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Category: Choosing an Electrician

Are LED Light Bulbs Worth the Switch?

11Oct
by Winters Electric  
0

LED light bulbs use a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs and they last much longer. The tradeoff is they cost more up front to replace all the bulbs in your home. How do you know if switching to LED bulbs will be with the investment? Let’s take a look at a few key points to consider.

Cost

LED light bulbs typically cost around $8 each. When compared to incandescent bulbs which only cost about $1-$2 each, the difference is significant. However, when you consider each bulbs’ average lifespan, the upfront cost becomes a smaller price to pay in the long run.

Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of an LED light bulb is 25,000 to 50,000 hours of light. That is a lot longer than the 5,000 hour lifespan of an incandescent bulb. While you might only pay $1-$2 for the incandescent bulb right now, you will need to replace it again in a year when it burns out. If you use the light bulb for three hours a day, over the course of 23 years, you will pay $8 for one LED light bulb, or $23 for new incandescent bulbs every year. Now which one costs more?

Energy Efficiency

LED light bulbs use a fraction of the energy when compared with incandescent bulbs. Consider that a standard incandescent bulb uses 60 watts, while a standard LED bulb uses only 10 watts. If you took the average lifespan of the LED bulb at the average price of $0.12 per kilowatt, you would spend $30 to run it, while the incandescent bulb would cost $180.

In 2020, incandescent light bulbs are set to be a thing of the past. A ban will go into effect, basically removing them from store shelves. If you can’t afford the upfront cost of replacing your light bulbs all at once, start small and replace a few at a time. When an incandescent bulb burns out, replace it with a more efficient LED bulb. If you start now, by the time 2020 rolls around, you will have replaced all of the bulbs in your home.

If you need advice on the best lighting for your home or are looking for an electrical revamp to ensure you get the best energy efficiency, talk to one of the pros at Winters Electric.

4 Benefits of Having a Pool Installed This Spring

02Jun
by Winters Electric  
0

Medford, Oregon residents know how warm it can get in the summer. When you have a pool in your back yard, cooling off on a hot day can be as easy as taking a few steps outdoors. Getting a pool installed this spring is the best way to prepare for the heat wave just around the corner. Here are a few of the many benefits of installing a pool in your Oregon property this season.

Excellent Exercise

Swimming is not only fun, but it is also an exceptional way to get exercise and maintain your general health. Going for a swim is a full-body workout and is one of the best cardiovascular exercises of all time. Having easy access to a pool can promote flexibility, stamina, and weight loss. It can also be a perfect means of fitting a work out into your schedule without having to go to a gym. Swimming is much less stressful on your joints compared to other fitness activities such as cycling, running, or using an elliptical machine.

Social Activities

Swimming can be a fun social activity, which makes a pool a great choice for those who enjoy hosting parties and inviting guests over. A pool provides a backdrop for a host of different warm-weather occasions like barbecues and parties where guests of all ages can participate in group activities and water games.

Alleviates Stress

Much like other bodies of water, the presence of a pool creates a calming, serene environment. which is why taking a leisurely dip in the water or even simply relaxing at poolside can decrease stress levels substantially. This peaceful atmosphere is nearly impossible to experience at a public pool or a beach with crowds of families and children everywhere. Having a pool in your yard offers you access to this tranquil setting that would otherwise be difficult to find.

Family

Installing a pool is like creating a backyard entertainment center, which is an ideal setting for families to spend time together. With the kids home during the summer, having a pool presents the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together and cultivate stronger familial bonds.

Trust the Pros for Electrical Fire Prevention

20Oct
by Winters Electric  
0

Between 2010 and 2014, fire departments around the country responded to about 45,210 home electrical fires and 16,070 non-home electrical fires. These fires caused thousands of injuries, hundreds of deaths, and over $1 billion in property damage. Electrical failures and malfunctions are common causes of structure fires, and they are often preventable. Scheduling routine electrical checks for your home or business can help you prevent this type of disaster.

