Let it snow.
It’s mid-summer, and yet it’s time to seriously consider a Snow Melt System…that is if you want it installed before the first snow of the season.
Snow Melt Systems come in a variety of options: from radiant in-floor heating to mats that are stretched across a driveway. The…
When people think about thermostat settings it’s usually in the context of saving heating costs in winter. But air conditioning demands in summer can add considerably to your electrical bill, sometimes more than heating does. That’s because in some places electricity costs more per BTU than natural gas. It’s especially…
Whether it’s a remodel or new construction, scheduling a work-in-progress walkthrough with your architect/designer and subcontractors can avoid annoying and costly re-dos. A careful assessment of electrical and plumbing installations after the framing is up but before drywall is hung lets you confirm that walls, doors, and windows are where…
As homeowners add more “smart” devices are they inviting a nest of spies into their private spaces? Recent revelations of hidden microphones, cameras, and digital assistants that constantly eavesdrop make it seem like we’re all living in a Cold War spy movie.
A Nest of Spies
Google acknowledged this month…
Each spring we remind readers that winter isn’t the only time that weather emergencies occur. Colorado has the second-highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, surpassed only by Florida. The state ranked third in the highest number of large hailstorms in 2014, and the Front Range has had numerous…
Most utility companies in the US offer rebates on energy-saving upgrades and some of them can be substantial. For instance, Xcel Energy, the primary energy provider in Colorado and seven other Western and Midwestern states has programs that subsidize insulation, cooling equipment, and thermostat upgrades. Here’s what they offer.
Smart…
The outdoor living season is just around the corner, so take time to do a walkaround of your home and make a list of projects to add extra enjoyment to your summer.
Fixups
Winter can take a toll on outdoor fixtures. Repair or replace any damaged porch, landscape, motion-sensing…
What a difference a digit can make! As the weather warms up and our attention turns to outdoor projects, it’s important to pay attention to hidden dangers. And some of those hazards are right under your feet.
Many utility lines are underground, especially in newer neighborhoods, but even older homes…
Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown to a global reminder that we humans are a large part of our planet’s ecosystem and that each of us has a role to play in keeping it healthy and sustainable. While opinions vary widely on large-scale approaches to sustainability, each…
In celebration of 2019’s Electrical Safety Month this May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is focusing on the importance of preparing for, surviving, and rebuilding after natural disasters with the theme "Electrical Safety During Natural Disasters."
ESFI spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the steps that…
April is transition time. Basketball gives way to baseball, greenery starts to wake up, and longer days draw our attention to the great outdoors. In Colorado, it also means it can be 80° one day and snowing the next. So while you’re planning for outdoor living to come, don’t overlook…
Are you baffled by the strange terminology and seemingly endless choices in LED lighting?
Here are some tips to cut through the jungle.
Choose the Right Brightness
You’re probably comfortable choosing bulbs based on their brightness as expressed in watts. It’s a system that’s been around ever since Thomas…
The recent winter storm, called a bomb cyclone by the Weather Service, left at least 164,000 people in Colorado without power. Hurricane strength winds downed power lines and cut off travel throughout much of the Great Plains. Thousands of others experienced outages in other states. The storm served as a…
After months of being trapped in an airtight (more or less) box, you may have noticed some things are different than in warm weather. With doors and windows sealed against the cold, dark nights, furnaces working overtime, and extra cooking and washing, issues with air quality and lighting are more…
It’s Time to Switch to LED
Long-lasting LED lamps are the unquestioned leader in economically lighting homes and offices, and with more choices and lower prices there’s no reason to not make the switch.
Early LED bulbs were low on output and high in price, but that’s changed. Today you…
Wander through a Home Depot lighting department and very little looks much different than it did 10 years ago. But jump online to either www.trendir.com or www.archiexpo.com, and you’ve entered the very definition of futurism.
Both of these websites are authorities on influential design trends and new age…
Burnt dinners and family spats can certainly put a damper on holiday enjoyment, but according to the home improvement gurus at HomeAdvisor.com they don’t even make the top five list of unpleasant holiday season surprises.
Here’s their list along with how to prevent them and what to do when they occur.
…One of the biggest causes of home fires is holiday lighting gone bad. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home both beautiful and safe throughout the holiday season.
INDOOR SAFETY
Don’t overload circuits
Typical household branch circuits are 15 amps, and this is plenty of capacity…
There’s nothing like the look and smell of a freshly-cut tree to evoke memories and holiday spirit. And part of that tradition should include making sure the tree stays in good condition until it’s time to take it down. This becomes especially important in places like Denver, where there’s a…
Whether you’re lighting a single tree or going full Griswold, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to be sure you have the equipment and electrical service you need. Do it now and you won’t be trying to string lights in sub-zero cold and wondering why your breakers keep tripping.
