Tag: light fixtures

Where to Find Lighting Installations in My Area

Posted on | by K Hopkins

lighting installationLighting is the use of light for aesthetic or practical effects. There’s the need for adequate lighting all around us. Lighting can be from natural or artificial light sources. However, during most hours of the day, daylight is used to illuminate buildings.

Lighting installation primary refers to the use of artificial light such as lamps, light fixtures, and so on. It requires the expertise of an electrician to be placed or installed properly in the home. Lighting installation can most times require an established process. This consists of:

Auditing
The electrical technician would carry out an inspection or survey on the home or property to determine its complete lighting needs. This includes the exterior and interior lighting requirements, energy saving needs, aesthetic needs, practical lighting requirements, security lighting, and much more.

Consultation
After carrying out a survey on the property, the electrician would inform you on what is best for your lighting installations. From the audit, the electrical technician can determine what works best for your home and give you enough details to make informed decisions.

Lighting Installation
Following the consultation and your decisions, the lighting installation project will begin. A professional electrician would acquire the needed tools and materials to complete the installation process in a suitable time. Regardless of if your home is small or large, the procedure remains the same from auditing to installation. However, every home or buildings has its unique and specific lighting needs. Which is why an initial audit is necessary.

Importance of good lighting

Lighting is valuable to buildings, homes, workplaces, and so on. Its benefits can only be experienced when lighting installation is carried out by a licensed electrician.

Here are some benefits and the importance of good lighting.

Enhances productivity
Studies have shown that light can affect people in several ways. The most common effect is an increase in productivity. Workers can be greatly inspired, motivated, and encouraged by a well-designed lighting system in the workplace.

Adds value
A properly installed lighting system adds value to a home or building. It makes it appealing to potential investors and even regular home visitors. Lighting facilitates organization and beauty in any space. Well-lighted businesses experience more traffic than others because light increases desirability.

Security
Lighting plays a major role in the security and safety of any building. A well-lighted environment helps to deter intruders and give you a clear view of your surroundings. It can also contribute to alarm systems and other safety mechanisms in the home.

Energy Saving
With the right electrical technician, lighting installation can help to save energy cost rather than increase it. Lighting can be customized or installed to increase efficiency in the home or workplace while saving you from more bills.

You can get a complete and proper lighting installation service from a reputable electrical company or professional electrician. At The Electric Connection we can provide lighting installation services for any building. Contact us to get started and give you satisfaction.

Smart Renovation Decisions for People with Older Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Smart Renovation

Making improvements to your home can mean a lot of different things. When you have an older home, it’s important to consider how your home’s age can impact the costs of your upgrades.  It’s also important to understand what you can feasibly DIY and know what projects are better left to the professionals. So, take these things into account when planning your renovations.

Research and Plan

Older homes provide their own unique charm, and they also provide unique challenges. With that in mind, you need to be smart about your improvement projects. Sure, if you’re handy, there are plenty of things you can manage on your own. However, older homes often mean hidden renovation concerns, which are better handled by professionals. Homes built prior to the late ’80s often contain lead and asbestos, materials which should only be handled by professionals.  Damage from termites, mold, or mildew should also be               repaired by a pro, and if your home needs plumbing or foundation repairs, you should hire someone to do the work. Radon requires specialized mitigation services, and many older homes have outdated electrical systems which should be rewired by a professional, licensed electrician.

Any time you have a project where you lack expertise, or that is well beyond your comfort zone, consider hiring someone to tackle the job. If you try it yourself, sometimes you can create a bigger mess through lack of knowledge, leaving you worse off for your time, energy, and money. Some situations can even get you hurt or killed. Still not sure? Research suggestions for home improvement projects to avoid. Just remember to leave some room in your budget; for example, a typical rate is about $150 per hour for a crew of two electricians while the national average to hire a plumber is between $45 and $65 per hour.

