Los Angeles Electrician Blog

Why Your Utility Bill Is High

Posted on August 12, 2022 | by K Hopkins

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re probably dealing with a high utility bill. You wouldn’t normally pay attention to your power bill but now you want to know what’s going on.

You’re not the only one who’s turned suspicious over a utility bill so pay close attention. Here is a list of things to check when you see a spike in the bill.

You Never Go Out: Hear me out; when you stay indoors for too long, you use a lot more power. You watch a little more TV; cook a little more; leave the lights on a little longer and you charge your appliances a lot more often, and then it all adds up.

Utility bills are bound to spike up during holiday seasons when you’d spend a lot of time indoors with family and during the pandemic as well. You may also notice an increase in the price during certain seasons. For instance, the weather gets a lot hotter during the summer, so you use the air-conditioning a bit longer and when it gets colder in the winter, you use your heater more. All that can give your utility bill a rather significant boost.

Vampire Appliances Sucking The Power: These are appliances and electronics that stay connected all the time. Appliances like your TV, your kitchen appliances, and the likes consume a good amount of power all the time. Whether these appliances are in use or not, as long as they stay plugged into the power source, they add to your bill.
Inefficient Appliances: The older the appliance, the less effective it is. That doesn’t mean it consumes less power though. Also, some appliances consume a lot more than others. So if you just bought a new appliance, like a lightbulb, be sure to check the type of bulb you’re getting and the amount of energy it consumes. Getting Led bulbs would be better for you. They use far less power and last way longer than the rest.

To save up on electricity and cut down the utility cost, you may want to check on those vampire sources and unplug them when they’re not in use. You can plug them back in when you’d want to use them but be sure to take them right out after.

Getting new appliances as well to replace the old ones will also prove to help along the way. Just make sure you’re checking how effective they are and how much energy they’d likely consume.

Don’t forget to turn off the lights when the day’s bright. You don’t need the extra lighting in the middle of the day. Invest in a good programmable thermostat that you can customize to suit your needs.

Check if you’ve been billed for the wrong meter reading as well. If your bill isn’t an estimate, then you may have been given someone else’s by accident. Compare your previous meter readings to the new ones and call up your supplier to lay a complaint.

An electrician may be able to help troubleshoot what is causing the high electrical bills. Please call The Electric Connection for more information if you are interested.

Cleaning Ceiling Fans – Quick and Safe

Posted on August 10, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Have you walked into a home and looked up to see dirty ceiling fans? How often have you seen clean and sparkling ceiling fans? You may want to do a mental check and answer these questions.

If you have a ceiling fan and struggle to keep it clean, then you need to keep reading this article. In this article, you’ll learn why most people don’t clean their ceiling fans, important cleaning equipment, and quick and safe tips for cleaning ceiling fans; whether they are mounted on low or high ceilings.

It is common to find dirty ceiling fans in homes and spaces for different reasons. Some reasons are:

They usually forget it during cleaning routines.
It takes extra effort to climb up and clean.
It is risky to climb up and clean.
It requires frequent cleaning which can be tiring sometimes.
Unavailability of the right cleaning equipment.

A List of Important Equipment/Materials for Cleaning a Ceiling Fan

Ladder: A ladder is to help you reach heights where your ceiling fans are mounted. You must get a sturdy ladder that can conveniently hold your weight and prevent you from falling. The type of ladder depends on if you have a low or high ceiling.
A pole duster: This is a duster that has a long end to help reach heights. The duster can be used to clean the blades of the ceiling fans especially if you don’t have a long ladder or you prefer to not climb before cleaning your ceiling fans.
A microfiber cloth or wipes: A microfiber cloth can easily absorb and retain moisture to help you clean your ceiling fans. A damp one for cleaning, and a dry one for drying off the blades of the ceiling fan.
A dust repellent product: This product will help to easily clean off dust and debris on your ceiling fan. It ensures a sparkling clean ceiling fan.
Water: You would need a good amount of water to help dampen the microfiber cloth and give the ceiling a good clean.

