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How Can I Decrease My Electric Bill?

How Can I Decrease My Electric Bill?

Electricity is a huge cost for most homeowners, but fortunately there are plenty of ways to save energy for year-round savings.

Turn Off Electronics And Appliances
One of the simplest ways to decrease your electric bill is to unplug electronics and appliances when you aren’t using them. You’ll save a few dollars per month, but it also helps to lower your risk of an electrical fire. Among the most common energy vampires are your microwave, DVD player, VCR, cable box, or computer. They all suck electricity even when you’re not using them, and they contribute to phantom power or standby power bills that can add up to 23% of your energy costs! To combat this, you can buy an electricity monitor that plugs in each device and records their wattage usage. This can help you identify the energy vampires and save money on your electricity bill.

Turn Off The Water
Taking the time to turn off the water when you are not using it can save you a lot of money on your bill. It also can help prevent water damage in case of a plumbing emergency. Ideally, every person living in your home should know where to find the main water shut-off valve in their property. It should be a lever-type valve with a wheel control or lever handle.

Insulate Your Home
Insulation helps prevent heat from escaping your house by acting as a barrier that blocks the movement of air. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home, properly insulating your walls, attic, crawl space, rim joists, and electrical outlets will dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs, as well as increase your comfort.

Run Your Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
If you have a time-of-use electricity plan, you can lower your electric bill by running appliances during off-peak hours. These times are cheapest because they’re less busy for the energy provider. In summer, peak demand hours are typically from 1pm to 7pm on weekdays and 4pm to 9pm in some areas during the day, because people are using air conditioning. Off-peak periods are usually nighttime hours, which tend to be quieter and cheaper. You can save money on your utility bill by putting your major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers on delayed start during these times.

Install A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a great way to decrease your energy bill because it automatically learns how your home feels and adjusts to keep the temperature perfect for you. They also help you track your energy usage so you can see how much you’re saving. The savings may vary depending on the climate you live in and your energy bill, but a smart thermostat should save you about 8 percent on average. It’s a small amount, but it could mean a big difference in your monthly budget.

How Often Does My Pool Light Need Inspection?

Are you wondering how often you should have your pool electrical system inspected? This type of thing can not be completed by a homeowner; an electrician should perform this task. Electricians are equipped and knowledgeable when it comes to repairing potentially dangerous issues such as faulty wiring in the pool’s light. This can cause electrocution and other dangers. Bad wiring can also cause water to flow into the light itself, which can cause deadly consequences.

An experienced electrician can check to ensure the wiring has a continuous ground and that all pool lights have a separate grounding system. Depending on where you live, there may be zoning restrictions against homeowners being able to perform any repairs or inspections on their own electrical system.

Since 1990, there have been almost 50 serious electrical shocks and 60 electrocutions involving swimming pools. This is according to the U.S. Product Safety Commission and the American Red Cross. Both adults and children can suffer fatalities due to an electrical shock. If you suspect someone in the pool is experiencing a shock, you should immediately turn off the power and call for help. Water is the perfect conductor of electricity, and if you fail to turn off the power prior, any rescuer can become a victim.

Continue reading to find out more about how often you should have your pool’s electrical system inspected.

When To Schedule Pool Light Inspection
Spas and swimming pools should be tested and checked each year prior to the swimming season. It is imperative that you have a periodic inspection scheduled of your electrical system by a professional electrician at regular intervals. This will help you determine if there is any defective electrical work present. Additionally, it will inform you of any potential shock risks, overloaded pump equipment or circuits, or a lack of necessary earthing or bonding that needs to be handled immediately.

A professional can inspect and test your pool’s electrical system and is among the only qualified professionals to handle this type of work.

Electrical systems in pools can deteriorate over time. If you live in states such as Florida, you are prone to frequent power surges and lightning strikes which can leave you at risk for pool or hot tub damage. To ensure your safety and the safety of others when using the pool or hot tub, you must ensure all systems are in good working condition. You should also ensure that all repairs comply with safety standards and that all defects or damages have been addressed.