Protect Your Investments

Whoever does the work, if your older home is decorated with antiques or original furnishings, ensure your belongings are out of the way so they don’t become damaged during renovations.  With that in mind, consider renting a storage unit to keep your things safe. Self-storage units booked in Los Angeles over the past 180 days hit an overall average of $144.98, which is a low price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your belongings.

Value-Savvy Suggestions

Certain projects can make a can make a big impact on the value of your home, as well as providing a more comfortable environment for you.

Here are some ideas:

  • Open living areas. This Old House points out that older home designs can feel cramped in comparison to today’s models. Knocking out non-structural walls is a great way to open up space and give you more room.
  • Kitchen islands. If you’re tight on space, you might consider removing a kitchen island, although you should weigh how much storage your kitchen provides without it before committing. If you’re renovating a kitchen and adding an island, think about including extra depth when designing the countertop. This way, the island affords seating as well as storage and extra space to work.
  • Add shelving. Older homes are known to offer minimal built-in storage. One way to add more storage is to take advantage of an unused corner. It’s an inexpensive and relatively low-skill home improvement project that can be a boon to your home’s functionality.
  • Add lighting. Adding more light fixtures can brighten up a room, creating a sense of spaciousness. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly important when it comes to home value since they are pivotal in many buyers’ decisions. If you need to choose, improving the lighting in those two spaces can make the biggest impact on your home’s value. New Home Source suggests putting overhead and task lighting in the kitchen and baths.

Owning an older home can mean needing to make improvements, whether it’s for your comfort, safety, or the value of your home. Make sure you hire a pro for projects beyond your skill level. Older homes have special appeal, and being smart about renovations can make all the difference for you as a homeowner.

Best Electrician – Licensed and Insured

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

licensed insured electricianElectricity is used so much in our homes we might take for granted how dangerous it can be. Whenever homeowners need work done on their homes and it involved the electrical system, it’s necessary to call a licensed and insured electrician to help out. It might seem like a simple task to replace a light fixture or update an outlet, but the safest option is to go with a professional electrician.

When working with an electrician you are ensuring that your home and family are safe from any accidents that may occur if you try to perform the electrical work yourself. You are also ensuring that your insurance rates will not go up if you try to work on a DIY electrical project. But how do you find the best electrician near you? Take a look at our tips below for some assistance.

Year in Business

How long has the company you’re looking at been in the business? It’s possible to be a great electrical contracting company just out of the gate, but in order to find the best electrician possible, you’ll want to find someone who has been around for a while. Working with electrical isn’t an easy take and can be dangerous if not completed correctly. If you find an electrician who has been in business for a couple years, this is a good indication that they have made a lot of customers happy.

Ratings, References, and Reviews

The best place to look for a new electrician is with your friends and family. Getting a recommendation from someone you know is the best place to start. If your friends and family have trusted this electrician to do work on their homes, you can feel safe having them perform work on yours.

The next place is to look for reviews and ratings. Online websites, such as Yelp and Angie’s List, have been helping homeowners find the best service providers in their area. Read all the reviews to make sure the electrician you have chosen is competent and can perform the work you need to be completed.

Take a Look at Their Services

Make sure the electrician you have chosen can perform the work you need to be done. Many electricians specialize in different areas so it’s important to be sure they can complete the work you need to be completed before scheduling an appointment.

It can be a difficult task finding the best electrician to perform work in your home but if you follow these steps you’ll be on your way with your next electrical project in no time.

The Electric Connection has been providing Los Angeles residents and business owners with expert electrical services for over 30 years. Please contact us if you need any assistance.

Can Recessed Lighting Touch Insulation

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

recessed lighting installationA good look and design might not always be associated with efficiency. As homeowners, we want to be proud of our homes and we want to show them off to family, friends, and neighbors. The lighting in our homes should be modest unless you’re trying to display a beautiful lamp. The ideal range of an energy bill is low but that doesn’t mean we should cut corners.

