Are Online Reviews Important for Local Search?

Posted on July 19, 2019 | by K Hopkins

contractor asking for reviews Your business reputation is invaluable to its success. And in recent times, consumers no longer want to hear how good your business is from you, they want a third party confirmation from users like themselves. This brings us to the ever growing importance of reviews for businesses.

Let’s check out some stats.

92% of buyers or consumers depend on business reviews to help them decide which companies to trust.

This means that if your business reviews contain more negatives than positives, potential clients will be skeptical and probably look elsewhere.

Now, not only do reviews affect purchases, but they also influence your local SEO or visibility. When you own a local shop, you want to be seen on online local searches to boost sales.

Studies have shown that 86% of consumers read reviews for local businesses before making any decisions.

Here’s why online reviews are important for local searches.

They show your business is genuine and offers good products- that is if there are positive reviews to speak for you.

The consistency and quality of online reviews make you seem relevant to search engines and increases your chances of showing up in top results. Not only do you need to have more positive reviews, but you must also have them consistently.

Studies show that over 40% of consumers only read reviews which are up to 2 weeks old. The implication of this is you would lose some prospects if your last review was a month ago.

Some online reviews are keyword rich. Trying to rank higher in searches all by yourself can be daunting but with rich and consistent reviews, it can become much easier. Some customers tend to speak about the service when they leave reviews. This applies to both positive and negative feedback. These service keywords go a long way in local searches and can improve rankings greatly.

How to get reviews

The reason most businesses avoid the subject of reviews or suck at it is that asking for reviews can be tough. It is not an easy feat to convince most people to feel interested in leaving feedback about your business.

This gets worse for positive reviews because customers who feel they had a bad experience waste no time in letting the world know about it. So, how do you get your clients to leave reviews especially good ones? The team at The Review Generator has compiled a few tips to guide you.

Delegate a team to this task.
Remember not to sound too formal, pushy, or needy when asking for reviews.
Create a template text to send as emails or messages to customers. Try to include links to the review page in these messages.
Set up a review page customers can visit to drop reviews and see other customers’ feedback too.
Claim your listings and business profiles on review sites to help you monitor your online reputation.
Respond professionally and interactively to reviews online.

Good practices to help maintain your online reputation with reviews

Never buy or write fake reviews.
Respond appropriately to negative reviews. They are a necessary evil that proves your authenticity and tests your professionalism.
Try to get keyword rich reviews by encouraging clients to talk about the service they receive.

The Electric Connection proudly utilizes services by The Review Generator. This reputation management service allows The Electric Connection to collect a variety of feedback from all our clients. We strive on customer satisfaction so when a problem arises, we want to know. The Review Generator allows us to reach out to our customers for feedback, get more positive reviews, and take care of any complaints from our customers privately.

What Size Wire For Tesla Charger

Posted on July 16, 2019 | by K Hopkins

tesla wiring When you are obsessed with pretty cars and tired of driving fuel powered vehicles, then an electric vehicle like Tesla is your best bet. A lot of drivers want to get behind a Tesla vehicle just to enjoy the thrill of riding such a car.

With Tesla, you never have much to worry about, except, of course, charging. Charging electric vehicles can be smooth and easy depending on your choices. Tesla makes things even better with its superfast chargers and convenient charging options.

Now, you know you can charge your EV at home using either the 120V outlet or the 240V outlet. 120V gives you a slow trickle charge and might limit your full experience with your sweet vehicle. The 240V outlet, on the other hand, is every driver’s delight. You can get a full charge in a few hours and maximize your Tesla experience.

Installing the Tesla wall charger at home

The first thing to note is you need an experienced electrician to install your Tesla wall charger. While it is important to have some basic knowledge to help you make informed decisions, it is not advisable to take on the full installation yourself.

The wall charger will comprise a connection between the breaker and the outlet or wall connector. This will involve a run of wire and for Tesla chargers, you do not need just about any wire. Generally, EV charging should be installed using copper wires because most aluminum wires are not rated for EV use. Aluminum wires are also known to overheat frequently which can be dangerous for your car and home.

Tesla wall connectors are rated for only copper wires.