Any issues you notice should be reported immediately. Furthermore, your pool should not be used until repairs have been corrected.

Licensed electricians are available to service your pool’s electrical system. Many issues can have an impact on your pool’s electrical system. You can contact your nearest electrician to schedule a pool electrical system check-up.

Can I Hardwire My New Dishwasher?

Installing a dishwasher is not the easiest undertaking. You might think that you can do this without any struggles. However, all electrical installations and connections can be challenging. You might make the wrong connections, resulting in a short circuit and possibly a fire. You need to understand the following concepts before undertaking this task.

Dishwasher Electrical Connections
In most cases, the dishwasher comes with a power cord that you can connect to an electrical outlet. The other end of the power cord connects to the dishwasher. You can choose to either hardwire the dishwasher or use a plug-and-play design. If you have never done this before, you should consider calling a professional electrician to help you with the installation.

Hardwiring a Dishwasher
You should only hardwire a dishwasher if the manufacturer recommends this installation method. You need to connect the black, white, and green wires to the electrical box. The green wire is the ground wire, which helps to protect you in case of an electrical shock. The black and white wires are the live wires which supply electricity to the dishwasher. Connect the black wire to the brass-colored screw and the white wire to the silver-colored screw.

Installing a Dishwasher
Only install a dishwasher if you have the necessary tools and equipment. You need a screwdriver, a hammer, a drill, an adjustable wrench, and pliers. You also need a dishwasher installation kit, which you can purchase from most hardware stores. The kit contains all the necessary hoses, clamps, and connectors that you need to install the dishwasher.

Connecting the Dishwasher
Once you have installed the dishwasher, connect it to the water supply and to the drain. The dishwasher must be level so that it can operate correctly. Use shims to level the dishwasher if necessary. Connecting the dishwasher to the water supply is a simple task. Connect one end of the water supply hose to the dishwasher and the other to the water supply valve.

Turning On the Dishwasher
Once you have connected the dishwasher, turn on the water supply and the power. You can then test the dishwasher to see if it is working correctly. If the dishwasher does not operate correctly, you need to call a professional to service it. Remember, your dishwasher will only work correctly if it is properly installed and connected.

Are Dishwashers Hardwired or Plug-In?
The simple answer is that it depends on the model of the dishwasher. Most dishwashers come with a power cord plugged into an outlet, but some models must be hardwired. Definitely consult your dishwasher owner’s manual or installation instructions. This will assist you in making the correct decision on whether to hardwire or plug in your dishwasher.

Conclusion
When installing a dishwasher, make sure you connect the power cord correctly. It could result in an electrical shock or a fire if you don’t. DIY dishwasher installation and connections might seem easier. However, to be safe, consult a professional electrician before undertaking any electrical installation.

What to Do to Prevent Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards are the biggest causes of fires, electrocutions, and other injuries. Therefore, you must always take every step possible to avoid causing an injury. These are some tips for preventing electrical hazards in your home, office, or apartment.

Have an Electrician Inspect Electrical Equipment
The best way to ensure that all of your electrical devices and components are safe is to have an electrician inspect them. You’ll want to have a professional perform an inspection during these crucial times:

Before moving into a new home
Before selling a property
Whenever you notice a problem
An electrician can write a report and notify you of any hazards immediately. You can then schedule a service to solve the issue before it causes any problems.

Keep Water and Metal Away From Electrical Components
Water and electricity never mix. The only thing more dangerous than water is metal components. Thus, you’ll need to avoid placing drinks and other liquids near electrical devices, plugs, or outlets. Also, don’t ever place a metal object into an outlet to test it or try to work on outlets without the proper training.

