Tag: fans

Rewiring a Los Angeles House Room by Room

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los angeles house rewire by electricianDeciding 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  • If your home is old, and the wiring is outdated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

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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ceiling fan upgradeCeiling 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?

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panel upgrade cost 2020It’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?

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

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

Most Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

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

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

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

Least Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

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

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

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

Why the electricity costs differ by State

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

What you can do

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

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

What Uses the Most Electricity in Your Home?

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

A typical home uses energy in the following way:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All saving tips must be practiced consistently to see results.

How to Save Money On Electric Bills In an Apartment

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

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

  1. Find perks that work to your advantage.
    Living in an apartment means you must go with the electricity provider your landlord chose. While it may not be your first choice, it’s possible to make this existing plan work to your advantage. Take a look at the bill you have received and call the electricity provider with the number on the bill. Ask the following questions:

    • Is there a specific time during the day or night when electricity is cheaper?
    • Are there perks or extra plans available?
    • Is there time for free electricity?
    • Do they offer free audits?

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

  2. Change your habits
    Perhaps you have never had to pay the electricity bills so you never practiced restraint. Well, you get to learn how to change your habits if you want to save on the bill.

    • Don’t leave idle appliances on
      If you are not using a certain appliance, unplug it. Leaving these appliances plugged to the outlets still draws electricity which is accounted for in your bills.
    • Establish electricity-free days
      It won’t hurt you to go without the Television or other power demanding electronic appliances once or more times in a week. They consume more electric power and limiting your use can save a lot on the bill.
    • Use cold water and sun dry
      Wash your clothes or dishes in cold water and save on the electric power needed for hot water. You can also opt for sun drying clothes if possible.
    • Maintain your appliance
      When electrical appliances work slower they consume more power. Keep all your electronics efficient with regular maintenance to avoid the demand for more power.
  3. Get tooled up
    The changes you can make to the apartment to save on the electric bill include:

    • Switch to the power saving LED bulbs
    • Use a low-flow shower head
    • Insulate your water heater
    • Purchase a smart thermostat
    • Use fans
    • Use a low-flush toilet

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

13 Easy Ways to Save Money on Electric Bill

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save moneyRegardless 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Carry out yearly HVAC maintenance
  8. Lower the water heater temperature
  9. Do laundry with cold water
  10. Do home chores at night to avoid peak time billing during the day.
  11. Unplug appliances when not in use
  12. Use a programmable thermostat
  13. Upgrade home appliances for better efficiency and energy saving.

Should I Buy a Tesla?

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Tesla is the name on most driver’s lips. It is a cool, small, and sleek car that any driver would want to consider. It is highly popular for several reasons but mainly because the brand is a collection of electric cars. As much as there are great things to say about Tesla, there is also bad. So, for someone who keeps hearing about Tesla, should you consider investing in one? Well, no one can make this decision for you, but having a balanced perspective can help. Here is a guide on the good and bad of Tesla to help you decide if you should buy one.

Electric vehicles require charging
Charging a Tesla is the same as charging any other electric vehicle. You can hire an electrical technician to install a home EV charger in a suitable part of the home. This way you can always have the car fully charged for work in the morning. If you rented the apartment you stay, this might become a problem.

Tesla also has certain algorithms for its charging routes. They can be problematic to long distance drivers. Sometimes the algorithm may tell you to skip charging and this can be worrying.

Consider the roads and haul
Tesla is a sleek car and not a fan of jagged roads and dirt paths. If you drive a lot of rough paths, then Tesla might not be the car for you. Also, this electric vehicle cannot haul bulky stuff. Heavy lifting is more suited for pickups and trailers. When you use a Tesla, you can’t force it to carry more than its capacity.

It is the perfect car for longer drives on highway roads or just driving around the city.

Contribute to the environment and skip regular car issues
As a typical electric vehicle Tesla saves you money on maintenance. There will be no need for oil changes and other routine maintenance that cost a large budget. Electric cars are also green, which means they are helpful and not harmful to the environment. Tesla is a healthy choice.

Test drives
A test drive is a basic requirement when buying a car. This can be a determining factor on whether or not a Tesla is the right car for you. In order to set up a test drive, simply walk into a store or visit their website to set up an appointment.

If you’re looking for an online quote to install a Tesla charger, visit this page for a free quote from The Electric Connection.

Holiday Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

 

LED decorative lights are a fantastic option for your home decorations this Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holiday Seasons. They are safer than non-LED lights, consume less power and produce less heat. There are numerous types for both indoor and outdoor use.

 

Tips for Your Outdoor Holiday Lighting:

 

1. Be sure to plug your holiday lights into an outlet that is protected with a GFCI receptacle.

GFCIs are there for safety, they’re particularly important outdoors since rain or any water present where electricity flows can become a serious electrical hazard or safety concern. GFCIs protect anyone who gets anywhere near the lights in wet conditions from the chances of an accidental shock.

2. Consider installing an additional receptacle in a location near to where you plug in your holiday lights.

Many people use extension cords to get power to their holiday lights, which may be hazardous when the extension cords aren’t adequately protected, instead of using extension cords, another option is to add a receptacle or receptacles at the location where the lights plug in so that they can connect directly to a receptacle rather than an extension cord.

3. Consider putting in a switch or time clock for your outdoor holiday lights

Rather than having to plug in and then unplug your Holiday lights each night, it’s a lot easier to set your lights up on either a switch or a time clock that automatically turns them on and off each day. Switches, especially timer switches, can make your holiday lighting easier and pleasant to manage.

Give us a call if you’d like our help with any of you holiday lighting needs. We’re here to help!

 

 

 

Installing or Replacing Ceiling Fans

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

ceiling fan installationOften 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.