Recessed lighting is a great choice if you want unobtrusive and energy efficient lighting but it can become very got. When turned on, a recessed light fixture produces a lot of heat inside the housing. This, in turn, makes the housing, which is located inside the ceiling, hot itself. Since recessed lighting is installed inside the ceiling, there is a chance that it may come into contact with insulation. This can often lead to fire hazards if not installed properly.

Fortunately, there is a solution. IC-rated recessed can lights are built with an outer wall that protects against any combustions that may occur if insulation were to come into contact with the housing.

What if you already have recessed lighting installed?

If you are unsure what type of recessed lighting you have installed and are worried it may be a potential fire hazard, it might be best to contact a local electrician. The electrician will be able to determine if the lighting you have is IC-rated, if it’s too close to the insulation, and if you need new lighting installed. You can also check yourself. Simply find the tag on the housing unit to see if it says “Type IC” or “Non-IC”. If you’re lighting is IC-rated, you are good to go. If not, you need to find out if it is too close to the insulation or not. If you have an accessible attic space, you can do this easily. If not, it may require a little more finesse.

If you do not already have IC-rated recessed lighting and the fixtures are close to the insulation, you have two choices: remove the insulation or contact an electrician for help. Unfortunately, removing the insulation might not be the best solution as you are messing with your home’s environment. Contacting an electrician for advice is the best bet here. They will be able to provide you with solutions that best fit your needs and that will keep your home safe.

The Electric Connection has been installing all types of lighting in the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We have technicians providing excellent electrical services all over the city. If you need recessed lighting installed or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

3 Ways to Utilize Recessed Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles recessed lightingWhen you are considering what types of lighting to use in your home, it’s important to think about how best to highlight the best features of a room, create an atmosphere that is inviting, and improve the functionality of a room. You need to choose the best mix of lighting to give your room the most life. Recessed lighting is an excellent way to create an inviting and functional room that is sure to keep you and your family happy.

How is recessed lighting best used?

Recessed lighting has many functionalities and can be used in pretty much any room in your home. We have compiled a list of the three best ways to utilize recessed lighting. Read on to learn more!

Bathroom Lighting

When you think about lighting your home, you might overlook the bathroom. Common homes have one single light overhead which can be inadequate for lighting the different areas in your bathroom. Using recessed lighting in your bathroom can bring style and functionality to your space which can help you both relax and unwind as well as get ready for a night out.

You can use recessed lighting in the bathroom in more than just the ceiling. Place the light fixtures around a mirror to create the perfect bathroom mirror. When used with other types of light fixtures, recessed lighting can help create a very even and shadow-free lighting that normal ceiling light fixtures cannot.

Since recessed lighting has housings that can get wet, they are ideal for inside the shower or over a tub. Add an additional light inside your shower to see better when getting clean.

Dramatic Effect

If you have artwork you want to show off in your home, recessed lighting gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. Recessed lighting can give you that perfect dramatic effect when lighting photos or sculptures.

Certain fixtures have movable parts. With adjustable recessed lighting trims, you can angle the light in whichever direction you wish. This gives you more ways to light your home.

Kitchen Lighting

Many kitchens are very underlit leaving it hard to see when cooking or entertaining. Lighting can be an afterthought when you are focusing on creating the perfect kitchen setting. Recessed lighting can be the perfect solution for a kitchen’s needs. It can be placed overhead of a preparing area so you can have the best view of what you’re working on. Combined with other types of light fixtures, you can have the best kitchen around.

There are many ways to utilize recessed lighting in your home – these are just three examples. If you have any questions about the type of lighting needed for your home, consult with a professional electrician today.

The Electric Connection has been providing lighting services to the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We would be happy to provide you with an idea of what best works for your home. Give us a call during business hours to speak with a specialist!

Best Outdoor Lighting for Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Best Outdoor LightingTaking on a new lighting project can be difficult and confusing. You need to decide what type of lighting you want to use. Then figure out which fixtures work best in each room. Do you want dimmable lighting? How about lighting on timers? There’s a lot of decision making that goes into a new lighting project.

