ceiling fan installation Archives

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If your home is old, and the wiring is outdated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!

Ceiling Fan Upgrades

Posted on February 24, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Ceiling fans have come a long way from 1882 when they were invented. They are a necessary part of any room or living space for the benefits they offer. These benefits include circulating air, regulating temperature, adding beauty, and so on.

While ceiling fans continue to serve, they have evolved from what we knew them to function and look like. Several innovative features now exist with ceiling fans and should you choose to upgrade you will surely find a worthy option. Here are some of those innovative features:

Different types of materials for fan blades – Modern ceiling fans now offer a rich selection of wooden, metal, polycarbonate, and canvas blades. Each offers its own benefit and unique quality.

Quiet fans – If you have an old ceiling fan model, you might have noticed the sounds they make. Modern ceiling fans are mostly quiet fans. You can also get specific quiet fan models that promise performance with no disturbance.

Different types of blades – A standard fan has three blades but recent innovations have proven that one blade, two blades, or even more than three blades can work just as well. Models like Fanimation have made single-blade fans quite popular.

Lighting – Lights are usually independent but the ceiling fan industry has dived into them as well. Several fans now come with integrated lights. These are hardly just any lights, they save energy and contribute to the unit’s efficiency.

Air filters – Fans circulate air so it makes sense that air filters can be included in some modern models. These air filters function to trap allergens, circulate clean air, and reduce smells.

Remote controls – No one has a pull chain fan anymore. Pedestals have remote controls and now some ceiling fan models do too. It makes it easier to use the fan and convenient.

Outdoor ceiling fans – Just so you know, it’s okay if some of these innovations come to you as a surprise. Things change every day and it’s not like there’s a special notification center for what’s new. So, yes outdoor ceiling fans are a thing. They can withstand the elements and are made of water-resistant ABS plastic.

Sizes – This is one most noticeable innovative features as fans now come in all sizes, styles, and even shapes. It’s all about what you choose.

Getting a ceiling fan upgrade might be something on your mind right now. It’s understandable knowing about all these new features. To get more insight on what could be best for your needs and an installation expert, be sure to reach out to us at The Electric Connection.

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

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

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.

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.

Installing or Replacing Ceiling Fans

Posted on September 22, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

Often overlooked, a ceiling installation can bring a lot to your home. Installing a ceiling fan is a great way to keep your home cooler during the summer without breaking the bank. This helps you keep cool, save money, and save energy. Ceiling fans can also help keep out unwanted guests – bugs. With the breeze a ceiling fan creates, flies and mosquitos are turned away. They can also provide decoration and light to your rooms.

It’s always a good idea to have a professional electrician install or replace a ceiling fan in your home but you can read up on how the process is completed.

Before beginning a ceiling fan installation or replacement, an electrician will have to follow a few steps to get started and ensure safety. The power must be turned off at the main panel before working with any wiring. The electrical connections must also comply with local and national electrical codes.

Your electrician will also bring a variety of tools with them to help install the ceiling fan. Wrenches, drill bits, various testers, pliers, screwdrivers, and more are used when installing or replacing a ceiling fan. Safety glasses and dust masks are also very important.

The next step is to find the best place for the ceiling fan. This will ensure safety as well as make sure the fan is working as efficiently as possible. Ceiling fans should be hung at least 8 feet off the ground while the blades should be 7 feet above the ground. The blades must also be at least 8 inches away from the ceiling itself and 18 inches away from any walls, doors, or other things it may come into contact with.

There are various parts associated with the ceiling fan that needs to be installed. Every fan is a little bit different, so when it comes to installing the actual fan it’s best to consult with the installation manual to see how it should be installed.

If you don’t want to chance your safety by installing a ceiling fan yourself, contact an electrician near you to do it for you. When you find a professional electrician for your new ceiling fan installation, you can be sure they will install it properly and quickly. Don’t fuss around trying to install it yourself – call a licensed electrician to do it for you!

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs, including ceiling fan installations and replacements. Contact us if you need any electrical services today.

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.

