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When to Hire an Electrician and When You Can Do it Yourself!

by Winters Electric

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If you happen to be a handy homeowner with a fair amount of DIY experience and some decent tools, in makes sense that you might want to tackle some electrical problems yourself before you call us in. We can definitely give you recommendations on when to try it yourself – and when to give us a call!

You Can [Probably]Handle It:

Replacing fuses: the main skill here is finding the fuse box, figuring out the right fuses to get (and don’t get ones with higher amps than your box is rated for!), and keeping replacement fuses on hand when they burn out.
Lighting controls: dimmers are a great way to beautify any home – and save energy as well, plus – they’re easy to install!
Outlets: this can be a close call; you do need to know something about how electrical circuitry works and how to turn off the power to your entire home. If you need a GFCI outlet installed – best to call a professional.
Ceiling fans: this is another one that can go either way. If you have an inexpensive, do-it-yourself fan from Wal-Mart, it’s likely you can handle the job yourself. If you get a big beautiful – and very expensive – fan, however, it’s best to call us to make sure it’s mounted correctly.

Don’t You Handle it – Call Us!

Re-wiring your entire house: do we really need to say anything else here?
Replacing or servicing control panels: this requires knowledge of NEC code regulations and professional installation, or you could be slapped with a fine.
Installing additional lighting: if you want a light fixture where there is no sign of a light fixture, you need a professional, because – if you want chandelier, recessed lighting, or wall mounted lights – you will need to figure out where existing wiring is, and how to run it to where it’s needed. This requires experience, training, tools, and – often – some work on your walls or ceilings.

Have an Older Home? Call Us if You See Any of These Signs – You Have an Electrical Problem!

09Jan

by Winters Electric

0

There’s no doubt about it, older homes have picturesque architecture and a wonderful “feel” to them. Old homes are a very desirable commodity in the housing market today, and it’s likely you will pay more for an older home, even though it’s a given that you will need to remodel it to make it truly livable. The first place to start upgrading your beautiful, aging home is with the electrical system. Old homes simply weren’t built to handle the amount of electricity we need to handle all of the computers, TV’s, chargers, sound systems, and large appliances we need today. Here are some sure signs you need to call us to come in and do an inspection – and some work!

small or hard to find circuit breakers that frequently “trip,” or – even worse – have old-fashioned fuses that need replacement on a regular basis
unusual sounds that come when something goes on or off, like a sizzle, pop, or buzz
outlets or switch plates that are hot to the touch
a “smoking rubber” smell; overheated wires give off the odor of hot insulation
if you get any kind of electrical shock anywhere in the house, no matter how small
cut, broken, or cracked insulation on electrical wiring
outlets that are discolored or have burn marks around them
wires or light fixtures that hang out of the wall or ceiling

These all seem like fairly obvious signs of trouble, but you’d be surprised how long some people can live with a light bulb hanging out of the ceiling in their dining room!

Top Causes of Electrical Fires

01Jan

by Winters Electric

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There are an estimated 1,500,000 home fires every year, and approximately 30,000 of those fires are caused by a problem with the electricity in the house! The top reasons for electrical fires are generally caused by a defect in your electrical system such as:

loose connections of wires to terminal, causes overheating, sometimes sparks
older homes are not wired for sufficient electricity, there are few outlets in home and newer appliances and equipment pull too much energy, causing overheating
few outlets in the walls mean many extension cords, which become hot because they are overloaded
old cables and electrical wiring with cracked and crumbling rubber; provides no protection between hot wires and home’s structure

It’s always a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to check your entire electrical system every couple of years, especially if your home is older, if you’re buying a home, or if you’re making renovations to your home. Winter’s Electric is happy to come out and ensure the safety of your home or business by conducting an electrical inspection for you – free of charge!

Electricity! Bet You Didn’t Know That…

27Dec

by Winters Electric

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In the early 1900’s, a Christmas tree that was lit with electric lights was a true sign of wealth – they were very expensive. Plus, you had to watch the tree carefully and it couldn’t be left on too long; those early light bulbs were extremely hot and exploded easily. If you didn’t have servants watching the tree, your house – or mansion – could go up in flames!
Forget solar power – we need firefly power! Fireflies produce light through eating food! (think about that for a second – gives donuts a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?) Plus, the light a firefly gives off is way more efficient than a light bulb. A firefly loses about 1/15 of its energy to heat, while a regular, ordinary light bulb wastes 95% of its heat energy!
The ancient Greeks were using solar power long before any of us discovered it. They positioned and built their houses to maximize the warmth from the sun!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Wreathe for Your Front Door!

19Dec

by Winters Electric

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There are beautiful pre-made wreathes to be found outside every hardware store and at most big box stores at this time of year, like Fred Meyers or Lowes. These wreathes are lovely, but often somewhat bare – until you add your own personal touches! Small, twinkling battery powered Christmas lights are a perfect solution. You can find strings in varying lengths. Just wrap the lights around your wreathe, weaving the wires in so they can’t be seen. Wire on some small ornaments and/or jingle bells, add a big red bow, hang it on your front door – and have a merry Christmas every time you come home and open your door!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Table Runner With Pine Boughs!