Outdoor lighting is a completely different story. While there are safety concerns when changing the lighting inside your home, you have to deal with the climate changes outside. All lighting outside must use outdoor-rated fixtures. This means that it must be fit for use with all the weather changes. If it rains, it needs to be safe from water. While it sounds like a difficult task, when an outdoor lighting project is completed, it can be very rewarding.

Which Outdoor Lighting To Install?

Choosing what type of outdoor lighting you want to install is the first step. Decide what you are trying to accomplish with your lights. Do you want to highlight your landscape features? Is your walkway too dark and you need more security? Or do you just want to see your friends’ and family’s faces while enjoying a nice evening on your patio? Figuring out your objective will help narrow down the best outdoor lighting to install.

When to Install Outdoor Lighting?

The best time to install the lighting outdoors depends, again, on what type of lighting you need. A simple fixture on a wall can be added at any time. If you’re looking to highlight your garden and want to hide the wires, the best time to install it would be before you plant your next prize-winning rose bush. This way you can hide all the wire underground without disturbing your beloved plants. An electrician can better guide you after taking a walk through of your outdoor space.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting?

There are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting. These range from wanting to show off your new garden or to entertaining family and friends. Your outdoor space can become almost like a new room in your home when properly lit. Here are some reasons why you might want to add lighting to the outside of your home.

  • Safety and security
  • Highlight features of your yard
  • Entertaining friends or family on a patio
  • Lighting the pool for a nighttime swim
  • Another decorative device

You can see there are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting at your home. To figure out which outdoor lighting is best for you, consult an electrician. They will be able to help you decide what works best for your outdoor space and your budget.

The Electric Connection in Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to the people in and around the city for over 30 years. We are happy to help pick out what outdoor lighting for your pool or yard is the best. We offer many different lighting services. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please give us a call if you have any questions at (818) 446-0888.

Cost of House Rewire in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician pulling wires through wallOne of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to any electrical job is “how much will this cost?” This is especially true with any major home electrical jobs. When you’re considering rewiring your entire home, this can be quite scary. Many of our customers pick up the phone and immediately ask, “what does a house rewire cost?” The question of cost is probably one of the first to pop into your mind and well as why rewire a house in the first place.

So, how much does a whole house rewire cost? This honestly depends on how large your home is and how much of it actually needs to be rewired. Depending on your location, for a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home, you can be looking at anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000. When contacting electricians who specialize in house rewires, be sure to give them the size and age of your home. This will help them give you a more accurate estimate. Other aspects that go into determining the cost of a house rewire are access issues and any odd areas in your home. These two will cause the price to go up a bit more since it will be a harder job to complete.

What if you can’t afford to rewire your house?

If you can’t afford a complete house rewire, don’t fret – be sure that it is necessary first. Some houses only need partially rewired. This should help reduce costs. Make sure that you need any sort of rewire in the first place. The signs that are associated with a house rewire can also be associated with other things. You may need a new panel, outlets may be bad, light fixtures may have broken. Consult with an electrician before you take out a loan to make sure a house rewire is necessary.

House Rewire: What to expect?

When a house rewire is completed, all the old wiring will be removed and replaced with new, up to date wiring. This wiring is safer than that found in older homes as it doesn’t get hot when insulated.

There are various ways a house can be rewired. One way is by removing the walls and replacing the wiring behind them. The electrician will then repair the holes made in the walls. This can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Another way to replace the wiring is through basements or crawlspaces. This allows the electrician to replace the wiring without having to remove or cut up walls. Electricians can also use rods and a thin metal line to fish the wires through the walls without tearing them down. A small patch might be necessary but the walls will remain intact. These methods will also help reduce the cost of the job.

In order to get a more accurate cost for a whole house rewire, it’s best to call your electrician for an estimate. They should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate based on a few questions about your home.

