Chad – Page 21 – Turn It On Electric

Tucson Lighting Upgrades: Everything You Need to Know

4May2021

The majority of Tucson homes were built 1970-1979. This means Tucson lighting upgrades are at the top of home improvements in Pima County. Lighting upgrades depend on what you want and need.

Do you want smart upgrades that reduce energy and save money on monthly energy bills? Do you want to increase your property value? Would you like to simply make your home more attractive and comfortable?

You can have all of that this year with residential Tucson lighting upgrades.

Fifteen Trending Tucson Lighting Upgrades

Lighting choices “can make or break” a room’s design and mood, says Better Homes & Gardens. It’s true: Use these ideas to give your rooms a new look and save energy.

You’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel with these 15 Tucson lighting upgrades:

Add decorator exterior light fixtures. Landscape lighting is an attractive addition to a home’s value, but what about adding a dramatic outdoor light fixture? Do away with those boring door/entrance lights and place an attention-getting outdoor fixture. Garage light upgrades will improve the curb value of your home.
Balance rooms with natural light when you can.
Be aware of scale. That dramatic kitchen chandelier shouldn’t overpower the entire room. Example: If your room is 10×10 feet, choose a light fixture about 20\” in diameter.
Choose the room’s focal point. If all the lighting is the same size and style, your vision seeks clarity. A dramatic chandelier over the kitchen table makes a huge difference. It should hang about 30 inches from the tabletop.
Consider layered lighting, even in tiny guest bathrooms. A lamp will enhance the room and give it an entirely new feel. Use a smaller bulb; lower wattage.
Get a lighting control app for your phone. If you don’t want to walk into a dark room, simply turn on the light beforehand. This is great when you’ve been away from home. And if you hear a suspicious noise somewhere in the house, turning on a light is a crime-stopper.
Install dimmer switches wherever possible. They save energy and can change the atmosphere of your room.
Install security lighting. A well-lit home perimeter is an important security measure. Motion-activating lights are theft deterrents. If you have elderly loved ones, pathway lighting is another safety measure you should consider.
Replace holiday lights with LED. Now’s a good time to sort and discard all those energy-hog holiday tree and outdoor lights. You’ll lower your December electric bill. Your replacement bulbs can last as long as 30 years.
Replace old ceiling fans. Let’s face it, they are fabulous upgrades if you don’t have one. But if you have an older, dated style of ceiling fan it just looks bad.
Replace the oldest light fixture in the house. This one change will make a big difference in home value, energy savings, property value, and the room itself.
Switch switches. New light fixtures respond better with new light switches.
Upgrade media lighting. You need less ceiling lighting and more lamps in the television room. Also, install good light-control window treatments. You can utilize natural light when you need it and block it when you don’t.
Upgrade the lightbulbs you use most often. EnergyStar® bulbs can save 75% in energy use; about $40-$135 per bulb.
Use lighting in unexpected ways. A low-hanging pendant light over a bedside table is one idea. You could uplight a corner plant or artwork.

Turn It On Electric Is Tucson’s Choice For Lighting Upgrades

As you prioritize your home’s Tucson lighting upgrades, be aware of the savings you’ll see in energy charge (kilowatt-hours actually used) and demand charge (peak amount of electricity used). You want the maximum energy savings for the most affordable, attractive light fixtures.

Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety, Tucson

Best Electrical Repair in Tucson

4May2021

You’ve decided on some minor repairs and a few electrical upgrades to your home. These will increase your property value and add value to your quality of life. You’ve contacted a local company requesting installations and some level of electrical repair in Tucson.

A shabby-looking van pulls up and the service technician hops out wearing torn, dirty clothing and smoking a cigarette. Don’t open the door.

If service professionals don’t take pride in their company or personal appearance, how will they take care of your home and possessions? (They won’t.)

What to Look For: Professional Electrical Repair in Tucson

From the first communication to the electrical project’s completion, you should expect electrical repair in Tucson to be nothing less than professional and customer-care oriented. It should go without saying that you should receive superior quality electrical services, but that’s not always the case.

