric bill. If you need new light fixtures to accommodate your new LED bulbs, just call your Glendale electrician. Give The Electric Connection a call today and start saving money.

Planning Your New Home with Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Whether you have purchased land and are looking forward to having your own home built or live in a home that you want to give a complete renovation, your project is going to be a big one. There are so many factors that go into the building of a home, it can be a bit overwhelming. The key to remember is that it should all be left to trained and certified contractors. There is a great deal of planning that is involved in the construction of a home, even if it is a fairly straightforward renovation or addition. It is important that an electrician in Glendale is included in the planning process from the very beginning. The team at The Electric Connection has a great deal of experience with new construction and can provide valuable input.

If the project you are working on is a bit more of a do-it-yourself job, it is absolutely crucial you do not attempt to do the electrical yourself. There are not only laws and regulations that must be adhered to, it just isn’t safe for you or the construction project. When you hire a Glendale electrician to complete the wiring and fixture installation, you can rest assured it is done right. You know you will pass the inspection that must be done to follow code and you will know it is safe.

Some people assume they can skip the hiring of certain contractors, including the electrician. Glendale property owners need to think long-term. The risk of an electrical hazard or a fire starting because of faulty wiring is far too great. Budget the expense of an experienced electrician into the construction cost and save yourself a lot of hassle and worry. The team at The Electric Connection is standing by to help you with your next big project.

Hiring an Electrician in Glendale for the Little Jobs

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins
Photo of a Wire Stripper and Electrical Related Items

There are going to be things that need done around the house. Those things may vary from little jobs like taking out the trash, oiling a squeaky hinge or fixing a sink that has incessant leak. That is all a part of home ownership. However, along with the little things that need taking care of, there are some other jobs that seem little, but are actually dangerous. Anything that involves electricity is always a bad idea. If you are not a trained electrician, it can get very ugly. No matter how small you think a job is, if it has anything to do with electricity, call a Glendale electrician. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to send out a certified electrician to take care of your big or small job.

Even something that seems relatively easy to fix, like a faulty outlet or a switch, can be risky. All it takes is one small touch of a wire to send an electric shock through you. Even if the electric shock isn’t enough to cause serious injury, you have to consider the potential of a spark that starts a house fire. All it takes is one loose wire to cause serious damage explains an electrician. Glendale homeowners do not want to risk the safety of their home by making an innocent mistake.

Any job you have around the house that requires the involvement of any electricity should always be left to an electrician in Glendale. While safety is obviously a major concern, it isn’t the only one. You also have to worry about your homeowner’s insurance being negated if your mistake was the cause of damage to the house. Sure you may be able to save some money by trying to take on the job yourself, but it isn’t worth it. Give The Electric Connection a call and make an appointment to have your electrical jobs taken care of by a trained professional.

What You Shouldn’t Do with Electricity by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_10_4Electricity is such a common part of our world, we rarely think twice when we use it or are around it. Technology and a lot of trial and error has made electricity extremely safe with safeguards built in place on almost everything that uses electricity to run. We feel safe around it and tend to get complacent. Complacency can be extremely dangerous and cost us a home or result in a serious injury. Your electrician in Glendale wants you to keep some things in mind when you are using electricity in and around the home. If you have questions, give The Electric Connection a call.

What NOT to Do

*Never yank a cord out. Always use your thumb and finger placed on the designated area and gently pull.

*Don’t use a cord that has any holes in the protective coating says an electrician. Glendale homeowners can use electrical tape or have the cord properly repaired by a professional.

*Don’t connect several extension cords together. This can damage the appliance as well as cause the breaker to trip.

*Don’t staple or nail a cord to the floor or wall to keep it out of the way. You could damage the protective coating and cause a short.

*Don’t try and fix or work on any appliance while it is plugged into the wall.

*Don’t run a cord under a rug or in a high traffic area. If you need a better placed outlet, have one installed by a Glendale electrician.

*Don’t plug in an appliance if your hands are wet or you are standing in water.

Electric safety is fairly simple, but it is important you are always thinking about what you are doing to avoid silly mistakes that can end up being extremely hazardous. Give The Electric Connection a call if you would like to learn more about how you can make your home’s electrical a little safer.