Electrical Fire Hazards in Winter

While an electrical fire can start any time of the year, there are things people do as the temperatures drop that put more strain on electrical systems. Stringing up holiday lights, taking last year’s space heaters out of retirement, and cranking up the heat all pose fire hazards without proper attention from a professional electrician. Watch for these common causes of electrical fires to keep your family safe this season:

  • Extension cords for holiday lights
  • Kitchen and cooking equipment
  • Clothes dryers
  • Space heaters or portable heaters
  • Overloaded transformers and power supplies
  • Short circuits
  • Old or broken generators
  • Worn or damaged cords and plugs
  • Lamps and light fixtures
  • Hot water heaters and furnaces
  • Electric fireplaces
  • Defective or worn insulation
  • Water damage from precipitation
  • HVAC systems

Hire qualified electricians in Medford to thoroughly inspect your home or business’s electrical system and equipment this fall to help prevent wintertime structure fires. If you’re dusting off equipment you haven’t used since last winter, get a professional to ensure its safety before plugging it in or turning it on.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, as well as in every bedroom. Test detectors regularly. Purchase fire extinguishers and have them close to common locations for fires, such as kitchens. Establish an evacuation plan in case of a fire emergency. Never use extension cords with space heaters and avoid overloading your outlets. When in doubt, call Winters Electric.

 

Sources:

http://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/fire-statistics/fire-causes/electrical-and-consumer-electronics/electrical

 

 

3 Ways To Ensure Your Home Is Energy Efficient In The New Year

31Dec
by Winters Electric  
0

7675439_sNow that we are moving closer to the new year – many families and household enjoy planning out their goals and resolutions.

 

This is the time of year when people start thinking about which vacations they want to be saving for and where they could scrimp a little to do some home improvements.

 

One area that we can always stand to improve when it comes to saving money is utility bills. With just a few simple utility usage changes, you can see some serious savings in your power bill – and that extra money can go right into the budget for that new hot tub or Hawaiian vacation you want!

 

Here are a few of our best suggestions for energy efficiency and saving money on your power bill this year:

 

  • Make it a family affair. No matter how old your kiddos are, it is important to make sure that everyone in the household knows how important it is to be energy-efficient. Things like turning the light off when you leave a room can make a huge difference and even preschoolers can understand that concept and help to make it happen. If you get everyone on board – they can all remind each other and that will help you from having to be the bad guy.
  • Switch to LED where you can. As you are taking down your holiday lighting and putting it away for the season – double check to make sure that everything has an LED bulb and replace those that don’t. LED bulbs burn much brighter but they lose a lot less electricity than regular bulbs. Consider switching out your indoor and outdoor lighting as well. Any lamps in your home or lights in your bathroom vanity should be switched to LED as they are used several times throughout the day. Outdoor lighting like your porch light should also be replaced with LED lights – especially if you have the lights on all night while you are sleeping
  • With the cold weather it is important to be thoughtful about how much you are using your heater. Experiment a little with the thermostat and find the lowest temperature that you can set it to without being uncomfortable. Put some flannel sheets and heavy blankets on the beds in your home so that you can set the thermostat even a couple of degrees lower at night and still be comfortable.

 

Stay focused on energy-efficiency this winter with these quick tips for keeping your power bill small and your vacation budget big!

3 Ways To Make Sure Your Home Is Energy-Efficient

16Mar
by Winters Electric  
0

21579260_sMost people are cautious of their household budget. Things like groceries and utility bills fluctuate quite a bit from month to month depending on the habits of the people in the home.

This is definitely true during the summer and spring months when the weather gets warmer. Now that we have seen a break in the freezing temperatures, it is time to start being mindful of power usage and being energy efficient around the home.

During the spring and summer months, many households will see a significant increase in their power bills due to most families being much more active during the summer months. Things like extra outdoor lighting for eating outdoors and swimming pool motors and filters all require more electricity usage that we normally see during the other times of the year.