Look for an established business that’s here to stay. A service company that has been in business over the years is likely invested in your community. Shoddy workmanship and low customer satisfaction ratings aren’t even a possibility for your family’s local Arizona electrician.

Here are some things to look for when you’re planning a renovation project or need electrical repair in Tucson:

Ask for proof of insurance – The contractor should have insurance that protects your home/property and on-the-job employees that might be injured.
Buyer beware – Anyone offering electrical work under $1,000 doesn’t need a license. That means you get what you pay for and your “handyman” isn’t required to take responsibility for poor quality work or even damages. Verify your electrician has a contractor license issued by the Registrar of Contractors. Professional electrical contractors must have training, pass a trade/business/law exam, and submit proof of a bond.
Check the BBB rating – An electrical contractor with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is preferred.
Google them – Independent testimonials are valuable.
LEED-certified – Energy-saving installations and electrical repair will increase property value and save money on electric bills. LEED is the sustainable building standard of the United States Green Building Council.
Money talks – Your electrician will be upfront about costs and scope of work. If the conversation seems to be vague or has an unnecessary sense of urgency (“We need to do this today while this price is good…”), walk away.
Request license verification – You need an R-11 license to be a Maricopa County electrician in Arizona.
Talk about technology qualifications – If the electrician isn’t sure how to install a garage charging station for your hybrid car, chances are the company employees don’t receive ongoing education.
Technology training is required for electrical:
- Car charging station(s)
- Light timers/photovoltaic panels
- Security installations
- Smart-home thermostats
- Solar-ready panels
- Water heater timers

TIO Electric: The Best Electricians in Tucson, Phoenix, & Scottsdale

For more than 10 years, Turn It On Electric has been driven by customer care and safety. In order to be the best in a competitive business, we make recommendations based on what you need and what you can afford.

We also want your electrical work to be environmentally safe, so please ask questions. The more you know, the better your decisions will be. After all, we’re not “just” your service partner. We’re your neighbor.

Contact Turn It On Electric today.

Electric Bill

16 Ways to Save Power

4May2021

There’s a sonnet: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” All of us in Arizona love saving energy. It may be second-only to saving money.

Your Turn It On Electric pros in Phoenix want you to do both. There are so many ways to save power! Most are easy and inexpensive.

Identifying Ways to Save Power…And Dollars

All ways to save power are smart. Some energy-saving tips are as simple as turning off the heating/cooling system and opening the windows on a nice-weather day. But smart technology has made ways to save power innovative and kind-of fun.

Many of these energy-saving tips will increase the value of your property. If you’re considering selling soon, energy upgrades deliver a very good ROI (return on investment).

Here are 16 ways to save power this year:

Air-dry laundry – Outdoor clothes hangers and drying racks are making a big comeback, but you can hang damp clothes on plastic hangers inside your home to save energy.
Ceiling fans – The styles have become so stylish that savvy homeowners are investing in ceiling fans more than ever. Remember, ceiling fans are not a DIY (do-it-yourself) electrical installation.
Doors/windows – These are energy-loss areas that can save money by maximizing energy efficiency. Explore ways to cut air loss or consider replacing them.
Energy/meter monitors – Energy monitors report real-time electric energy usage. There are 3 types: handheld, online, and plug-in. Knowledge is power: when you know how much energy you’re using, you can develop ways to cut back.
Insulation – You can heat or cool the outdoors if you have poor insulation. Consider adding-to or replacing attic insulation especially.
Lawn hose/sprinklers – You can have a zoned sprinkler system and hose faucet timer.
LED lighting – Residential LED light bulbs are the very best ways to save power. By 2027, LED lighting may be the most historical impact on energy savings in the U.S. You’ll save 75% on electricity use and they last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.
On-demand water heating – Tankless water heaters are as much as 14% more energy-efficient.
Reduce phantom power – Unplug the toaster and other appliances when not in use to reduce “phantom” energy waste.
Smart blinds – “Alexa, close blinds!” you can command, as the sun heats your room to an uncomfortable level. Some window blinds can be battery- or solar-powered and phone-controlled.
Smart power strips – Traditional power strips use energy even if you’ve turned off your computer and other appliances/devices. Smart power strips can detect when a device is asleep or on standby and cut the power.
Smart thermostat – You can reduce your energy bill 15%-25% by installing a programmable thermostat. Some smart thermostats actually “learn” your schedule and begin automatically making air adjustments.
Turn off the lights – The rule is: If you’ll be out of the room more than 15 minutes, turn the lights off. If you’ll be back within 15 minutes, it’s better to leave them on.
Upgrade appliances – Your old dishwasher uses 10 gallons of water every cycle. You’ll save energy with newer kitchen appliances.
Water regulators – There are low-flow fixtures and restrictor valves available to reduce the amount of water you and your family use.
Wear more/less clothing indoors – Bundle up in the winter and wear fewer clothes in the summer. But only if this won’t cause thermostat wars at home.