5 Quick and Safe Steps to Having a Clean Ceiling Fan

Here is a sure and quick way to get your ceiling fan clean, and working perfectly without spreading dust and dirty air in your space.

Put off your fan and ensure the blades have completely stopped rolling before you start cleaning. This is to prevent cuts.
Get your damp microfiber cloth and a dust repellent product for easy cleaning to clean the blades of the ceiling fan.
Get on your ladder and clean the blades carefully and gently. Be careful not to apply pressure on the ceiling fan to prevent it from bending and breaking.
If the ceiling fan is greasy and dusty, you may want to repeat the process a few times to wipe the fan clean.
Then finish with a dry cloth to dry off the blades. Do not forget to clean the cup of the ceiling fan too.

Note that you can use this simple procedure whether it is a high ceiling or not. All you have to do is get a ladder or pole duster that can conveniently help clean the ceiling fan.

Do not hesitate to contact us at The Electric Connection if you need maintenance checks and repairs on your ceiling fan or your other electrical needs. We have capable and handy electricians to help you.

Extension Cord Storage Tips

Posted on July 25, 2022 | by K Hopkins

It may seem ridiculous to give safety reminders on how to store extension cords but lots of hazards have occurred because of the lack of extension cord storage. Think about it for a minute, do you own an extension cord? Where do you keep them? Are they safe and accessible where they are kept?

Do you want to learn storage tips for extension cords? Are you willing to learn safety tips for extension cords? We hope the answers in this article help you to stop underrating the importance of safety measures for your extension cord.

4 Safety Tips for Extension Cord Usage

Before you know how to effectively store your extension cords to prevent safety risks, below are safety tips you should consider while using an extension cord.

Avoid wet surfaces: Never use wet hands to handle an extension cord or plug in one on wet surfaces. You should also be wary of plugging in a wet extension cord to avoid electric shocks.
Pull the plug: While unplugging your extension cord, do not pull the cord rather pull the plug connected to the cord.
Avoid use on foot traffic areas: people can easily trip on extension cords so it is advisable not to be used on where there is a lot of foot traffic. You should also keep out of reach of children and Pets
Use good extension cord: You may be tempted to use damaged, frayed extension cords but don’t. It is risky to use these kinds of extension cords as they are hazardous. Also, you can avoid getting the extension pinched or damaged by not running it through a window or door.

3 Simple and Smart Extension Cord Storage Ideas For You

Below are some simple extension cord storage ideas you can try out in minutes with little or no cost.

Loop your Extension Cord
This is the method of looping your extension cords and then hanging them on a hook in your storage closet or garage. Be careful to loop them in the same direction to avoid tangling when you need them. If they are more than one, you may need to loop them separately on different hooks.
Also, ensure you use a sturdy hook so it can support the weight of your extension cords. Using this method, you can easily find your cords handy and safe whenever you need them.
Spool Method
Another method of storing your safe fashion is by spooling it around a cylinder tube, old electric wire spool, or anything in that fashion that can serve such a purpose. All you have to do is spool your extension cords around it in the same direction and you are good to go.Ensure it is not too tight or loose so it is not damaged or loose. You can easily stack it or put it in a cabinet without any safety risks.
Hang like a tie or belt
This is simple if you have a rotating belt and tie hanger. All you have to do is hang the extension cords like you would hand a tie or belt on the hanger and you are good to go. You can hang multiple cords like this, saving you space.

Did you find the safety and storage tips useful in helping you keep your extension cords safe and accessible? You can reach out to us at The Electric Connection for inquiries and questions concerning extension cords or any other electric concerns.

What To Do When You Have A Loose Outlet

Posted on July 8, 2022 | by K Hopkins

No matter how it seems, fixing a loose outlet is not a job to be taken likely. It’s more than just screwing a few nuts into the wall and calling it a day. Faulty outlets can result in electrical shocks and can even go on to cause house fires.