…Electronic devices are certain to be at the top of most wish lists this holiday season. With so many things connecting to the internet, it’s important to keep your sensitive data safe from the growing numbers of internet predators.
The National Cyber Security Alliance, in coordination with the FBI and…
The type and placement of lighting is important to the function and enjoyment of a home. It adds drama, affects moods and makes functional areas like kitchens, laundries, and workspaces safer and more efficient. And it’s too often neglected when remodeling or renovating.
A good lighting design includes choosing the…
Coloradans know that power outages are a way of life. Careless drivers and construction crews knock down poles and cut into underground lines. Snow, ice, and broken limbs take down overhead lines and lightning knocks out transformers.
Most of the time, utility crews work to restore power in a matter…
Winter’s coming and along with snowmen and sleigh rides, it brings its own set of hazards to your comfort and safety. But with a few precautions, you can look forward to keeping safe and snug when winter rolls in.
Here a few things to consider:
Keep Your Home Warm and…
Halloween is almost here and mobs of mischievous marauders are ready to descend on your castle. Some are welcome—some are not. Here are a few tips on how to keep the ones you want safe and the ones you don’t away.
Lights!
Outdoor lighting makes your home safe and welcoming…
Fall is a busy time for homeowners. The calendar is full of school activities, fall sports are in high gear, and pre-winter yardwork looms on the schedule. While it may be tempting to rush through your fall chores, haste can not only make waste, it can be downright dangerous, especially…
As we load our homes with smart thermostats, remote access, and disembodied voices inside boxes that are always listening, these internet-connected devices offer increasing pathways for digital intruders to break into our homes. And they do it often without leaving a sign until mysterious charges appear on our credit cards…
If your home is more than a couple of decades old, your electrical system may be straining under the load of modern appliances and electronics. This can lead to annoying trips to the breaker box, interference with both wireless and wired signals, and even serious safety hazards.
Here are some…
Winter brings on a host of challenges for homeowners. They range from winterizing your house for comfort and energy savings to having a plan in case disaster strikes.
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) designates each September as National Preparedness Month to remind us that we need to plan for…
Surge protectors aren’t just for computers anymore
You’ve probably had your computer hooked to a surge-protected power strip for years. Maybe even some of your other electronics. But how about your refrigerator?
Today’s so-called smart homes are loaded with sensitive electronics that can be ruined by a lightning bolt or…
You probably don’t give a second thought when you plug in an appliance to a wall outlet. And that’s a good thing because it means outlets in the US are mostly standardized and safe. But not always and not everywhere. Let’s take a look.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)…
We have it pretty good here in Colorado, especially during the summer. When the rest of the country is sweltering in 90-degree heat and 80% humidity, even our hottest days are bearable thanks to low humidity and cool evenings. That combination lets us put nature to work for us without…
Bring a Little Light to Your Nights
There’s not much to complain about summer nights in Colorado. All we’re missing is fireflies, or lightning bugs as they’re called them in the Muggy Midwest. But lightning bugs or not, a little extra lighting can make enjoyment of your outdoor spaces better—in…
Werewolves aren’t real, and you may not believe in ghosts, but chances are your home is full of vampires. And just like in the movies, these undead creatures can seem friendly and charming to the point we like having them around. But unlike the mythical monsters, these ghouls don’t feed…
You can’t turn on the television these days without running across a home makeover show. How many of the Top 12 home remodeling shows (ranked by Insider online magazine) can you name:
Xcel Energy, a utility that serves over 3.5 million customers in eight Western and Midwestern states, has announced a pilot program to test combining smart thermostats with multiple data sources to optimize air conditioning efficiency (and costs) this summer. It’s called the MyHome AC Rewards smart energy program and is…
In our previous post we explored the various types of home networks. But to bring the elements of a smart home together you need to get them talking to one another. In this article we’ll look at your options.
Three Ways Computers Communicate
The networked devices in your home…
As soon as you have multiple electronic devices communicating with one another, you have a network. But choosing the type of network to use depends on several things—who (and what) has access, what types of devices you have, and how secure it needs to be, among other things.