Turn It On Electric: Arizona’s LEED-Certified Electric Professionals

Turn It On Electric promotes efforts to save energy in Arizona. Our company is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the United States Green Building Council (USBG). We care about sustainable alternatives to increase energy efficiency in your home or commercial property.

If you have questions about ways to save power, contact us today.

Electrician, Lighting, Residential

Should You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

Can You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

4May2021

This could be the shortest blog ever shared. The answer to the question “Should you install recessed lighting yourself?” is no.

But wait. There’s more.

Can You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

Okay, you can install recessed lighting yourself. But you shouldn’t.

If your name isn’t “Bob Vila,” here’s why installing recessed lighting is not a DIY (do-it-yourself) project:

Legality

Laws vary, but in most Arizona cities and counties, you need a permit for electrical work. If you’re going to disconnect the electricity, you will need a permit.

In Phoenix, replacing a luminaire with a new one requires a permit. Replacing bulbs or a ballast doesn’t. If work is taking place to the wiring outside the luminaire, a permit is required.

Electrical work must be in compliance with the National Electrical Code. Even if you obtain a permit, if your house later fails an inspection, you’ll have to pay for a professional redo. You’ll not only have to pay to have the electrical do-over; you’ll have to pay for the re-inspection.

Risk

When you work with any electrical component, you risk electrocution and fire. A small shock is what happens if you’re lucky. There are “only” 30,000 non-fatal shocks every year. There are 1,000 deaths per year from electrical wiring shocks. Your risk is proportionately higher if you aren’t familiar with junction boxes and switches.

Faulty wiring can go undetected a long time and you’ll think you did the job “right.” Years later, when the insurance company researches the damages caused by the fire, if the damages resulted from your DIY electrical wiring job, they can deny coverage.

Safety

A licensed electrical contractor in Arizona completes 5 years and a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. He or she must also have 900 hours of classroom training.

Your local electrician understands:

Blueprints
Electrical circuitry
Electrical theory and calculations
Risk management
Safety precautions
Soldering
Welding
Wiring

…Some of which is required to install recessed lighting in your Maricopa County home.

You can’t fix what you don’t see. There are hidden electrical dangers throughout your home. Most hidden electrical dangers are in the attic, the area most likely to come into play when installing recessed lighting.

You can’t do what you don’t know, either. Without education and training, most of us don’t know enough to install recessed lighting.

…Even Bob Vila knows when to use professional electricians.

Advantages of Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting first appeared in the 1940s. What’s amazing is, recessed lighting has never been out of style.

Adventurous decorators can install one recessed light and use it as a downlight to illuminate a single, valuable item. Normally you have 3 or more installed at the same time. They offer a consistent light option in addition to better illumination. Kitchens and other work areas use recessed lighting as task lighting.

Perhaps the biggest advantage is recessed lighting makes rooms appear larger. It’s perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. Patios and outdoor recreational areas use recessed lighting because it’s a clean, uncomplicated look.