Ensure the wire you choose has current handling abilities and resistance. Depending on your needs and connection made by the electrician, your wire size needs may vary. They can be any size between 3AWG and 8AWG. Ensure you discuss what is needed with the electrician and allow them to purchase the materials themselves.

At The Electric Connection, we provide free estimates on your installation and a complete EV charger installation service. We know what you need and will discuss your options with you. Contact us for a dependable charging system that lets you enjoy your Tesla.

See what others are saying:

Tesla Motors Club Forum: Wire gauge (AWG) for HPWC (Telsa Wall Connector)

StackExchange: Why does Tesla recommend such a small gauge wire for their chargers compared to this chart I found online?

How to Wire a House for the Future

Posted on July 1, 2019 | by K Hopkins

wiring home for the future A lot has changed with the way homes are built and wired. Some decades ago a physical key and a lock was the only way you could go in and out of your home but today we have digital locks and virtual keys. Those who never thought of such possibilities for the future might have had a hard time incorporating changes like this in their home. Hence, as your go-to for all things electrical, we will discuss how to wire your house for the future.

First, it is important to know that wiring your home for the future is a project that requires an expert electrician. It may seem demanding at the time, but you will reap the benefits in a few years or even months.

Future home wiring involves creating a system that allows you to combine the different wiring around the home into a network. It is built to enable the integration of various smart systems and sensors in the home now or at a later date. It also ensures that you can conveniently add more systems such as lighting, security, and internet communication systems for your comfort. When you think about it, wiring the home for the future is something everyone should do.
Learn the basics.

When wiring your home for the future, there are a number of systems that will control various functions across your property. These include:

Audio and video
Security
Heating and cooling
Computer and Internet
Telephone
Smoke detection
Irrigation

These systems must be wired to a central location in the house. You must choose the control area wisely with the help of the electrician. The control area should possess the following features:

A moderate room temperature
Enough physical space for a wall panel and equipment rack
Easy access, dust-free location
Close to the area where service feeds like the Internet enters the home
Lots of outlets

Components for the wiring

Infrared (IR) controls
Infrared is the technology that represents remote control features. Several current homes and those of the future require remotes to control some installed automated systems. IR controls are used to make this possible.
Category 5e and Category 6 (CAT-5e AND CAT-6) cables
These cables are Ethernet cables that future-proof your house for years to come. They connect computers and all computer-based systems to a network.
Patch cables and Patch panel
Patch cables are used to connect devices to each other. They are used with a Patch panel to link all smart home devices. The Patch panel is like an organizer that houses plugged in electrical components and helps to distribute signals.

Wiring

Ensure your electrician runs three wires to each switch in the home- hot, neutral, and load wires. Although some electricians do this, it is important to state your preference to be sure you have a neutral wire for future home automation installations.

Next is the use of deep junction boxes. Deep junction boxes give you room to work and accommodate new systems. It is worth the peace of mind when you need to install in-wall devices.

Install cable conduits and terminate them into junction boxes. Cover these boxes with a faceplate if there is no urgent use for them. Make sure you have one in each room located at eye level. It is much easier to make this addition during construction than later when it is needed.

Include wiring in the ceiling or in the wall for speakers. This comes in handy when you need a speaker or audio system across rooms. Other variables for this wiring project like size, number, and type of wires can be discussed with your electrician.

If you want to get your home future-ready, give The Electric Connection a call today!

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.

How Do I Tell the Size of the Main Electrical Panel I Have?

Posted on June 19, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Knowing the size of your main electrical panel informs you of how many appliances you can run. It helps to determine if your panel can supply the electrical power you need after a renovation or room expansion. It also helps you decide if an upgrade is necessary.

As a homeowner, it may seem difficult to learn anything about electricity in your home. Sometimes, it could be dangerous to go DIY on these things. This is why we are dedicated to constantly giving you the tips you need. Keep reading to learn how to tell the size of your main electrical panel.

How does it work?

The capacity of the electrical panel in your home is measured in amperes (amps). An electrical panel’s capacity can range from 30 amps to 400 amps. A 30 amps panel is common in ancient homes that have not been updated over the years. You would also find old homes with 60 amps and 100 amps. The average modern home should have a 200 amps panel. Some very large homes with many electrical appliances and power-demanding systems have up to 400 amps.