Here’s a…
The recent windstorms on the Colorado Front Range are a reminder that winter isn’t the only time that weather emergencies occur. Colorado has the second-highest number of lightning strikes in the nation, surpassed only by Florida. The state ranked third in the highest number of large hail storms in 2014,…
As any fan of renovation or “flip” shows on TV knows, DIY construction is fraught with perils, especially when amateur fixers overestimate their abilities. “You get what you pay for” is as true in home improvement as anywhere, and with so many people choosing to upgrade rather than move, it’s…
Let me start by saying that I rely on Home Depot. Online orders can be shipped direct to the location where they will be used. My in-store visits are for spur-of-the-moment needs…parts I overlooked buying and parts I didn’t know I needed to complete a project in the works, or…
Electricity is an essential part of our lives. It powers everything from the smallest electronics to the largest appliances and tools. And with all that power at our command comes a need to use it safely and responsibly. That’s the idea behind National Electrical Safety Month, a program introduced in…
Ever since electric lights made their way into homes there’s been someone, usually Dad, exhorting family members, usually kids, to turn them off. But now there is a host of clever devices to free Dad from light duty so he can concentrate on other things…like keeping doors closed.
These devices…
We discussed what color temperature is and how it affects lighting in an earlier article. Now let’s take a look at how to use that knowledge to choose the best light color for different locations in your home.
Light to Work By
Called task lighting by design pros, it’s the light…
LIGHTING CERTIFICATION FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL SPACE
USAToday.com reported in January this year that Tracy Lynn Garner, the woman convicted in the 2012 death resulting from Garner injecting the patient’s butt with silicone…the silicone you might use to caulk around your bathtub. Garner died after serving only 3.5 years of her life…
You’ve no doubt heard of light being referred to as warm or cold but may not realize that the color of light is often measured in degrees of heat. But those degrees don’t refer to the bulb’s room temperature or how much heat it gives off. They refer to a…
We live in a connected world, and it’s making life easier, safer, and more efficient in a lot of ways. In our series on “smart” homes we’ll talk about the many ways connectivity can work for you.
Today, we look at heating and cooling features that add convenience while keeping…
A recent article in the Denver Post stated that Denver housing is about to become unaffordable. Citing mortgage tracking service HSH.com, the report says that the income needed to qualify for a mortgage loan for a median-priced home in the city is close to exceeding the median income of its…
We live in a connected world, and it’s making life easier, safer, and more efficient in a lot of ways. In our series on “smart” homes we’ll talk about the many ways connectivity can work for you.
Today, we’ll take a look at security features that add convenience while keeping…
Bathroom upgrades are one of the most popular reno/remodel projects, and suppliers are ready to cater to your every whim. The whirlpool tubs of the 70s have given way to a new level of luxury unimaginable in the days of 8-tracks and pet rocks.
The 21st Century Bathroom
Today’s bathrooms…
Colorado winters are unpredictable. Temperatures can swing over a 100-degree range in January and February, and while playing a round of golf on Valentine’s Day isn’t unheard of, you can be assured that there will be bone-chilling periods, too.
With energy costs predicted to rise between 8 and 18 percent…
By now you know that low-energy bulbs like compact fluorescents and LEDs save electricity and last longer. But did you know that there are light bulbs that turn off and on and even dim themselves when you tell them to?
No, we’re not talking about a “Clapper” or even timers.…
Whether you’re visiting relatives for the holidays or making a pilgrimage to warmer climes for the winter, here are some tips on how to make your home safe while you’re away and pleasant to return to.
Disconnect Energy-Wasting Electrical Appliances
Modern appliances usually draw some electrical current even when they’re…
Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen over the holidays. And more cooking time means more energy consumption. It takes a lot of energy to boil liquids or roast meat and vegetables. Rather than heat up a burner or large oven for small jobs, these…
If you’ve already hung your holiday lights, good for you. You’re one of those people who gets things done. And we presume you did it safely, or you wouldn’t be reading this. But in case you haven’t gotten around to it yet, or would like to see if you did…
DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, but unlike painting, carpentry and plumbing, electrical mistakes can be deadly. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few jobs that can be tackled by a reasonably handy homeowner as long as they have an understanding of wiring and electrical codes.
Electrical Codes
Electrical…
Did you know that the added holiday lighting in the US is observable from space?
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, the light intensity in US suburbs increases from 30-50 percent in the weeks leading up to Christmas. And that extra lighting costs money, both in decorations…
The holidays are right around the corner, and for many people that means travelling to exotic locales. And hardly anyone goes anywhere these days without electrical devices of one sort or another.
But electrical service isn’t uniform across borders, so before you melt your charger or turn your hair dryer…
As cold weather drives us indoors, a home theater can be a cozy retreat for entertaining family and friends. And with the holiday season right around the corner, fall’s a great time to add a home theater.