Really, the only thing “complicated” about recessed lighting is its installation.

It’s Tougher to Install Recessed Lighting

Some people believe installing recessed lighting is not worth it. In addition to the additional electrical challenges, one website said not to install recessed lighting because “You have to cut too many holes and they all have to be the same size.” They all must be the right size, too, or you’ll have an even bigger problem.

When you have your local electrical professional install recessed lighting, all the obstacles and challenges – including, legal, risk- and safety-related issues – disappear. The project will increase your property value, can save energy while providing additional light, and allow you the freedom of protection while enjoying your lighting upgrade.

TIO Electric: What Have We Done for You Lately?

Some of the Turn It On Electric projects in your community include:

Accent lighting
Appliance circuits
Ceiling fan installations/repair
Circuit breakers/fuses
Code corrections
Data/communication lines installations
Electric water heater wiring
Exhaust fan installations/repair
Fluorescent lighting
Generator transfer switch installation
Ground fault interrupt circuitry
Hot tub/spa/pool lights/filters hookups
Landscape lighting
LED lighting replacements
Lighting design
Motion-activated security system installations
Outlets/circuits maintenance/replacement
Security system installations
Service panel upgrades
Smoke detectors installations/maintenance/replacement
Surge protectors
Tech troubleshooting
Track lighting
Transformer troubleshooting
VFD (variable frequency drive) motor installations
Whole-house generation installations

What can we do for you? Tell us your thoughts. We’ll be honest about what’s affordable, what’s reasonable, and what will save you money. Contact Turn It On Electric today.

Commercial, Lighting, Residential

What is Recessed Lighting?

31Mar2021

Recessed lighting has made a comeback in a big way. This interior décor trend enhances homes and offices across the country. What is recessed lighting? What are the advantages or disadvantages of recessed lighting?

What Is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting is a light fixture installed into an opening in the ceiling. The light focuses downward and sometimes these lights are adjustable and dimmable.

Recessed lighting was developed in the 1940s but didn’t become popular until the 1970s. Their use dropped off until the 2000s. Now that we have LED bulbs and smart technology, recessed lighting is being installed like never before.

Recessed lights are also referred to as:

Canister lights
Down lights
Pot lights

Older homes with recessed lighting installed 20 years ago may now have dropped ceilings. The original recessed lighting might be covered by insulation. This is a big fire hazard and needs to be managed by your local electrical contractor.

Recessed Lighting Components

The three parts of recessed lighting are:

Bulb – Pre-LED, bulbs for recessed lighting were a problem. Incandescent and halogen lights were often used. They produced more heat and used much more energy. LED bulbs come in a variety of colors and you won’t need to change the bulb for 10-20 years. LED bulbs are energy-efficient.
Housing – The housing is the base of the light fixture, usually hidden within a wall or ceiling. It houses the electrical connections. Pre-LED, housing for recessed lighting had issues too.
Trim – Trim is the visible part of recessed lighting and can be decorative. It may include baffles, reflectors, shades, and can be a variety of colors and materials.

Considerations: Lighting Colors

When you opt for a recessed lighting upgrade, the light color is a major consideration. Recessed lights can be dimmable but the primary color is important. The colors are measured in Kelvin.

Cool, bright white – 6500K; the brightest end of the home and office spectrum
Soft, warm white – Interior lights for home and offices, usually 2700K
Warm, white light – 2700K-3200K for an inviting, pleasing atmosphere
Work lights – 5000K adds a bluish tint to white lights; best for intense/extended work settings

How Many Recessed Lights Do You Need?

One general rule is to measure your ceiling and divide it by 2. That means if your ceiling is 8´ high, you should space recessed lights four feet apart.

Here’s another formula:

total sq. footage x 1.5 = total wattage needed

total wattage ÷ 60 watts (or the wattage you need)
= total amount of recessed lights

Example: 240 sq.ft. room x 1.5 = 360 ÷ 60 (bulb wattage)
= 6 recessed lights needed

Why Choose Recessed Lighting?