Tend to Frayed and Damaged Wiring Immediately
Wires can get damaged for a variety of reasons. Rodents sometimes chew wires when they have nothing better to do. Wires can also wear with age or overheat when an electrical appliance has an issue. It’s best to give your devices a visual inspection at least once a week to look for possible problems. Use certified electrical tape to cover damaged areas. This will prevent sparks from touching flammable items and prevent the damage from worsening.

Wear Protective Gloves When Working With Electricity
Protect yourself from accidents and mishaps by wearing protective gloves when performing even the simplest tasks on an electrical device. That means you should wear gloves even when you’re applying tape to a cord. Regular rubber gloves are good, but you may want to invest in a pair of regulation electrician gloves to keep around the house in case you need to touch some electrical components.

Use Outlet Covers if You Have Children
Children are curious and sometimes get the urge to explore electrical components, especially when they are at the crawling stage. Thus, you should invest in outlet covers to avoid any injuries from happening to your little ones. Outlet covers are inexpensive and normally come in large packs so that you can cover all of your outlets with one box.

Take Action on Faulty Appliances
You can usually tell something is wrong with an appliance when it acts up. Repetitive blown fuses are an example of an issue that a faulty piece of machinery can cause. You also might notice that a certain appliance shocks you or goes in and out of working order. Those are all signs of an electrical issue you shouldn’t ignore. When such issues happen, stop using the appliance and have someone look at it. You can de-energize electrical components by turning them off, unplugging them, and placing a block underneath them for good measure.

Those are just a few helpful tips for keeping yourself and your family safe. Use them wisely to avoid incidents that can cause serious injuries.

Can I Install My Own Landscape Lighting?

If you want to brighten up the outside of your house, landscape lighting is a welcome alternative. Today, millions of homeowners have incorporated outdoor lighting fixtures for this critical role. There’s no doubt that this is a major infrastructural undertaking on your property, but there’s every chance you need it. Here are the creative DIY tips to consider as you incorporate landscape lighting into your property.

1. Install Underground Wiring

Underground wiring is necessary if you have a large area covered by the lighting system. This will also ensure that your fixtures are safe from damage, weather elements, and lawnmowers. Installing the underground wiring may require some expertise, and it’s recommended that you hire a professional electrician for this job. Underground lighting helps to create a more permanent lighting system for your home.

2. Consider Different Types of Lights

When it comes to outdoor lighting, many types of lights are available in the market. You can choose from solar lights, low-voltage lights, and LED lights. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Solar lights are the most inexpensive and easy to install. However, they may not provide enough light for large areas. Low-voltage lights are more expensive, but they offer lighter and are easier to install. Finally, LED lights are the costliest, but they last longer and use less energy.

3. Create a Plan

Creating a plan is an essential step in any DIY project. This is especially true for a complex project like landscape lighting. You need to determine the purpose of the lighting, the type of lights you’ll use, the location of the lights, and the size of the area to be covered. Once you have a plan, it will be easier to execute the project and avoid making mistakes.

4. Choose the Right Location for Fixtures

The location of the fixtures is essential for two reasons. First, it determines the amount of light cast on the area. Second, it affects the aesthetics of the property. The best locations for landscape lighting fixtures are along driveways, near doors and windows, and in flower beds. Ensure that the fixtures are not too close to the house as this can cause glare.

5. Install the Fixtures

Installing the fixtures is relatively easy if you have a plan and the right tools. First, dig a hole for the fixture using a shovel. The depth of the hole should be half the height of the fixture. Next, insert the wire into the hole and connect it to the fixture. Finally, place the fixture in the hole and cover it with dirt. The installation of outdoor lighting fixtures is not difficult, but it does require some planning and effort. With these tips, you can easily install your landscape lighting.

Conclusion

DIY outdoor lighting installation is possible with the right tools, materials, and planning. However, it’s best to hire a professional electrician for more complex projects. However, a landscape lighting specialist can also help you plan and install your system. Outdoor lighting forms a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and make it safer at night. With these tips, you can easily install your landscape lighting. Call Walsh Electric today for a free consultation.