Electrical current reaches your home from the power utility to the main electrical panel where the power is distributed for home use. The main electrical panel is a wide grey metal box usually found in isolated areas like the garage, furnace room, or basement.

Steps to determine the size of your main electrical panel.

If your electrical panel is in a dark or dimly lit area, you will need a working flashlight. You start by locating the electric meter on the exterior of the house. The electric meter will be the point at which the service wires from the utility company enter the home. This can be different for everyone, but we will explain.

If you have overhead wires from the utility company, they will enter through a metallic pipe which is connected to the electric meter. When you locate the meter, you can use it to determine the size of your electrical panel. A square metal base means you may have a 100 amp panel. A rectangular metal base can indicate 150 amps panel. A round metal base could mean 60 amps. Your main electrical panel will be on the other side of the electrical meter within the home.

The main electrical panel is easy to spot because of its size and color. Take precautions to avoid a wet floor, damaged wires, or other electrical hazards. Open the electrical panel and look for the main circuit breaker. It is usually at the bottom of the panel. The main circuit breaker can be turned off to stop power from reaching the home. The size or rating of the electrical panel is indicated on this breaker.

If the size of your panel is much smaller than your electrical needs, it can be upgraded by an electrician. You can skip finding the size yourself and call on us to provide a complete service for you.

The Importance of Gathering Reviews for an Electrical Company

Posted on June 12, 2019 | by K Hopkins

electrical company review Reviews are the lifeblood of any business and they won’t be going away anytime soon. They influence your brand reputation and can determine your business success. As a skilled tradesman, gathering as many positive reviews as possible is an essential success strategy. Many electrical companies do not recognize this and so do not take the necessary steps towards obtaining customer reviews.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of gathering reviews for your electrical company.

You can’t truly ignore them.
Whether or not you like it, customers will leave reviews, feedback, and comments about your business. Some might be positive, others negative, and very few will maintain a sort of neutrality. Ignoring your business reviews is an ineffective and dangerous action. It is almost the same as leaving your business unsupervised.

Keeping up with reviews about your company/service can be tough for a busy electrician, but there are ways to do it efficiently. Apply tools to monitor any mentions of your company and establish creative responses to both negative and positive customer reviews.

You forfeit visibility
Maintaining your online presence is everything in this day and age. The majority of your clients are online searching for electrical service, and if they cannot find you, they will choose your competitors. Online reviews help to improve your online visibility. Some prospects filter Yelp results by ‘most reviewed’ or ‘highest rated’. Hence, without as many positive reviews as your competitors, you will not be seen. Google equally provides search results using relevance sometimes influenced by positive reviews.
It is what customers are looking for.
You may believe that your services are one of the best. You can even write all about it on your website. The only problem is, customers won’t take your word for it. Online reviews are known as peer recommendations between customers because over 84% of prospects will use reviews to decide if they should hire your service or not.
Reviews can become a competitive advantage
Customer reviews can help you stand out in the way you desire. Great reviews that praise your business, mention important points and show satisfaction can establish your brand authority and increase business growth. Some happy clients may do this naturally, but others won’t. Create a strong review game that gets you what you want. Encourage customers to leave reviews that highlight the issues you helped them solve.

Don’t push, only ask strategically and politely. You can also do this yourself when you respond to their reviews.

At The Electric Connection, we stay updated on customer reviews and feedback. We provide quality services to satisfy clients and ensure availability to respond to their feedback. Client feedback on several platforms is a testimony of our brand authority in the electrical niche. You can check out our dedicated customer review page to see for yourself.

The Review Generator can help you reach out to your customers easily to get more reviews on your public review sites. They offer a one month free trial and has helped The Electric Connection connect with our customers to get more positive reviews online.

5 Signs Your House is Ready for New Wiring

Posted on June 3, 2019 | by K Hopkins

new wiring home Home wiring is something many homeowners often forget to consider with other home maintenance issues. This is not strange because home electrical wiring is usually tucked away behind the walls. Hence, as long as your outlets work and the lights come on, you won’t be thinking about the wiring behind it all.

Contrary to this, it is vital that homeowners place more importance on the status of their electrical wiring. The reasons why doing this is vital are:

Home wiring provides electricity to the home, and a fault could mean an inefficient or unreliable electrical system.
Faulty wiring is the most common cause of home electrical fires, which can lead to the loss and destruction of lives and property.