The advantages of recessed lighting are numerous. LED bulbs are 5 times more energy-efficient than traditional lighting. Recessed lighting improves your property value, but it also makes each room appear larger. This is a psychological advantage if you’re selling your home in a buyer’s market.

Recessed lighting is an affordable upgrade that delivers dramatic results; perfect for:

Recessed lighting installation is not a DIY (do-it-yourself) job. The code and wiring requirements for our area of Arizona should be followed. Also, if property damage occurs as the result of a DIY light installation, your insurance company can deny coverage.

The paperwork and peace of mind of professional overhead light installation are too valuable to ignore.

TIO Electric: Your Project Partners

The national average cost for recessed lighting installation in 2021 is $130-$150 per fixture. This includes materials and labor. There are many variables that can affect the price. One is your location in the U.S. Other variables include the complexity of your structure and if your Arizona electrical contractor offers a bulk installation discount.

Contact Turn It On Electric to discuss prices for recessed lighting installation in your home or commercial building. Your project is affordable and doable. Let’s get started!

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Chuck P

01:46 23 Jan 25

Friendly, communicative, and professional.High quality work.

Renee Delu

18:10 11 Jan 25

Mike you are the best!! God bless you for comming out saturday when I blew my fuse trying to vacumm and shout out to Josh who although not have sat office hours called me anyway after I left a voicemail. .Bob Best was here and gave me amazing information that NO OTHER electrician had. .!! I'm happy to say this is an amazing caring company...and I'm a customer for life!! Please recognize and reward Mike And Josh for them saving me on Saturday as my security system had no power and my smoke alarm had been beeping for hours. These men deserve kudos. .if you are looking fir honest and highly qualified electrical work. This is where to go. I'm thankful and grateful. Bob is now an instructor ..I'm happy to know future electricians are being schooled and trained by him. Thanks to you all

Wally Johns

01:31 11 Jan 25

Good work and very polite guys.

Rebecca RB

01:03 21 Oct 24

This company literally saved us! We had some electrical issues discovered that were rather alarming and created an issue with the garage door opener completely lost power as well as our outdoor dusk to dawn lighting and the interior garage lights. Mike the electrician came to the rescue! He listened to the issues in my non electrical language (haha) translated it and solved everything with confidence! Knowledgeable, Friendly, prompt, professional and efficient! Highly recommended! Will definitely call for future needs!

luci redmond

15:28 12 Oct 24

Great customer service & a job well done!

Samuel Heffner

17:04 14 Aug 24

I called TIO Electric because a friend referred them and they did not disappoint. I had an issue and it was rough identifying the source of the problem. Miguel and Conrad worked together to identify and solve the problem quickly. As a services based business it was extremely important to get the repair done quickly and the team stayed to ensure the job was done before they left. I expected to have to schedule another visit due to the complexity of the case, but they understood I needed to be back up and running as soon as possible and got the job done in just a few hours. They were very professional and personable and the cost was in line with what I expected.Update 8/14/24: TIO helped me again. This time with an issue I was having at my home. Marcus was very nice and knowledgable and was able to identify the problem and make the repair in quick time. I had a secondary issue I wasn't too worried about, but Marcus took care of that as well. These guys know what they're doing. Still highly recommend.They did a great job. I would definitely recommend them for projects big and small.

Caren Zellmer

12:46 03 Jul 24

Excellent service!! Marcus has been to our house a couple of times and completed the work doing an AMAZING job. He was very polite, professional and explained every process to us. His work was also completed in a timely manner. It is very rare to find anyone with great work ethic anymore! This company is very lucky to have him. We would definitely recommend and use Turn It On Electric again.

Bob

14:42 10 Jun 22

They were on time, clean, friendly, professional and did an amazing job. I would have to say that the price was fair considering the amount of work done. Highly recommend Turn It On Electrical!