It’s also quite easy to overlook the problem initially as it may not seem like such a big deal. We guarantee you, it is. You should call for a repair when you notice a loose outlet. Sometimes, the signs may not be as clear as day. If your cover plate doesn’t lay flat on the wall, if it shakes or the plugs fall out, that can be a clear indication that you have a loose outlet. If you do want a quick fix before you call a professional then you should follow the next steps with precision and caution.

Turn Off The Power:

Doing this would go a long way in your ensuring your safety and is a top priority. To be completely safe, turn off the main breaker. It’s far safer to carry this out during the day when it’s a lot brighter to avoid making mistakes due to the lack of a sufficient light source. Be sure to use a tester to be completely sure that there is no power.

Unscrew The Outlet:

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the cover plate in place to expose the outlet. You’d need to see what’s going on behind the cover plate so it’s best to take it off. Gently remove your outlet. Be careful not to cut any wires when pulling it out and if you do, you’d need the services of a professional immediately. Do not continue with the rest of the instructions.

Add Electrical Spacers:

If your outlet is loose because the electrical box is too far back into the wall, adding outlet shims can bridge the gap between the screws and the electrical box. The number of shims you use depends on how far your electrical box is from the screws. You can also tighten your screws if they seem loose. Use your screwdriver to screw in the nuts tightly. Give it a little shake to be sure it’s nice and firm. Fix your outlet and tighten the screws. You can place more shims if the outlet still seems loose. Otherwise, proceed to fix the cover plate as well, and then turn on your breaker.

If your outlet still seems loose, do not proceed any further. The wisest and safest option would be to call a professional electrician to ensure that your outlet is properly fixed to avoid additional damages that could occur otherwise.

We are always here to help.

I Have A Shed Outside, Can I Add Electricity To It?

Posted on June 23, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Sheds are generally for simplistic purposes like a garden, a sit-out, or a workshop. Oftentimes, you can feel like there’s no need to add electricity to it. Using a hand or table lamp might be enough for you.

But whatever your shed is useful for, whether it’s a workshop, a workspace, or a garden, you’ll be needing some proper level of lighting so you can see, especially at night.

If you use your shed as a workspace, then you need that electricity more than ever.

Although using solar energy to power your shed will work perfectly, some people prefer the use of electricity, especially when they can’t easily opt for solar power.

Whichever way, it is possible to add electricity to your shed, but there are things you must consider first before doing this.

What to Know Before Adding Electricity to your Shed.

Permit

In the area where you live, you will need to find out what the rules and regulations are surrounding the installation and use of electricity on certain occasions, to avoid trouble with the authorities for going against neighborhood rules.

Power Hazard

Because a shed is not your home, you will not always be in there. So, adding electricity to a shed means there will be a possibility of a power hazard. How can you control that? Preventing or controlling this begins with running your electricity properly, in other words, ensuring that you are careful with how you fix the wires and run the connections.

To help set up your electricity safely, you’ll need an electrician to help you. Make sure that you only hire a licensed and experienced professional to handle this.

The Electric Connection is a great example of what kind of electrical contractor you should hire. We make sure all safety measures are in place.

What Kind of Electricity Should you Put in Your Shed?

This depends on several factors, like where your shed is or how close it is to your house. You may choose to connect the shed to your house electricity, use a solar panel, which is safe, or use a generator specifically for your shed, which is also safe because you have control over it.

Using a generator will require more maintenance because you’d need diesel; you’d need to service it if it gets broken, and you’d need space to mount it.

Using a solar panel will work for you if your shed is exposed to sunlight, and you have to consider the amount of wattage your shed can take before buying solar with the right capacity.

The final and most advisable option is connecting your shed to your stable home electricity. This way, the lighting in your shed is constant.