12Dec

by Winters Electric

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For people who have long tables to host dinner parties for guests, a table runner, candles, and flowers usually make up the centerpiece. This year, why not try something new? Most hardware stores carry battery powered Christmas lights. Arrange the lights down the center of the table, doubling or tripling their length until you’ve got 2 or 3 rows of lights in a narrow 3 or 4 foot row down the center of your table. Then, take small lengths of fresh pine branches and lay them over the lights, picking up the lights and entwining them in the branches so the wires don’t show; the lights should poke up through the needles. Add fragrant scented pine cones, a few Christmas ornaments, or nestle some colorful small fruits in amongst the branches. When you turn them on – you will have a delightful long, lighted centerpiece, with the added advantage that you will not have to peer at each other around tall vases of flowers or candle stems!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Light Up Your Stairway!

04Dec

by Winters Electric

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For all homes that have stairs – banisters and railings are a wonderful place for Christmas creativity! Simply entwine small twinkle lights around and around the top railing for a beautiful entryway lighting effect. You can also use icicle lights, and string them all the way down the banister railing, so that the “icicles” hang down along the bars of the stairs. There are also strands of lighted decorations in the form of connected candy canes or stars strung together that can be run down the stairs, under the banister as well. Or, you can always go with the “more is more” idea, and combine all of the above for a truly grand, show stopping staircase!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Wreathe!

27Nov

by Winters Electric

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Craft and hobby stores sell wire wreathe frames for people who want to create their own holiday wreathe from scratch by weaving pine boughs in and around wire frames, but you can use that wire frame to create a stunning and sophisticated lighted wreathe! Simply weave strands of lights around and through the wire frame. You can use numerous strings of small lights, or strings of oversized bulbs – or both for a beautiful modern touch. For contemporary homes that lean toward simple and sleek design, or an industrial look, it’s a beautiful and imaginative design that can go over a fireplace mantel!

Tips For Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lighting – Outdoor Trees!

21Nov

by Winters Electric

0

There’s no doubt about it, having one or more of your large outdoor trees wrapped in lights is one of the most stunning and beautiful Christmas lighting effects you can have. But wrapping a 20’ tree can look like a daunting process. Here’s where to start:

Calculating Number of Lights Needed: Sorry, but there really is no exact formula for calculating how many lights are required to light outdoor trees. Slender and deciduous trees require the least amount of lights; evergreen trees like spruce, pines, and firs retain all of their foliage and may require up to 25% more lights than the recommended count. Here’s a ballpark rule of thumb: when using mini lights, figure on 100 lights per vertical foot of the tree for medium lighting, if you want heavy lighting, figure on 200 mini lights per vertical foot. Remember to figure in the trunk if you’re going to wrap it, as well as the distance to your power source!
What kind of lights: Use outdoor lighting only! Bulbs that are spaced 6” to 8” apart are best. Invest in LED’s as soon as possible!
Begin at the very beginning: Yes, in this case that means – start at the top. To do this you should lay out – and connect – a number of light sets, using splitters every three strands. If you’ve got a tall tree, you need an equally tall ladder. (this is why you need to do this with a friend!) Once you’ve lodged the top of the light in the top of the tree, you will need to move the ladder around the tree several times in order to place the lights, but then it should become easier, as you will be able to start winding them onto the tree from the ground. Periodically plug everything in to see how it’s going, and adjust the lights if necessary!

Tips For Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lighting – Work Safely – Work Fast – Work With a Friend or Family!

12Nov

by Winters Electric

0

If we only had one piece of advice to offer about hanging your holiday lights, it would be to do all of your outdoor lighting projects with a friend or a member of your family! There’s simply no question – it’s easier, faster, and far safer. Other than that, here are our next best tips:

Hang the lights during the day, but not while it’s raining or snowing.
Make sure that you unwrap, untangle, and lay out every cord of lights before you start. Then be sure to test each strand. Either replace burned out or missing bulbs – or throw out the strand if it’s showing wear. (this is a good opportunity to replace it with an LED substitute!)
Use extension cords to get power to your starting points, the thick heavy ones.
In general – start high and then work your way down.
Never connect more than three strands, or 300 lights together end to end. After you’ve finished hanging the third strand, insert a “splitter” to conduct power safely. (looks like the end of an extension cords, always available around holiday time)
Use clips, clamps, or hooks to attach lights whenever possible. Working outdoors, there will be times when you will need to use a hammer and a nail, but avoid using it to attach any kind of cord.

When to Hire an Electrician and When You Can Do it Yourself!

Have an Older Home? Call Us if You See Any of These Signs – You Have an Electrical Problem!

Top Causes of Electrical Fires

Electricity! Bet You Didn’t Know That…

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Wreathe for Your Front Door!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Table Runner With Pine Boughs!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Light Up Your Stairway!

Great Ideas for Indoor Holiday Decorating With Lights! Make a Lighted Wreathe!

Tips For Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lighting – Outdoor Trees!

Tips For Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lighting – Work Safely – Work Fast – Work With a Friend or Family!

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