Category Archives: Electricians

Should I Call An Electrician To Wire My Hot Tub?

Electrical Grounding, Electrical Installation, Electrical Maintenance, Electricians

Should I Call An Electrician To Wire My Hot Tub

Should I Call An Electrician To Wire My Hot Tub?

Many homeowners choose to take on the wiring themselves. They figure it will save them money and time. But hot tub installation is not really such a simple task, and it can involve all kinds of unforeseen details. In addition, you may even need to upgrade your electrical service to accommodate the increased power load.

Upgrading Your Electrical Service

When you buy a hot tub or install one, it requires a certain amount of power. Depending on how old your home is, it may not have the extra circuit breakers needed to accommodate this increased power load. That is why upgrading your electrical service is so important. This allows your new appliance to use the energy it needs safely and efficiently without tripping your breaker or burning out your appliances. If you are putting a new appliance in that will consume more power than your panel can handle, such as a hot tub or air conditioning, the entire service will need to be upgraded to accommodate this. This is especially true if the house was built more than 10 years ago and doesn’t have the required breaker space to accommodate your newest technology. This will also allow you to lower your insurance premiums and add value to your property.

The Potential Hazards

It’s best to leave the installation of a hot tub to a professional electrician. They are trained and experienced in wiring heavy-duty electronics like spas, and they know what to look for during the installation process to ensure your safety. In addition, they will ensure that your electrical system is in compliance with code requirements. For example, they will install a GFCI outlet to prevent any electrical shorts that could be harmful to anyone using your hot tub. Aside from that, they will also ground your hot tub’s wires to the earth in case of an emergency. If you don’t do this, then you risk the possibility of your hot tub tripping the breaker and causing a fire. Another common mistake is failing to bond the metal parts that carry current together and secure them to the panel. This can lead to electrocution if they’re not properly bonded, especially when touched by someone in the hot tub.

Call In The Professionals

A hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It is also a wonderful addition to your home and can be used year-round. But before you can enjoy the benefits of a hot tub, it must be wired correctly. The wires should run through a conduit, which can be buried under or above ground. And before you start digging, it’s important to call your city building department to learn the appropriate depth and location for your conduit. DIY wiring mistakes in this area can often pose a serious risk, exposing you to shock and electrocution if the improper wiring is not fixed. Therefore, as with any electrical wiring project, you should always hire a licensed electrician to help do it for you. 

How To Choose A Ceiling Fan Replacement

Ceiling Fans, Electricians

How To Choose A Ceiling Fan Replacement

How To Choose A Ceiling Fan Replacement

When choosing a new ceiling fan, it’s important to think about where you plan to hang it. Will the ceiling fan installation take place in a living room or are you searching for the best outdoor ceiling fan to cool off things on your patio?

Getting Started

A ceiling fan is a simple design intended to circulate air, creating a cool breeze. Depending on the model, you may have a number of options for blades and accessories like light kits or a downrod. The first thing to do is decide what you want your new fan to do. Do you want it to be a main source of cooling, add extra lighting or simply increase the overall ambiance? Next, you’ll need to determine where in your home you plan to install it. Generally, fans work best in rooms where people spend a lot of time – such as living rooms and office lobby areas – and where the ceilings are relatively high. And before starting the project, you will need a number of tools and supplies. These include a screwdriver, voltage tester, wire cutters and wire caps.

Budget

The overall cost of a new ceiling fan will depend on the type you choose, the features and accessories you add and the labor you need to install it. The cost will also be affected by whether the existing wiring needs to be changed or if you want your electrician to run new wires and add a switch. If you need to change the existing wiring to support a ceiling fan, you will have to pay extra for this. The electrician will have to open up walls, run wires, and put boxes in place. It can be a big job that might cost up to $2,000.

Energy Efficiency

Whether you want to save money on your energy bill or reduce your carbon footprint, a new ceiling fan can be an excellent way to cut back. You just have to choose the right one. To find out how much a new fan will cost to run, first determine its wattage. Then, multiply that number by the cost of a kilowatt hour that your utility company charges. The resulting number should be close to zero. That means that it costs less than a nickel to run the fan for an hour, which is a good start. If you want to really save money, look for fans with high airflow efficiency and low electricity usage. That will mean that you don’t have to turn up the speed or increase the blade size to move more air, which will use a lot more energy.

Ask A Professional

It’s hard to beat the convenience of mounting your fan directly to your ceiling joists. To do so, you’ll need a specially rated hanger and box and a sturdy ladder or scaffolding. For the best combination of quality and price, you’ll want a professional to get the job done right. Fortunately, Walsh Electric is here to help. Our staff will provide you with an estimate and set you up with all the tools you need to install a top-of-the-line ceiling fan replacement in no time at all. You’ll also find our helpful staff available for questions and advice at your beck and call. So, let’s get started! You’ll soon be ready to tackle your upcoming project with confidence!

How Often Should You Have Your Home Electrical Checked?