At The Electric Connection, our team of professional electricians are well-versed with electric installations of all kinds. This means that whichever option you go for, we handle the installation perfectly. Book a call with us to get electricity in your shed.

How Do Outdoor Lights Receive Power?

Posted on June 21, 2022 | by K Hopkins

What are Outdoor Lights?

Outdoor lights are lights used for the illumination of exterior environments, whether at home, in hotels and restaurants, or even at social gatherings.

Outdoor lights don’t exist simply for illumination. They also exist to enhance safety by shedding light, and for aesthetics in homes or more public settings.

Types of Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights come in different types, shapes, and sizes, and have different methods of installation. Different types are ideal for certain places, and all serve their purpose perfectly.

There are floodlights, landscape lights, motion sensor lights, and spotlights.

Floodlights, for instance, are easily rotatable, depending on where you want to shine the light per time. You can mount these types of outdoor lights on the ground, walls, and poles.

There are different types of floodlights, and the longest-lasting is the LED floodlight, which only requires the use of lesser energy than other kinds of floodlights.

Floodlights are useful for focusing much light or illumination on a particular object or area, and you’ll find them mostly in parks, fields, and play areas.

Landscape lights, on the other hand, are installed as attachments to globes, spotlights, and lanterns. You’ll find them mostly on walkways, for both security and aesthetics. So yes, they’re for safety but are designed in such a way that they also offer aesthetic value.

Motion sensor outdoor lights are the kinds that detect motion and light up instantly as a reaction to said motion.

The motion sensor light doesn’t stay on all the time, it stays on for a period and then goes off for a while. It’s a perfect choice if you have security concerns. Plus, it conserves energy since it only comes on when it detects motion.

How do Outdoor Lights Receive Power?

There are different ways to power outdoor lights, and it all depends on what sources of power are available to you, and how often you need your outdoor lights. But there are three major ways that outdoor lights receive power.

Solar

Solar energy is energy from natural lighting, and it’s a good option for locations where there is little or no access to electricity. It’s easy to install and there is no need for wiring. So, you can power an outdoor light through solar.

Low Voltage

Some outdoor lights are low voltage and require only a moderate amount of power. They’re also less risky and are the easiest to install. All you need is a two-core cable. You fix that to a power socket indoors, and then it runs to your outdoor lights from above the ground or underneath. It shouldn’t go deep because it’s low voltage and safe.

Line Voltage

This type is for high-voltage outdoor lighting like floodlights. It requires a level of carefulness because of the high voltage. So, using equipment to cover up and protect the wires is necessary to prevent electrical accidents.

For all your outdoor light installations, contact The Electric Connection. We’ll deliver professionally and with great care.

How Do Electric Vehicles Impact Electric Bills?

Posted on June 7, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Electric vehicles have become more common these past few years and have begun to take over from gas-run vehicles.

One reason people turn to electric vehicles is because they are generally less expensive. You can charge them at home before you drive out, and you don’t have to make any stops on the road to “refill your tank”.

Also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), an electric vehicle has in place of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

But are electric vehicles truly less expensive? What does it really cost to own one?

Does it affect your electric bill that much?

Are Electric Vehicles Inexpensive?

When compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle is less expensive because while ICEs require a lot of maintenance, an electric vehicle does not require much of the maintenance required for an ICE.

For example, ICEs may get oil leakages from time to time, and need fixing. They also need new spark plugs often, fresh oil and filtered fuel, and new brake pads for when the old ones fail. Now that is a lot to handle, whereas an electric vehicle does not need any of these.

Much of the components you’ll find in an ICE are not in the EV, which means less cost of maintenance.

Does Charging an Electric Vehicle Affect Electric Bills?

As far as charging an EV goes, it impacts electric bills, no doubt. You’ll be paying for extra electricity consumption, but, don’t be scared, it will only be a moderate increase.

Your electricity bill, however, will depend on the normal cost of electricity in your area.