Creative Basement Remodels with Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_09_4You can look at your house and think of it as a piece of clay to be molded into image and design you want. Owning a home gives you the luxury of creating the perfect living space for your family by remodeling, upgrading or even adding on as allowed by your city building codes. Many older homes are equipped with basements. Those basements are often ignored and overlooked as viable living spaces. Instead, they are filled with the overflow and not given any kind of attention. You can change that with the help of an electrician. Glendale homeowners who want to add living space without knocking out walls can use their basements. The Electric Connection has a team ready to help you light up your basement and make it warm and inviting.

You will want to hire a general contractor to help you come up with building plans that will transform the basement into living space. There are plenty of options depending on how big the basement is. You may be able to create a hobby room, den, office or just a nice space to relax and watch the game. One of the most important elements of a basement is the lighting explains a Glendale electrician. The windows tend to be a bit smaller and don’t always get a great deal of natural light. You need to compensate by having plenty of lighting installed.

Basements are notoriously dark and dingy. The ceilings tend to be lower in a basement than in the upper levels of the home. You need to get creative with your lighting. One way to get maximum light without losing any head space is to have an electrician in Glendale install can lights or what is known as recessed lighting. You will love the brightness and the overall transformation of your new space. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your basement lighting transformation.

Building Your First Home with a Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_08_4First time home buyers are going to be extremely excited about the prospect of owning a home. It gives you the freedom to do as you wish with the interior and the satisfaction of actually owning something. It is the American dream and young people especially look forward to the day they get the keys to their first home. Sometimes, the dream is a little more difficult to achieve than many think. They start looking for a home only to discover their dream home is just not where they want it on the land they want it. For those home buyers, the best option would be to have a home built by a team of professionals. An electrician in Glendale will be an intricate part of the building process. You will want to have someone who is experienced and professional, like those at The Electric Connection.

There are plenty of financing options that allow home buyers to easily obtain the loan they need to build their own home on a piece of land or to buy in a new development. The process of having a home built is exciting. Every little detail is cleared through the new homeowner, including the Glendale electrician placing additional outlets in rooms where you think you will need them.

It is a good idea to sit down and meet with your contractors before the process ever begins. Talk about your wants and needs and set a high standard for the builders and your electrician. Glendale homeowners don’t have to settle or compromise. The work should only be completed by licensed and bonded professionals. This not only protects you, but it ensures the building process will go much smoother. Getting the county inspector out can be a huge feat. You want to make sure the work passes inspection the first time. If it doesn’t, your construction will be held up and it may take months longer than you anticipated to move into your new home. Stick with the professionals and give The Electric Connection a call if you are ready to get started on your new home construction.

Best Lighting for a Basement Remodel

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electriccon_july_4Transforming a basement into livable space is a big deal. It requires a lot of planning, work and execution. If you have a basement, you have a lot of space down there that you could be using to entertain, as bedrooms or simply to add value to your home. When done correctly and up to code, your basement can count towards the total square footage of your home. Every additional square foot adds anywhere from $50 to $200 to your total value depending on where you live. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you get that remodel underway and up to code in no time.

Basements are generally already wired with electricity, but the lack of walls, ceiling and more than a cement floor are an issue. Once you add flooring and put in a ceiling, the ceiling height tends to be a bit smaller than the average. However, it is still functional and as long as it meets the building code, you can make it work. Now, basements tend to be dark, but you can change that with the installation of recessed lights by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will not have to worry about losing any head room with these lights because they are flush with the ceiling.

You can add several lights that will really brighten up the space. Whether you are transforming your basement into a den or the ultimate game room, you want to preserve as much ceiling space as possible while providing plenty of light. If you are dividing the area into separate rooms, your Glendale electrician can add the wiring needed for the outlets as well as the light switches needed to operate the lights in each space. A basement remodel is a fun project that is rewarding and will provide an excellent return on your investment. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting installation.

Home Safety by Electrician in Glendale

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon_06_4It is important you not only feel safe in your home, but are actually relatively safe from most things. We know there are always hidden dangers around us. We can be ready to deal with these things and there are a few little things we can do around the house to help alert us to those safety issues. An electrician in Glendale has some safety tips that will make your home safer and make you feel a little more comfortable and safe when you and your family are home or away. The team at The Electric Connection can help you get these safety measures taken care of.