The Electric Connection has technicians who excel at house rewires. Our electricians are licensed, bonded, and insured to provide you with the most quality electrical services around. Los Angeles residents and businesses owners can depend on The Electric Connection to get their jobs done with ease and efficiency. Call us today to get on the schedule!

Los Angeles Electrician Reviews

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles electrician reviewsIf you need a panel upgrade or new wiring in your home, you need to find the best Los Angeles electrician possible. It may seem easy to install an outlet or repair a light fixture, but it’s best to go with a professional. Los Angeles is a big city with lots of options when it comes to electricians. How can you be sure you’ve found the best one for you?

When should you call an electrician near you?

Actually, if you need electrical work done on your home or business, there’s very little reason not to call an electrician. Working with your electrical system can be very dangerous. It’s possible to get a shock that can seriously injure or fatally hurt you. Below is a list of situations a professional electrician in Los Angeles should be called to your home:

  • Lights flickering
  • Outlets overloaded
  • Frequently tripping breakers/circuits
  • Old outlets

If you feel any hesitation at all performing an electrical job in your home, please call a local electrician. Licensed electricians have the skills, tools, and experience to complete electrical jobs correctly and safely.

Finding electrician reviews in your city is easy! In fact, all you have to do is simply Google, “electrician reviews Los Angeles” and you’ll have a wide variety of search results to choose from. Many electricians use third-party websites to display and collect reviews. Websites such as Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, and even Google allow customers, much like yourself, to leave reviews after an electrician has completed a job. Read over the reviews to make sure they are a competent contractor who can complete your job.

You can also usually find electrician reviews on their respective websites. Most electrical contractors have a website that displays their services, company information, and reviews left by other customers. While you’re on their website, be sure to find out how to contact them. It’s best to ask electricians questions before you schedule them to come out and do work. Here are some helpful questions to ask before starting a job with your new electrician:

  • Are you licensed, bonded, or insured?
  • What is your warranty process?
  • Do you offer free estimates / how much will my job cost?
  • Can you perform this type of work?

Never, ever hire just anyone before asking questions about your job and finding out if they are a professional. Be sure to do your research before deciding on your next electrician. Los Angeles electrical projects need to be handled with care – make sure to choose wisely!

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles is proud to have provided the Los Angeles area with electrical services for over 30 years. Located in Tujunga, CA, The Electric Connection has many crews of electricians traveling all over the Los Angeles area performing EV charger installations, panel upgrades, house rewires, and more. If you need an electrician, Los Angeles, give The Electrician Connection a call today! Our dispatch team is in the office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm to answer any questions you might have and get your next electrical project scheduled.

Los Angeles Recessed Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

recessed lightingYou might be wondering, “why choose recessed lighting?” Well, when it comes to both residential and commercial properties, recessed lighting is one of the most versatile choices for lighting a room. Installed recessed lighting, also known as recessed cans or can lighting, can not only help bring unique lighting to your home but can also stay hidden and blend into the design of your room. It’s highly customizable to fit into any space – even outdoors.

There are many different names for recessed lighting: can lighting, downlight lights, recessed cans. It gets its name from the way it is housed. The housing units for recessed lighting look like cans – it’s metal and cylindrical and recesses into the ceiling.

When to Install Recessed Lighting

It’s best used where hanging fixtures just won’t do but looks good pretty much anywhere. It can also be used to highlight the features in a room as well as use a spotlight. Our customers especially love using recessed lighting in their kitchens to help illuminate the countertops. There are so many options out there, the only hard part is deciding what recessed lighting for kitchen.

Which Recessed Lighting Is the Best

If you’re wondering which recessed lighting to install in your home, consider a few things first…

Decide what you are trying to accomplish. Recessed lighting might not be the best bet for you if you are trying to light a large dining room that features a giant dining room table. For this, perhaps a nice chandelier would be a better fit. Recessed lighting is better used when there is little space.

Figure out how much space you have. Recessed lighting comes in all different shapes and sizes. Determining how much space will allow you to purchase the right fixtures the first time.

