As the summer winds down, both parents and kids start prepping for another school year. Though the routine of typical school days is all too familiar, electrical hazards lurk around each corner and in each classroom. Here's a few simple reminders about electricity for students of all ages to keep in mind when heading back to school. Elementary/Middle School Students An average of seven children are admitted to emergency rooms each day with shock or burn injuries due to tampering with electrical outlets....

Make saving energy in your home simple and easy this summer by taking it one room at a time! Saving energy can be complicated when there are so many costly, energy sucking appliances and electronics in your home. Here are some energy saving tips for the rooms in your house that are the biggest energy suckers. The Living Room/Bedroom Unplug electronics - Did you know that electronics like DVR/DVD players, TVs, cable, and even computer chargers all use energy even when...

Heavy rains and storms are currently upon all of Houston. As the hurricane season gets underway many of us will stock up on supplies and possibly invest in a generator. With the many that were left without power during our last rain event, it only seems reasonable that a generator can be a valuable thing to have in a time of need. However, most people with generators are very new to working with them, don't read the instructions carefully and can actually be risking their...

As the temperature rises it's important to stay on top of your home's energy use. Keep these energy saving tips in mind as you try to keep your electric bill in check this summer. Turn that thermostat... up? As great as an iceberg-like home feels on a hot day, try to get in the habit of setting the temperature to 78 degrees when you're home. Even higher when you're gone. This may sound terrible in Texas heat, but you'll be surprised by...

Summer is so close, we can already feel the heat! And with all the time that you and your family will spend outside playing, grilling and swimming, it seems like a perfect time to talk about hidden outdoor electrical dangers to keep your family out of harms way. Power and Utility Lines Many backyards are equipped with low hanging power lines but no matter what the situation may be, we continue to say don't go near them. According to the Electrical Safety...

As warmer weather becomes the norm, you're probably dreading the next few electric bills. Ceiling fans can be saviors this time of year. By keeping the air in constant circulation, they provide the feeling of a cooler room without the need to turn the air conditioner down. Here's a few things to remember while trying to stay cool this summer. Why does my ceiling fan wobble? If you're stuck with a wobbly ceiling fan, don't worry - it can be...

Landscape lighting can elevate your home's curb appeal, adding a high-end look, while providing that extra security factor that all homeowners can appreciate. Whether it's spotlights that highlight certain architectural or landscape features, or floodlights that illuminate large areas, you'll have an exterior that you can be proud of. Quick tip: Go outside with a flashlight at night and shine it in various spots to see how potential areas would look lit up. Alternate between flood and spot modes (if capable)...

Many of the electrical issues you face in your home today are the same that plague many other homeowners. Here's a quick guide on troubleshooting what may cause some of these electrical problems and what you can do to fix them. Lights Problems Flickering or Dimming Lights- While flickering lights could be a simply loos bulb, it could also be a much more serious issue like a poor connection along the circuit or faulty wiring. Both will need the inspection...

So you're thinking of replacing your old lighting systems to a new recessed lighting solution. It may seem like it will be a simple replacement of light fixtures, but there are so many more risks associated with using recessed lighting without proper installation. We've mapped out three major reasons why you shouldn't be doing this type of install without a certified electrician at the helm. Reason #1: We Have the Skills To Prevent Home Damage Ever hung up a picture and...

Roughly 200 people in the United States die from ground faults each year. That accounts for two-thirds of all home electrocutions. So what's a ground fault? When electricity from a wire escapes and passes through something, or someone, it heads straight for the ground. This chain of events is oftentimes fatal, but completely preventable thanks to a single invention. What is a GFCI outlet? Created in 1961 by a professor of electrical engineering at the University of California, Charles Dalziel, the...