Electrical Fire, Electrical Grounding, Electrical Installation, Electrical Maintenance, Electricians, Residential Electrical Problems

How Often Should You Have Your Home Electrical Checked?
A common question for homeowners is “How often should I have my home electrical checked?” The answer depends on a number of factors. The main thing to remember is that a regular inspection is a preventative measure that will keep you safe from electrical hazards.

Older Houses
When you live in an older house, you may find that the electrical systems that were installed are not designed to support all the appliances and electronics that we use in our daily lives. This means that you may experience a short circuit, tripping of the breakers and fuses or overloaded circuits. If you are experiencing these issues, then it is important to have your home electrical checked and fixed as soon as possible by a professional electrician.Older houses typically have older wiring systems that do not have ground wires, which is a safety concern. This kind of wiring can interfere with your ability to get homeowners insurance or a mortgage, and you could risk an electrical fire in the house. Another common problem with older homes is jury-rigged electrical work that was done by previous owners. This is a big reason why many home inspectors recommend having your home inspected by a licensed electrician.

Remodeling/Renovation
If you’re planning on doing a major remodeling or renovation project, it might be a good idea to get your electrician’s opinion on the best ways to approach your power needs in the most efficient way possible. You might also want to take a closer look at your electric meter. While you’re at it, check out your lights, receptacles and appliances to see how much electricity they use. If you’re able to trace each device back to its corresponding circuit, you’ll be able to determine which one is the most efficient.

Severe Weather
Often, the best way to prepare for severe weather is to have your home’s electrical system checked. A professional electrician can help you determine if any electrical components need to be replaced or repaired. For example, if your house’s wiring has been damaged by a power surge, you may need to replace it. The electrician can also help you determine how to safely use appliances and light fixtures that run on electricity without risking injury. And while it’s good to be prepared for severe weather, the most important step you can take is to keep your family safe. When severe weather strikes, you don’t have much time to make important decisions. Taking the necessary steps now to protect you and your family could mean the difference between life and death.

Call In The Professionals
When it comes to your electrical system, the first thing that a professional will be looking for is whether the circuits are adequate for your needs. These circuits are what dispense electricity from your electric provider to individual devices, such as appliances and lighting fixtures. A reputable electrical contractor will be able to check to see if there are proper circuits in your home, as well as ensure that each room has the necessary amounts of general lighting and appliance circuits to meet your electrical demands. A thorough electrical inspection will help ensure that you don’t end up with costly repairs down the road.

How Can I Decrease My Electric Bill?

Articles, Business Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Electrical Fire, Electrical Installation, Electrical Maintenance, Electricians, Kitchen Electrical, Residential Electrical Problems

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.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover an Electrical Panel Fire?

Electrical Installation, Electricians

The electrical panel, also referred to as a “breaker box, ” controls the electricity in your entire home. It comes with a range of controls that allow electricians to manipulate how electricity flows and ensure there’s balance in electricity flow throughout your home. It also allows you to turn off electricity in various parts of your home whenever you need to.

Your electrical panel may seem harmless, but it is one of the leading causes of fires in homes. In most cases, you may never know until it’s too late. In this article, we will discuss how you can care for your breaker box, prevent fires and protect yourself from financial ruin in case it happens.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electrical Panel Fire?

Fortunately, yes. Home insurance covers fires caused by electrical panels. However, different insurance companies have different regulations that determine coverage eligibility. The type of panel, age and residential code in your area can affect your coverage eligibility. For instance, if your panel caused fire due to wear and tear, poor maintenance or age, your insurance company may not compensate you for the damages. You will only be compensated if the fire was purely accidental.

How Often Should You Have Your Electrical Panel Checked?

Your insurance company expects you to conduct regular panel maintenance to reduce the chances of filing a home insurance claim. How often you get your electrical system inspected depends on the age of the house, the number of appliances running and the number of people living in that home. Most electricians recommend having your panel checked at least every 3 to 5 years. If your panel is older than 30 years, you might need to get an electrical contractor to upgrade it to the latest safety standards.

What Are the Signs You Need to Upgrade or Replace Your Electric Panel?

You don’t have to wait until something bad happens to change your electrical panel. During an inspection, your electrician may recommend a breaker panel upgrade or individual circuit breaker replacement. For instance, if one of your circuit breakers trips even when it’s not overloaded, it might be faulty and may need to be replaced.

However, if you have more circuit breakers tripping for no apparent reason, you may need to change the entire box as this could mean either the panel is worn out or it can’t handle the current electricity needs in your home. Another sign is if lights are flickering or dimming, especially when you connect to another appliance. You also want to pay attention to burning smells around the panel. Check if the wires are warm to the touch, if there is fire residue in some parts of the panel or a plastic burning smell.

Keep Your Electric Panel in Great Condition With Walsh Electric

Now that we’ve established that your home insurance can only compensate you for a panel fire if it is purely accidental, why not take the initiative to have it inspected, replaced or upgraded? Walsh Electric can help you with any electrical service you need to keep your panel from causing fires. Call us at (703)-451-6622, and we will be happy to help.