Consult with an electrician. Electricians are experts at installing recessed lighting. If you have a project that you’re running into issues with, considering consulting with an electrician to move the project along.

Recessed Lighting Issues

If you are having issues with currently installed recessed lighting, you might need an electrician to come out to take a look. There are many reasons that recessed lighting would not be turning on so it’s best to contact an electrician to have them troubleshoot the problem.

When it won’t work with your design or budget there are alternatives to installing recessed lighting. Consult with an electrician to determine the best lighting fixtures to buy. Be sure to mention where you want to install the lighting, how much space you have available, what your budget is, and the overall look of the room. They will be glad to come up with some options for you to choose so you can have the best looking home around.

The Electric Connection has been advising customers on the best lighting solutions for their homes for over 30 years. Installing recessed lighting in residential homes is our specialty. Be sure to visit our lighting page, here, to learn more about all we have to offer. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

House Rewire Warning Signs & Things to Consider

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles house rewireHow can you be sure that a house rewire is necessary? The wires in your house deliver the electricity throughout your entire home so you need to be sure that you get advice from the experts. Fortunately, there are few things you can check out before you call any electricians out to your house.

The first thing to consider is the age of your home and electrical panel. If your house is over 50 years old, there’s a good chance it needs to be rewired. At the very least you should have the wiring in your home inspected by a professional. Homes over 50 years old may contain knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These types of wiring are outdated and can potentially pose extreme dangers.

Other warning signs that you may need a whole house electrical rewire include:

  • Circuit breakers that are tripping frequently
  • Blown fuses
  • A burning smell that won’t go away
  • Sizzling sounds without apparent sources
  • Outlets or switches that look discolored or charred

If you are noticing any of the signs above, it’s probably a good time to call your electrician to schedule an inspection. Many electricians are happy to provide customers with whole house rewire estimates. This can be a very large investment so it’s important to call around to find multiple estimates for the job.

It is fortunate, though, that rewiring a home is usually a once-in-a-generation expense when done right. It’s important to weigh the risks versus the expenses when considering this project. Improper or outdated wiring can cause many issues including fires so it’s a job that shouldn’t be put off too long. A report by the US Fire Administration states that from 2010 to 2014, 45,210 home structure fires involved electrical malfunctions or failure. Annually this led to 420 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. These fires also caused $1.4 billion in property damages.

House Rewire: Things to Consider

You might be thinking, ‘what is a full house rewire?’ Well, it’s much like it sounds. Rewiring a home involved removing as many of the old wires as possible to make room for wiring that is not only new but also up to date. Non-metallic wire, or Romex, is used because it is generally safe and easier to work with. It won’t get hot when it is surrounded by insulation.

The new wiring can be installed by tearing out walls to run the new wires and then sealing the new installation behind drywall. This can be very expensive and may take a bit of time to complete. The fewer walls that need cut the less the job will cost. If the wiring can be run through a crawlspace or attic this is ideal for keeping down the cost.

Another option electricians may choose is to take the wiring and fish it through the walls with rods and thin metal, called fish tape. This is usually used in older homes to keep up the integrity. Instead of tearing down walls, small holes are made and then patched up. Using this method helps preserve the plaster walls.

When a house is being rewired, it is almost always recommended to also upgrade your panel. Older homes generally have a smaller capacity panel but when you rewire your home you’re allowing for more conveniences which might put more strain on your panel. If your home has a 60 amp panel, it’s a good idea to update it to 100 amp. This will allow you to bring more comfort into your home without the worry of tripping circuits.

Whether you need a new light fixture installed or are getting your whole home rewired, choosing the right electrician is very important. Don’t just hire the cheapest person on the market – be sure to do research and get multiple bids from professionals. In the end, it will be worth it to know that your house rewire job was done safely and correctly.

You local electrician at The Electric Connection can perform whole house rewires with ease. Our technicians have the expertise and experience necessary to get the job done correctly and quickly. Click here to learn more about our house rewire services or give us a call at (818) 446-0888.