Heading into the spring and summer months, make sure that you and your family are following these simple tips for efficient energy usage:

  • A major source of energy waste during the summer months is in the kitchen. Using the oven during the summer will not only cause unnecessary energy usage because you could be cooking outdoors, but it will also cause your kitchen to heat up leaving your air conditioner working overtime. Any chance you get during the summer months it is best to cook outdoors.
  • Make sure that the areas around your windows and doors are properly sealed. This is especially important to do now that the winter has passed as the high winds and swirling debris and leaves can cause damage to weather stripping over time. Keeping windows and doors airtight is important in all seasons and during the summer will ensure that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard.
  • Keep your bathroom and laundry room fans running during the day time hours when you are at home. These fans are designed to help with ventilation and will reduce the heat and humidity inside of your home. And, not only when their respective rooms are in use. The energy they save by keeping your home cool far outweighs the energy they use by running.

The air conditioning in many homes can be a big expense as well. During the winter months, we can add an extra layer to stay warm and keep the heater turned down a bit but, during the summer months it is difficult to escape the heat, and so the air conditioner is usually running around the clock.

 

How To Minimize Stress On Your Electrical System

13Aug
by Winters Electric  
0

37737821_sThe electrical appliances in homes throughout the Country get especially overworked during these months of summer. Whether it is from the air conditioner running overtime or, ceiling fans going all day long the summer months put an extra strain on your electrical system.

When the electrical system in your home is stressed, there can be malfunctions and fire hazards. To avoid this, follow these tips for minimizing the drain that your electrical use has on the system:

  • Always have your air conditioner and other appliances inspected and provided maintenance annually. When appliances are clean and the components are working properly they will use far less electricity. This is especially true for your air conditioner. Having the filter changed and the cooling agent at the proper level will make a big difference. Also, any mold or mildew that is growing in the hoses will cause clogs that can make the motor work harder and eventually burn up. Having regular maintenance checks by a professional will help to avoid these situations.
  • If your home is older or, if you have just moved in it is a good idea to have a professional electrical inspection. An electrician will be able to recognize any areas of concern where you might need repair or replacement, added electrical outlets, and any scenarios where you are using your electrical system inappropriately. For instance, permanently using an extension cord as a way to have an appliance in a preferred spot is an inappropriate way to use your electrical system and could cause a fire hazard.
  • Knowing what dangerous electrical situations look like is the best way to avoid them. If you notice that your lights flicker on a regular basis, or there is one breaker in your home that always trips, these are signs of an electrical system that is overworked and needs maintenance. Don’t ignore these signs simply because they are subtle, it is important to have them investigated.

There are still several days left of warm weather and summer activity. This means several more days of your electrical system being overworked. Follow these tips to minimize the damage.

 

Routine Maintenance Tips for Your Breaker Panel

11Feb
by Winters Electric  
0

 

Electrical circuit panel

 

newest technology innovative electric panel boxYour breaker panel is basically your house’s control center as far as electricity goes, and being such, it is very important that you make sure that it is always performing at its best. With a broken panel, not only can you expect constant electrical fluctuations, but also poses a threat of becoming a fire hazard. In order to keep this from happening, it is highly recommended that you make it a point to regularly inspect your breaker panels.

Because of the dangers of improperly handling electrical repairs, it is imperative that you take all the precautions necessary for safety. This includes having the right equipment and safety gears like gloves and boots before starting any inspection.

There are several maintenance procedures that can be employed when checking your breaker panel, but the most common and easiest one would be the following.

First, make sure that you turn off all electrical equipment and appliances connected to specific circuits and unplug them from the electrical outlets. Breaker panels are always labeled according to specific circuits that they are servicing or areas of the house they power, so when you’re checking the kitchen for instance, unplug the refrigerator, microwave and other appliances before you get started. This will help to prevent any damage that may be caused by short-circuits.

Once done, it is time to work on the breaker panel. What you need to do is to switch the breaker on and off for at least three times. It is recommended that you give three seconds of interval in between the switching.