GFCI Outlets

These outlets can prevent electric shock. They are designed to shut off the instant the circuit is interrupted. These outlets are generally placed in bathrooms and kitchen areas. If an appliance comes into contact with water while plugged in, the outlet trips, cutting the current and preventing shock.

Electric Panel Inspection

It doesn’t hurt to have a Glendale electrician take a look at your electric panel. It may not look like much to you, but to the trained eye of an electrician, it can say a lot. You will learn about the condition of your breakers, the panel itself and the wiring that powers your home. If you have been having trouble with tripping breakers, this inspection will help you learn why.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

All homes should have at least one carbon monoxide detector installed explains an electrician. Glendale homeowners can install the detectors themselves. They are usually battery-powered and can be placed in the home to alert you to carbon monoxide levels that are too high.

Smoke Detectors

You probably already have a couple of these in your home, but it doesn’t hurt to have a couple hard-wired smoke detectors installed as well. You can never be too safe.

Give The Electric connection a call today and schedule your safety upgrades.

Professional Electrical Repairs by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon4_5-16Part of owning a home means you will always have something to do. There are always going to be things to fix, things to update and little improvements that need to be done to make the home work a little better for your family and its needs. It is a source of pride for many homeowners to take care of these little jobs themselves. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment when you finally stop that door from squeaking or the one stair from creaking. Then there are the big jobs. The jobs where you turn to your phone book or the internet to find help from a professional. Electrical issues are one of those things that you will want to call a professional electrician. Glendale homeowners can rely on the experience of the team at The Electric Connection to take care of any electrical problems that arise.

It doesn’t matter if your home was built last year or fifty years ago, there are always going to be little things that need adjusting and fixing. It is part of the joy of home ownership. The property is yours to do as you will and that includes any all of the electrical components. An electrician in Glendale can help you with some of the more common electrical problems a homeowner will face.

  • Update old outlets
  • Add additional outlets
  • Install a dimmer switch
  • Replace faulty light switches
  • Replace faulty light fixtures
  • Investigate/replace tripping breaker
  • Replace doorbell
  • Replace outdoor lighting that no longer works

This is a small sampling of some of the more common problems homeowners will face with their electrical. Time and regular use tends to wear down anything and your electrical components in the home are not immune. You can rely on a Glendale electrician to take care of the repairs quickly and safely. Cross them off your list and stick with the items that are not dangerous. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical repairs.

Is Your Electric Meter Spinning? Glendale Electrician Provides Energy Savings Tips

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon4_4-16You know that little meter outside your home that is fairly unattractive and unnoticeable until you hear it making a scary sound. The sound is the little dial spinning around and around. That dial spinning represents your money flying out the door. The dial is measuring the amount of electricity you are using in your house. A spinning meter can be a little scary and you will be dreading the next electric bill. When you think about this summer, it is easy to really get concerned about how much it will cost you to keep your home cool. An electrician in Glendale can help you manage your spinning meter and help keep some of that money in your pocket. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

These are 5 ways you can help limit your electricity usage and keep your electric bill down.

1-Make a commitment to set your thermostat at about 74 this summer. That is a comfortable temperature and you can maximize it by using a ceiling fan installed by a Glendale electrician to help stir up a breeze and circulate the cool air.

2-Buy a laundry rack and dry a few things outside on the patio to cut down on how often you use the dryer.

3-Be more conscientious about the amount of hot water you use. Don’t leave the faucet running while you wipe down cupboards or rinse dishes. Shave a few minutes off your shower time as well.

4-Switch out your old bulbs for the much more energy friendly LEDs. These tiny little bulbs use a fraction of the electricity of the standard bulb. You can also use CFLs. In some cases, you will need to have your light fixtures upgraded by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will appreciate the new look an updated fixture brings to a room.

5-Buy new curtains and blinds to use as sun shields this summer. It will help keep your home warmer and save on cooling costs.

Give The Electric Connection a call today to install that new light fixture or ceiling fan so you can start saving money on your electric bill.