Thankfully, you can avoid being a victim of either of these situations. Electrical problems in the home can easily be detected and fixed before they can do any damage. This means you must learn what to look out for and when it is time to call a professional electrician.
Warning Signs You Need New Wiring

Dimming or flickering lights
If you have ever experienced this, then you know how frustrating it can be. Dimming and flickering lights occur when the lights are receiving too little voltage or power to function. Now, this might happen occasionally when you plug in a power demanding appliances like a washing machine or blow dryer, but the lights should normalize soon after.

However, when dimming and flickering lights become frequent, even in the absence of a power demanding appliance, it is a clear warning sign that something is wrong with the home wiring.
Tripping breaker
Breakers are designed to switch off automatically when they sense an excessive demand for power that is more than they can provide. This is a safety feature aimed at protecting your home. But when it occurs regularly, it is advisable to call an electrical technician immediately.
Humming outlets or burn marks
Outlets undergo rough and hard treatment in the home. Most people yank at them, jam electrical plugs in, and even try to poke the outlet with different objects. This overuse usually makes an outlet the starting point of an electrical fire. If you observe discoloration, burns, arcs, or a humming/sparking sound from any outlet in the home, call an electrician immediately. This is a very serious sign and must be handled in a timely manner.
A burning smell
The burning smell of an electrical wire is hard to miss. It is sharp and tricky because you may be unable to pinpoint its source. It is a sign of faulty wiring and a looming electrical fire.
Electrical shock
Sometimes when the wiring is damaged, you can experience electrical shocks from outlets. If you receive electrical shocks while plugging or unplugging an electrical device, call for professional help immediately.

Other telltale signs include age of the home and increasing demands for power in the home. All signs of an electrical wiring problem require that you reach out to professionals at The Electric Connection for a new and updated wiring system.

Why Should I Replace a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?

Posted on May 28, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical panels service homes and buildings by providing and controlling power. It is vital that such an important electrical appliance is safe and dependable. When this is not the case, homes and buildings can run into several electrical based problems that range from inefficient electricity supply to fires, electric shocks, and more.

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels (FPE) were highly popular electrical panels sold and installed in millions of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest from the 1950s to the 1980s. After a few years, people discovered that all FPE panels were problematic. They began to overheat easily and even cause electrical fires. Some electricians advise homeowners to maintain or constantly evaluate FPE panels. This is unsafe. It is much wiser to replace these panels if you have them in your home.

The reason why a replacement is ideal is mostly because of their problems and danger to lives and property. When these panels were tested by the Customer Safety Product Commission, they found that they had a shockingly high rate of failure which made them a safety hazard. At the time these panels were first introduced, homes did not have most of the electrical appliances and needs of recent times. Hence, these issues were partly hidden.

With more accidents caused by FPE occurring in homes, further investigations were made which revealed that FPE falsified their UL testing making their UL listing invalid. Virtually every panel installed contained defective breakers and the implications of this are unavoidable house fires.

What if I turned off the breaker occasionally?
Some electricians believe that if you turn the breakers on and off, then it is possible to use FPE panels without problems. This has never been shown to stop any issues with FPE breakers rather it only gets worse. If you opt for evaluating each breaker, that would cost much more than a replacement.

How much does it cost to replace my FPE panel?
The costs vary depending on the electrician you hire, any damages the panel has already caused, number of panels, size of panels, location, business or home building, and much more. You can expect the replacement to be quite an investment but affordable rates are still possible with the right electrical contractors.

How to check if my electrical panel is an FPE panel.
This is easy for homeowners and business owners to do. First, consider if your home or building existed within the years FPE were majorly sold. If your home is not that old, then there is nothing to worry about. These panels are common in much older homes and buildings. If your home falls within the age range, go to the panel and open it. Check thoroughly for the words ‘Stab-Lok’ or ‘Federal Pacific Electrical’ printed anywhere. If you find nothing, check the switches. A red strip across the switches shows it is an FPE panel. If you find none of these, then there is no problem.

You can always contact us at The Electric Connection to do this check for you and proceed with a replacement.

Do You Need An Electrician to Install a Chandelier?