Perks of Installing an Attic Fan

Posted on June 28, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

An attic fan, or whole house fan, can help to reduce the temperature in your whole home. This fan is installed in the upper level of a house to connect to the attic. The location of the fan should be in the most central part of the house so it can do its job the best. An air-tight installation, as well as a good ventilation system, are also very important factors.

Should you install a whole house fan? A professional electrician can give you more advice on if your home would benefit from such fan. It’s also important to make sure you select the correct make and model for the size of your home. Below are some advantages of installing an attic fan to help you make the decision.

Faster Cooling

The way these fans work is by drawing the hot air from your house into the attic and out through vents. Cool air from outside then replaces the hot attic it removed. This works much faster than an air conditioner as the effects can be felt in minutes. Keep in mind, though, that the attic fan will only work if it is cooler outside than it is inside.

Energy Efficient

Since it uses less power, an attic fan is much more friendly to the environment than an air conditioning unit.

Money Saver

Research shows that a whole house fan can cost only 10-25% of what running an air conditioner costs. It is much, much cheaper. You will see a savings of hundreds of dollars every summer.

The fan itself also costs less than an air conditioner. You can find whole house fans for 10 times less than a central AC system.

Clean Air

Since the whole house fan removes the hot air from inside and brings in cooler air from outside, it also freshens the air. By replacing the air, it can help remove any odors that may be present in your home.

Quiet Operations

When you think of a fan, you may think of a loud, annoying humming sound. Fortunately, with the newer models of whole house fans, you will hardly ever know the fan is on.

Installing an attic fan has many benefits. If you have any questions, you can contact a local electrician for advice with a whole house fan. Install one today to save money and keep your home fresh and cool.

The Electric Connection has been in business for over 30 years. We have installed every type of fan on the market today. Installation of a whole house fan is a piece of cake with us. Give us a call today to get on schedule!

Which Ceiling Fan To Buy

Posted on May 29, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

Keeping your home comfortable year-round can be made easy with the installation of a ceiling fan.

In the summertime, ceiling fans can help lower the feel of the temperature in a room by 8 degrees which means you can turn up the thermostat to help save on electric bills. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard with the assistance of a ceiling fan.

During the winter, with the blades going in the opposite direction, ceiling fans can help make the room feel warmer by pushing the warm air from the ceiling down into the room. Just like during the summertime, you can adjust the thermostat to help save on heating bills in the winter with the help of a ceiling fan installation.

Not only do ceiling fans help save money by allowing you to lower or raise your thermostat, they are also very energy efficient. Most ceiling fans only use a little more power than a normal 100-watt light bulb, while newer models use even less than that. When you use a ceiling fan instead of your air conditioner or heater, you are saving energy and money.

What Ceiling Fan Do I Need

When looking for a new ceiling fan to install, you need to measure the room you want to put it in. The bigger the room, the bigger the blade diameter you need. Check the table below for the size you need, it should help you figure out which ceiling fan to buy.

Room Size (Square Feet)	Blade Diameter (Inches)
75	29 to 36
76 to 144	36 to 42
144 to 225	44
225 to 400	50 to 54

Where to Install Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan should be placed as close to the center of the room as possible. There should be at least 30 inches in between the blades and the walls or any other obstructions. The lowest part of the blade’s edges should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

When to Install a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are perfect for rooms that need to cool down a little more than other. If you have a bedroom or a family room that gets overly hot during the summertime, consider installing a ceiling fan to help out your air conditioner. If your home has no ceiling fans at all and you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, ceiling fans will definitely help with the costs.

When to Replace a Ceiling Fan

The life expectancy of a ceiling fan greatly depends on the type purchased. Lower end ceiling fans may only last up to three years, whereas more expensive fans can last up to 20 years or more. When ceiling fans begin to die, there are some warning signs.

Buzzing sounds
Wobbling
Squeaky sounds
Speed slowing

If you are noticing any of these signs, it may be time to replace your ceiling fan. The can be done by yourself if you know how, but professional electricians should be happy to take on the task.

The Electric Connection has been installing fans in the greater Los Angeles area for over 30 years. From service calls to house rewires, the technicians at The Electric Connection can do it all. Please give us a call if you require any electrical work in your home or place of business. Our office is waiting for your call: (818) 446-0888!

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.