Can cold weather cause a power outage?

The short answer is yes, cold weather can be the reason for a power outage. There are many reasons that can cause a power outage in the winter months. One reason is because on cold days the electric heaters are turned up throughout the electrical system which can cause an equipment overload. What do I do when cold weather causes a power outage? When your power goes out, you should first check your home's electrical panel to make sure you...

How do I know my light fixture wattage?

Since light bulbs vary in many ways - from the color they emit to the amount of energy or wattage they use - you will need to match the correct light bulb to your light fixture. If you use the wrong wattage not only is it a fire hazard, but you risk ruining your brand new, beautiful light fixture. Check the maximum wattage of the light fixture. This can be found on either the box or the light fixture itself...

How can I save money on my electrical bill during the holidays?

A great way to start to save money on your electrical bill during the holidays is to unplug your holiday lights before going to bed as well as all appliances and electronics you do not need overnight. Whether you know it or not your electronic appliances/lights will continue to draw power even when not in use. Another quick tip is you can also decorate for the holidays with LED lights, which use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times...

Why is my garage door light not working?

We get a lot of questions concerning the home’s garage door. One concern we get often is, "My garage light won't work - should I call an electrician?" An electrician can fix this problem but before calling an electrician, you might want to try to replace the light socket. If your light bulb is good and does not work when connected to your garage door opener, you might have a bad light socket and you will need to replace it....

What makes a good thermal insulator?

A thermal insulator essential is an object that reduces heat transfer between objects in either thermal contact or in a range of radioactive influence. In other words – a good thermal insulator is anything that does not conduct heat, or heat up fast. For example, even air is considered to be a good thermal insulator because air disperses the heat through the atmosphere, making it difficult for heat to pass through air. Plastics, wood, cork, and some fabrics are also...

Do space heaters save money?

The short answer is yes, you do save money by using a space heater versus heating our whole home. How much you save, however, depends on the size of your home and how many rooms are being heated. If you live in a small apartment, your savings may be minimal, however if you have a medium to large sized house and you spend most of your time in one room, you can save dollars each day by heating only one...

Why are my lights flickering when I turn on an appliance?

Generally, when your lights flicker when you turn on a major appliance, it is because the appliance is drawing a  power causing a temporary voltage drop, taking that power away from the lights. If your lights flicker and remain dim, however, it may be a sign that they are drawing more power than is available in your home. If your circuit commonly becomes overloaded by multiple appliances, you may need the help of an electrician to check your circuits or upgrade...

What appliances use the most electricity?

If you're looking to lower your energy bill, you may want to know which appliances use the most power.These are the top energy-draining appliances in most homes based on average usage. Air conditioning and heating Water heater Lighting Clothes washer and dryer Refrigerator Oven Entertainment systems (TV/DVD) Dishwasher Computer An experienced electrician can help you cut costs on your electricity bill by providing a full home inspection, identifying top power-drainers, and taking steps toward making your home more energy-efficient. The...

How to rewire a lamp

It is common for people to collect antiques and vintage lamps. The issue with a lot of older lamps is that you need to rewire them to work again. To restore a lamp you will have to first inspect it to be sure that all the parts that are need are attached and in working order. When doing so, be sure to double check the sheathing (the jacket over the wires) for any cracks, frays or exposures. Also look at...

Electrical Outlets: Is It safe to hang a TV over my fireplace?

Your fireplace mantle is a popular place in the home to decorate, either with lights during the holidays, or with the permanent placement of a TV. Any electrical item will of course need an outlet to maintain power. If you want to add an outlet by your fireplace, there are some precautionary measures. Anytime there are wires around heat, you will need to be extremely careful to keep your family and home safe. Always consult a licensed electrician to safety...