After this, you now plug back those appliances which you removed earlier. If the appliance doesn’t work, you may want to repeat the whole process and try again. If it still doesn’t then calling a certified electrician may be in order.

With regards to breaker panel maintenance, it is advisable to you turn your panel off at least once every year. Doing so will make sure that they will always be operating at their fullest. This also prevents the switch from getting stuck.

The above stated maintenance tips are pretty basic, but doing them will ensure that your electrical circuits will be in good condition and even prevent accidents and mishaps that may occur due to failed electrical systems. If you don’t have the time for such maintenance or would like a more in-depth inspection, then calling a professional is your next best bet.

How to Install a New Generator System for Your Business

28Jan
by Winters Electric  
0

Generator business installation

keeping business lights on generatorAll business rely on electricity to ensure continuous and smooth operations – from providing lighting to powering up work equipment and appliances like computers and others. As such, a steady and consistent flow of power is important. However, there are times when power does tend to go out for a variety of reasons, and in which case, a back-up generator for your business can come in handy.

When it comes to installing a new generator system for your business, certain things must be taken into consideration.

Choosing a Generator

There are basically various types of generators available in the market, and the type of generator you choose will essentially determine the generator system that you will have installed.

There are large generators which run on gas and fuel, and are best suited for larger businesses that heavily rely on electricity, such as those related in the medical fields or even in the hotel and hospitality industry. The great thing about these generators is that they can automatically turn on once a power outage occurs, reducing the need for you to manually open them when needed.

There are also smaller, portable generators that run on fuel and are able to provide sufficient electricity for smaller business like mom-and-pop shops. These are best suited for businesses with limited capital and for business owners who knows how to work their way around these stuff.

Actual Installation

Once you’ve chosen the most suitable generator for your business, the actual installation can start. During installation, be sure to follow all the guidelines and recommendations of the generator manufacturer to avoid electrical accidents and hazards. Also, make sure that your installation is in compliance with all the existing rules and regulations stated in your local building codes. Furthermore, never use undersized wires and extensions with your generator as doing so can damage the generator, your work equipment and can even start a fire. Lastly, make sure that you have CO2 sensors installed as well to help detect and warn you of high carbon emissions while using your generator.

There are certainly a lot of rules regarding safety and industry standards that cover generator system installations, and unless you are a certified electrician with experience and knowledge, it is best that you leave the installation process to a professional – for you and your business’ sake.

Steps to Choosing the Right Electrician Services Company

23Jul
by Winters Electric  
0

10392301_sTruth be told, it is often easier to find an individual electrician to help you with your electrical needs, especially if you know one personally, or have a friend who does. If you don’t, then you’d have to resort one of the many electrical service company listed in your Yellow Pages or has an office in your area. However, you may often find that dealing with a company is quite different from talking with your neighborhood handyman, and thus you’ll need to follow a series of steps which can somehow help alleviate this problem.

Credentials Are Important
When you choose to hire an electrical services company, you need to take some time in checking and ensuring that they have the appropriate credentials and qualifications require by the state and the law. Reputable electrical services companies will always be proud to present their state licenses and certifications when you ask to see it, and if they don’t, you may want to start looking for another electrical services company. Remember that the risks involved in low quality electrical work is tremendous and can result to loss of life and property.

So Are References
It never hurts to ask a neighbor or a friend for some references and recommendations if they have any, but you should still take it upon yourself to do your own research. You want to look at the company’s history and make sure that they have good records in the area they service.

Learn about Their Employees
The employees and staff of electrical services companies often reflect the kind of service that the company provides. You are not out of your bounds to ask about the licenses and qualifications of each of their electricians, and you can even conduct a background check for any anomalies the company has been involved in or any reports of inappropriate behaviour about their staff (e.g. smell of alcohol when reporting to the site of work).

Ask for a Contract
Any legitimate electrical services companies will ask you to sign a contract with them before they do any actual work on your property (except in cases of free inspections). When they do, be sure to read all information written there, including insurances and others. If something is not clear to you, be sure to ask them for clarifications, especially with regards to the fine print.

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