Although charging EVs affects electric bills, it’s still less expensive than an ICE.

What is the Actual Cost for Charging an Electric Car?

The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies based on the electricity rate in every given region, the car you own, or the charger you install.

Regardless, it costs an average of $50 to $100 to charge an EV in a month.

Depending on what kind of charger you use, your EV can be fully charged in three hours or you may have to charge it through the night to have a fully charged battery.

A level one charger can work for overnight charging, but a level 2 charger (240V) can charge your EV in three hours.

Electric vehicles are worth the hype, and research shows that owning an EV saves about $4600 in maintenance—less than what it takes to maintain an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Not only is it cost-effective, but it is also energy efficient, and the carbon emissions from an ICE that results from fuel use are significantly lower than an EV.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle, these are good enough reasons to opt for an EV. Don’t worry about your home charger installation. The Electric Connection handles this perfectly with our team of licensed and experienced electrical professionals. Give us a call!

Who Can Hang My Chandelier?

Posted on May 27, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Chandeliers can be pretty easy to complex to hang, unlike good ol’ regular light bulbs. So, it’s normal to be uncertain about whom to install your chandelier.

What is a Chandelier?

When it comes to lighting, nothing creates a more attractive display than a chandelier. Many buildings (industries, companies, hotels, institutes) have adopted diverse means of furnishing and decorating their internal area, all driving the aim of depicting an excellent and beautiful appearance.

Chandeliers are mostly referred to as a physical representation of the sun. They come in different forms, sizes, shapes, and designs.

Some of the many types of chandeliers include Modern chandelier design, Rustic chandelier design, Craftsman chandelier design, and many more.

They all serve the same function, which is typically to capture the significance of light. They remain a beautiful design of adornment. A chandelier hangs from your ceiling and can create a defining statement for the parts of a home or building its installed in.

Who Can Hang My Chandelier?

You can hang a chandelier but only a professional electrician or someone with prior experience and knowledge can hang it the right way.

When installing a chandelier, it’s important to hire an expert electrician to carry out the job to avoid wrong connection or damage.

Chandeliers are not exactly the cheapest lighting on the market, so it’s important to get your installation right.

Where can I hang my chandelier?

When chandeliers were first invented, mostly the wealthy were the only ones to use them.

Fortunately, with development, advancement and growth, chandeliers have become very affordable for you to purchase, giving you the chance to install it in every part of your apartment.

You can give your apartment a unique appearance by installing your chandeliers in places like your living rooms, bedroom, hallway, dining room, and even on your balcony.

To make this more elegant, we advise you to place your chandeliers 30- 32 inches above your table level.

Conclusion

Hiring an expert electrician for the proper installation of your chandelier should be your top concern when choosing a chandelier decoration.

If you’re unsure about the size or type of chandelier to buy for a particular space, you should reach out to an electrician first.

Improper installation of a chandelier could lead to irreversible faults or outright damage, but with The Electric Connection, you need not worry. Schedule a call with us now.

inside of tesla vehicle displaying dashboard

What Happens if Tesla runs out of charge?

Posted on May 13, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Electric cars, especially Tesla, seem to be the newest evolution when it comes to automobiles. Especially with their eco-friendly specifications, such as reduced noise and air pollution.

However, since EVs run on electricity, you may find yourself suddenly stuck, if your battery runs out.

What Happens if Tesla runs out of charge?

Before a Tesla runs out of charge, it issues warnings a couple of times. Eventually, though, if the warnings are ignored, it will come to a halt.

If this happens, you’ll need to hire a flatbed truck to come to pick it up and transport it to the nearest charging station.

While Driving The Tesla Does The Following

The Tesla alerts you when you’ve gone beyond the range of all known charges. It notifies you that you’re leaving a recognized charging region.

If you’re driving to a location, the Tesla will calculate the remaining range and distance to your destination. You’re frequently passing through a SuperCharger on your way to the next SuperCharger. If your energy consumption is much higher than planned while you’re near the final SuperCharger, Tesla will tell you to go back to it and charge some more.