Home theaters can be rooms of their own, or they can be designed…
It’s never nice to have to tell a customer that they’ve wasted hundreds of dollars and hours of shopping time, but with more and more people buying on the internet, it’s becoming all too common. It happened to one of our regular customers, and she wanted us to tell her…
Ceiling fans are an easy and inexpensive way to add comfort to rooms year-round. They can provide a gentle breeze indoors and out in the summer and can keep cool air evenly distributed around a room. In winter, they keep warm air from collecting near the ceiling, eliminating cold spots…
Recent changes in local laws have sparked interest in growing plants normally found in outdoor gardens in indoor settings. These plants require more light than is typically found indoors, causing a spike in grow light sales. It has also led to numerous electrical problems, from overloading and power outages to…
People who live and work in the more remote areas of the high country or eastern plains know that power outages can take a while to resolve. But what about urbanites? True enough, outages are usually dealt with in a relatively short (or at least shorter) time in the cities…
An emergency generator is a great option to have when the power goes out. It can keep the lights on, vital equipment operating, and the fridge running. It can even be a lifesaver, especially in remote areas where it may take days to restore power.
Here are some tips to…
Some electrical installation and repair work can be done by someone with a basic understanding of how circuits work. While hazards exist with electrical work of any kind, things like replacing a broken light switch or adding a dimmer are within the capabilities of anyone who can understand and follow…
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in a pool or spa on a hot summer day. Don’t let worn out or improperly installed electrical connections ruin the experience by following these tips:
Pool and Spa Electrical Safety Tips
● Keep electric cords and devices at least ten feet away pools,…
Air conditioning season is here and it’s important to be sure your equipment is in good working order. It’s also important to know your limits to prevent electric shocks, fires, and other disasters caused by improperly servicing your cooling appliances.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that 15% of product-related…
As the days get warmer and longer, people head outdoors to enjoy the nice weather. As you stroll around the yard and the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to keep an eye peeled for changes that may present new hazards and remind yourself of safety tips regarding the electrical systems…
As you add new household appliances and devices, you may discover that your home wiring is insufficient to handle the load. Individual branch circuits may be inadequate, or you may not have enough power available to begin with, especially in older homes.
You solve the first problem by adding additional…
Fluorescent bulbs are gas-filled tubes with electrodes at each end. When current passes through the gas between the electrodes, the gas fluoresces, giving off ultraviolet (UV) light and heat. The UV light excites phosphors that coat the inside wall of the tube, giving off visible light once a certain temperature…
The light switch—it’s something we take for granted dozens, if not hundreds, of times every day. But if improperly wired, a switch can be an accident waiting to happen.
What Does a Light Switch Do?
An electrical circuit is just what the name implies—a more-or-less circular path through which electricity…
The so-called “Internet of Things” is a hot topic these days, and is not without controversy. On the one hand, being able to see inside your house from your phone or tune into the Weather Channel on your refrigerator door has definite advantages—plus it’s pretty cool. At the same time,…
Spending hundreds (or even thousands) on new AV equipment only to discover annoying hums, clicks or hisses coming from the speakers can turn excitement into frustration in a hurry. While a malfunctioning component may be the cause, the problem more likely comes from the multitude of electronics in your home.…
Just like there can be underlying causes for your indigestion or headaches, annoying electrical problems can be caused by things you can’t figure out on your own. But just like your doctor, professional electricians know what to look for, no matter how well they’re hidden or disguised.
Sure, there are…
High winds cause all sorts of problems with electrical systems, and in Colorado, we see them all. From hurricane-force blasts roaring across mountaintops and through passes to tornados and microbursts on the plains, windstorms account for millions of dollars’ worth of damage in the state every year, and downed power…
Colorado’s semi-arid climate is particularly noticeable in the winter when furnaces heat up outside air and squeeze the last few drops of moisture out of it.
Indoor humidity can drop to 15% or less at a mile high, causing dry skin, throats, and eyes along with startling shocks of static…
Colorado winters can be extremely dry. Snowfall can be unpredictable and can melt away and evaporate quickly in our intense high-altitude sunlight. The dry weather has an especially large impact on farmers and ranchers, not only on crops and livestock, but farm equipment, as well.
An important part of that…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that there is no safe level for lead in young children’s blood. Even extremely low levels have been shown to have irreversible, life-long effects on IQ, academic achievement, physical development, and attentiveness.
To prevent lead exposure, the CDC warns that…
Earlier, we pointed out the need to use a Lead-Safe Certified Electrician to be sure your electrical work conforms to EPA lead safety standards. At the state level, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has its own set of rules and…
You’re probably aware of lead concerns with paint and plumbing, but did you know it’s a concern in electrical work, too?