Posted on May 22, 2019 | by K Hopkins

chandelier installation Chandeliers are valuable lights admired for the elegance and lighting quality they bring to a room. Any chandelier can add glamour and beauty to a home or even a commercial building. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs. Some people believe that chandeliers are for high ceilings and dining rooms. A chandelier is actually quite versatile as it can be used in any part of the home and with both low and high ceilings.

There is a common debate people have about the installation of a chandelier. Some believe it can be a simple DIY process because a chandelier is still a light fixture. Others acknowledge that it is an electrical matter and should be handled by an electrician. Going DIY on your chandelier installation will save you cost but it is not safe or ideal. Any mistake can disrupt your entire electrical system or affect all the fixtures in the home or building.

A standard electrical box which is present in any light fixture installation can hold only 50 pounds. Regular chandeliers weigh more than that; hence it is necessary to determine if you need a support system before finishing the installation. It is almost impossible for a homeowner to do this. So, the best option is to hire a professional electrician. The electrician can handle any size of chandeliers and their wiring needs.

How to choose an electrician for your chandelier installation
Although you need an electrician to install a chandelier in your home, you must also take precautions when hiring. The wrong choice can lead to mistakes and regrets. The electrician you hire must be experienced and licensed. This is important because chandeliers are delicate and you must be familiar with their diversity to install them properly. Do a background check on the electrician and ask for references you can check out. Ensure the electrician is insured. Usually, you do not require a permit to carry out this installation but if the nature of your task demands a permit, then ensure the electrician has them.

Finally, consider the cost. The cost of hiring an electrician for this installation varies. Most electrical technicians charge per hour and the hourly cost is between $40 and $100. You may pay a total quote of between $300 and $2000 depending on the hours spent, size of the chandelier, and service provided. Remember to ask the electrician about the hardware to be used, cleanup, and estimated time needed.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection
We know how delicate and yet majestic chandeliers are. Our professional, licensed, and experienced electricians are experts at a chandelier installation. We complete the job swiftly and ensure there’s little to clean up afterwards.

What is involved in a House Rewire?

Posted on May 20, 2019 | by K Hopkins

electrical tools for a house rewire Rewiring is one of the most difficult, messy, and disruptive maintenance projects you can perform in the home. It is equally time-consuming and costly but very necessary. The lifespan of the electrical installation in a home is usually 25 years. However, this duration can vary depending on use. The electrical system will have to be inspected every 10 years if it is in a privately owned property or every 5 years for a rented property. This inspection guarantees electrical safety.

There are several reasons a homeowner or property investor might consider rewiring a house:

You may want to sell an old home and decide a full house rewire is a great way to add value to the property.
You may have hired an electrician for a routine inspection and discovered that your electrical system is less than ideal.
You may buy an older home and want to be sure of safe and dependable electricity.
You may be experiencing tell-tale signs such as flickering lights, warm outlets, mild electrical shocks, dimming lights, tripping switches, blown fuses, and more.
You may be carrying out a renovation project.

Whatever your reasons for a house rewire, it is important to know what it involves and what to do or expect.

The Cost
The truth is, a full house rewire doesn’t come cheap. If you consider only the costs first and opt for lower quality service, you may place lives and property in danger. A house rewire must be carried out the right way.

The Process
Usually, this rewiring project may take up to four or five days to complete. The size of your home and the number of electricians working may also influence the time it takes to be completed. The first step for all electricians is to inspect and prepare the property. The wiring in your home is set in the ceiling, behind the walls, and within the floorboards. All of these need to be assessed and exposed to work on. You will also be asked to specify any preferences for outlets. Anything that stands between your wiring and the electricians will be taken down to gain access. This is what makes rewiring disruptive and messy.

The first work stage of the house rewiring process is called the first fix. It involves installing new wiring, cabling, back boxes, and circuits. The lighting and socket positions are labeled to make the second fix stage easier. The second fix stage commences after the first fix and it involves the installation of light fittings, socket fronts, light switches, and isolation switches. Next, the consumer unit is set up and connected to the new wiring system. After this step, your new electrical system will be live but a professional electrician won’t leave just yet. They will proceed to test everything and ensure it meets with electrical standards.

At The Electric Connection we follow this procedure thoroughly and work to make things easier for you. We are quick and professional. We guarantee a safe electrical system that adds value and convenience to your home.