If you’re running low on power and approaching your destination, Tesla will suggest a particular speed reduction to guarantee you arrive safely. It may, for example, advise driving at 65 mph rather than 75 mph. Every few minutes, it will remind you again. It will also adjust the recommended speed as necessary. These warnings are difficult to dismiss.

The battery sign becomes yellow and eventually red as the remaining range drops below 10%

There’s still hope if you’re still out of range of a charging station. Your Tesla isn’t going to die on you. Even when your range has been reduced to zero, it has a few over 10-20 kilometers.

This isn’t to say you should bank on it, but knowing that you can drive at 65 mph for that 20-10 miles gives you some hope that you’ll make it to your destination and charge it up is reassuring.

A buffer is the number of extra miles you get in a Tesla. You won’t be able to maintain a 65mph speed until it runs out. Instead, you’ll find your car slowing down gradually. It allows you plenty of time to pull over to the side of the road and park while you plan your next move.

Your Tesla will warn you it won’t be able to drive for a while as it slows down to roughly 15 mph, and then it will come to a halt and park itself.

You’ll need to call for roadside help or a tow truck to go to the nearest charging station at this point. To avoid damage to your Tesla, make sure it is transported on a flatbed. When roadside help arrives, put the automobile in “transport mode” so that the tow truck drivers can simply pull it into the tow truck.

Install a Tesla Wall Connector or other charger at home to help with this issue.

swimming pool in backyard with a lot of trees around

How Much Amount of Electricity Does Pool Equipment Consume?

Posted on May 6, 2022 | by K Hopkins

When everyone thinks of their dream house, there’s almost always a pool. Most people want a pool in their house, and so if you’re planning to have one installed, welcome to the club!

However, there are very crucial factors that must be considered before embarking on such a task. One of such factors is if your electrical service can sustain the extra power needed for a swimming pool? To which end, there is a great need to know how much electricity the pool equipment you seek to install will consume.

You need not worry any further. We’ve written this article to let you know just how much electricity installing a new pool will cost you and help you know if upgrading your electrical service will be needed.

A swimming pool comprises several types of equipment that consume quite an awful lot of power.

Below is a list of the common pool equipment and their electricity requirements.

Salt Water Chlorinator: 240v, approx 5-8 amps
Automatic Pool Cover: 220v, 5-7 amps OR 110v, 11-13 amps
Pool Lights: 12v, 3.5 watts each
Self-Contained Hot Tub: 240v 50 amps
LP/NG Pool Heater: 240v, 3 amps
Pool Heat Pump: 240v, 50 amps
Pool Pump: 240v, 10 amps

These numbers might seem confusing and that’s because these things are better handled by a professional electrician to fully ascertain the state of your electrical service and circuits.

Would I Need An Upgrade On My Electrical Service To Install a Swimming Pool?

A service upgrade occurs when your electrician and the power company increase the capacity of your home’s electrical system.

There are a few DIY assessments you can carry out to find out if your home’s electrical service can cope with the installation of a swimming pool.

The availability of more space in your panel box is a sign that your current electric service will most likely be able to manage a regular pool pump and pool lights. You should consult an electrician if you decide to install more power-demanding equipment like a pool heat pump or a hot tub.

What Amount Of Electricity Does A Pool Pump Use?

Pool pumps take about 2,500 kWh per year to filter and circulate about 20,000 gallons of water, which is roughly 5,000 gallons more than the average human will drink in a lifetime. The pool pump is the largest power-using equipment in an average swimming pool, aside from the air conditioner. According to research reports, a pool pump can add up to $300 to an annual electric bill.

If you find it difficult to diagnose the situation yourself, as is often the case, then contact us at The Electric Connection. We not only offer proper guidelines but also offer expert services for every household electrical fixes and installations.