The Lead, Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule
Reducing lead levels has been one of the most successful health goals, with anover 90% decline in blood lead levels since…
If you’re remodeling, adding on, or doing a full fixer-upper, you need to know if your existing electrical service will safely handle any new loads your project will add.
First Things First
In order to supply power, you need to have power, and many older homes simply don’t have enough for today’s…
If your remodeling or expansion plans include a laundry room, there are some specific requirements that you need to know.
Circuit Requirements for Electric and Gas Dryers
The first thing to consider is the clothes dryer. Will it be electric or gas? That determines whether you’ll need both 240 and…
Ever find yourself doing a little solo DIY electrical work and need to turn off a circuit? Then you go to your electrical panel and the breakers are mislabeled, illegible or unmarked. The MacGyver way is to plug in a radio and start flipping switches or yanking fuses until the…
Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to stop the flow of electricity when an overload occurs. They’re an essential part of protection against fires and shock hazards and are mandated by code for all feeder circuits in homes and businesses.
Most tripped breakers and blown fuses in service panels occur…
An electrical circuit is a closed pathway for electrons to flow in order to generate power. That’s why you’ll always see at least two wires in a circuit, a hot (line) wire that carries current to an outlet, switch or appliance, and a return (neutral) wire to carry the current…
No, we’re not talking about those guys in a brown truck. In this case, UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply, and when winter storms knock out your electrical service, you’ll be glad you have one.
Prevent Catastrophic Power Failure to Critical Systems and Devices
An Uninterruptible…
Everything seems to have its own jargon, and electricity is no exception. Here are some commonly used terms you’re likely to come across. Knowing them will make you a better-informed customer when it comes time for electrical work and buying electric appliances.
AC (alternating current)
Electrical current can flow in…
The heavy, wet snowstorms of spring and fall can wreak havoc on power lines, and construction or traffic mishaps are year-round threats to your electric service. With more and more households dependent on electronic devices and the increasing number of people working from home, a prolonged outage can escalate from…
It seems everything is wireless these days. From streaming video and security systems to window shades and baby monitors, if it’s not Wi-Fi, it’s not cool. But cool isn’t necessarily the best, especially when it comes to data transmission and security.
Granted, advances have been made in Wi-Fi technology, and…
Electricity is a basic necessity for modern life. We use it to power lights, televisions and computers, charge our phones, run our washers and dryers, and warm our ovens so we can prepare food. Although there are countless other ways we use electricity in our daily lives at work and…
Fall is in the air, and the holiday season is just around the corner. Like most of us, you are probably starting to formulate your plan for decorating your home inside and out. Even though most holiday decorations are designed to withstand the rigors of being put up, taken down,…
Well, summer is over and it’s now officially fall!We know what that means - holiday decorating is just around the corner, and it starts with Halloween. When gearing up for this spooky night, keep the following safety tips in mind to make sure the electrical elements in and around your…
If you are considering a retrofit of your current office lighting to LED lights, there are some things you can do to maximize the effect. While the process of exchanging old-fashioned incandescent or fluorescent lighting for LED lights will reduce your energy bill in itself, there are some additional measures…
You may not be familiar with the term “photovoltaics,” but you will come to know them quite well by the end of this article. Photovoltaics are the small solar cells that make up solar energy panels. You’ve seen them on top of houses, possibly standing in a field, and even…
First, you are probably wondering what “dark sky compliance” even is. If you are ever in a large city at night, you’ll notice that the sky is not exactly “dark.” Rather, a yellowish glow covers the stars and Milky Way, so you mostly just see an overcast sky haloed by…
If you are starting your career as an electrical worker or as an electrician, there will come a time when you need to consider upgrading your vehicle to meet the needs of your job. Normally, if you are working for an electrical contractor, chances are they will provide a vehicle…
Every electrician requires some basic tools, especially when starting out. These essential tools are the ones you will generally use everyday and likely on every job. Having said that, you will also grow your tool collection the longer you remain in the profession.
The Electrician’s Tool Belt
Your tool belt…
Electricians undergo specialized training and spend several years developing their skills to complete their work safely. However, even the best trained electricians are constantly exposed to on-the-job risks that can result in injury or even death.
Here, we will be looking at the top five causes of accidents electricians face…
It’s that time of year: family vacations, BBQs, pool time, and yes, air conditioning. As summer is in full swing, it’s important to make sure your air conditioning unit is up to par, as well as ensure you’ve had a maintenance service completed before the temperature started to rise.
According…
It’s that time of year again! The hotdogs and hamburgers are on the grill, the kids are in the pool, and summer is officially in full swing. It’s a great time of year for families to enjoy being outdoors, but it’s always prudent to remember some simple safety tips when…
