Chad – Page 23 – Turn It On Electric

Benefits of a ceiling fan switch

16Mar2021

Your ceiling fan has two chains and invariably, you turn the light off when, in fact, you want to turn the ceiling fan on. Or you tug the chain twice and it generates a whirlwind in the room. A ceiling fan switch solves both problems.

Quit Yanking Your Chain with a Ceiling Fan Switch

We like vaulted ceilings in Arizona. They are charming, have an “old-world” elegance, and if they offer plenty of natural light, can add value to a property. Some people think vaulted ceilings are a waste of space and energy.

If you have a vaulted ceiling, enjoy the natural light and add a ceiling fan because it conserves energy and costs about $12/year to operate. But you’ll need a ceiling fan switch. And the wiring may include working with cross-beams and drywall finishing. It’s a job for your local professional electrician.

Advantages to Ceiling Fans and Smart Switches

Ceiling fans are energy-savers. When you enter the house on a hot day, it’s tempting to adjust the thermostat to cool down. Turn on your ceiling fan first. Ceiling fans don’t actually affect room temperature, but they affect how you feel. They also can lower your heating bill if you have a reverse switch.

“To me, having to manually reach up and pull the pull-chain on a ceiling fan is as awful as having to manually lift up your garage door,” says Eric Blank. But it isn’t practical to toss out your old ceiling fan if it works well.

Blank says his ideal ceiling fan has:

Auto on/off with PIR motion sensors
Voice control
Wall switch – Sometimes you’re in a hurry. Nothing beats a ceiling fan switch.

You’ll have the best opportunity for customization if you install a separate light switch and ceiling fan switch on the wall. You can have wall-mounted fan-speed control; a “smart” process, but the convenience of manually adjusting fan and light.

Don’t DIY. Just Don’t.

The thing is when you’re wiring a ceiling fan switch, what seems logical – like using a dimmer switch that’s already in place – doesn’t work. You can’t use a dimmer switch for fan speed control.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll buy one of those WiFi switches that are sold as “fan controllers.” They don’t have the required circuitry to control a ceiling fan motor. The noise is the best thing that happens as a result; the motor damage is often beyond repair.

Fiddling with electricity is risky. And risking property damages that your insurance company won’t cover because of your do-it-yourself ceiling fan switch installation is a problem. Electrocuting the family pet is worse; much worse.

TIO Electric: Smart Electricians for Arizona

It’s just smarter to install smart controls throughout your home.

If you’d like to install a ceiling fan, you’re not stuck with a saloon-type rustic fixture. Ceiling fan styles are so interior-design savvy that some are room focal points.

If you want to upgrade your ceiling fan fixture, let’s discuss the possibilities. Turn It On Electric wants to make any home or office renovation exciting and affordable. Call or contact us today to learn more.

Ceiling Fans, Residential

Homeowners guide to ceiling fan installation

16Mar2021

There’s a lot to love about ceiling fans! For those of us interested in conserving energy while improving IAQ (indoor air quality), a ceiling fan installation is a logical upgrade to any room. Today’s ceiling fans are 60% more efficient, thanks to improved motors and blade designs.

5 Advantages of Ceiling Fan Installation

Five benefits of ceiling fan installation are:

Comfort – Ceiling fans circulate air, including warm air from your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit. Just reverse the fan blade direction clockwise to draw the warm air from the ceiling down toward the room, where you need it.
Lighting – Lighting will be enhanced by your ceiling fan light fixture. If you already have a working light, you can upgrade it with a ceiling fan for more attractive lighting ambience.
Please note: Just because you have the wiring in-place for lighting doesn’t mean you have the ceiling support to add the weight of a fan. Your local electrician will determine what’s needed for ceiling fan installation.
Lower monthly bills – Ceiling fans don’t work like your air conditioning system. They don’t generate cooler air. But the air circulation feels like the room is cooler, even when you raise the thermostat.
Style – You won’t have to compromise your cutting-edge contemporary interior décor with a rustic saloon-type ceiling fan installation. You’ll be amazed at the diversity in ceiling fan and lighting styles! You may even choose to make your new fixture a focal point.
Unlimited versatility – Ceiling fan installation is appropriate for any room in the house. And with the rise of outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas, a ceiling fan will enhance your porch or patio comfort.

Quit Pulling Their Chains

You don’t have to yank the chain – and inevitably, you grab the wrong chain – then tug it once, twice…no, that’s too much like a whirlwind, so you begin the chain-pulling process anew.

Ceiling fans are much smarter these days. You can say, “Alexa, turn on fan.” And Alexa will cheerfully say, “Okay!” You can operate with a Bluetooth-enabled ceiling fan installation. You can turn it on before you reach home to begin cooling-down a room or rooms.

One ceiling fan model exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements by a whopping 450% and comes with integrated LED lights in 16 brightness levels.

What You Should Know

Remember, you’re only saving energy by-the-room and if someone is in the room. Don’t run ceiling fans randomly throughout the house. By raising the thermostat and using a ceiling fan, you will maintain the same level of comfort for less energy.

We respect and admire homeowner DIYers (do-it-yourselfers) because they make informed decisions. The smartest DIYers know when to call a professional.

Ceiling fan installation is one of those times:

Building codes – Maricopa County and your city/town have specific building codes. If you don’t follow the codes, your ceiling fan installation would be a violation. If you’re thinking, “Who would know?” you’re right.
No one would know unless there was a house fire or injury resulting from your DIY ceiling fan installation. Then, you could be investigated, fined, and your insurance company denies coverage for property or personal injury resulting from your DIY project.
Danger – Did you know electricians wear textured-tread rubber-sole shoes? Some of our shoes are waterproof with safety toes. As you stand on your rickety ladder in your bare feet, seriously reconsider the DIY ceiling fan and chandelier installation.
It may look okay until it falls on the family pet. You may think it’s working well until someone gets shocked turning it on. Injury and electrocution are risks you shouldn’t take.
Electricity – The electricity you enjoy every day is a complex system. A DIY ceiling fan installation can lead to dangerous household problems with switches and sockets. You may pay more for the repair than the professional ceiling fan installation would have cost in the first place.

Call Turn It On Electric

Any ceiling fan or overhead lighting installation is a job for a professional electrician. Protecting your family and your property is your first concern. It’s ours, too.

Contact Turn It On Electric for more information.

Commercial, Lighting

5 Tips for Light Bulb and Ballast Replacement

8Feb2021

Facilities managers and property owners don\’t always understand light bulb and ballast replacement.

Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.
lrc.edu

Light bulb and ballast replacement also saves money by lowering energy bills. If you’re new to facilities management or commercial property maintenance, ballasts can be confusing.

What You Need to Know About Light Bulb and Ballast Replacements

“A ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source,” says lighting pro Terri Duncan. The ballast ensures a light bulb stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture.

1. Not all light bulbs require a ballast. Halogen, incandescent, and LED bulbs do not require a ballast, but some LEDs are engineered to work with your existing ballast. (LED ballasts are called “drivers” and every LED needs a driver to operate.)

Fluorescent and HID (high intensity discharge) bulbs require a ballast.

2. There are two types of ballasts for light bulb and ballast replacement: magnetic and electronic. Electronics are usually more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

3. For light bulb and ballast replacement you must know the type of light, quantity (1-4), and voltage.

Type of light – Fluorescent, etc.
Quantity – Lighting fixtures or lamps have 1-4 fluorescent bulbs (aka “lamps”).
Voltage – The U.S. uses 120-volt electrical systems.

4. You can DIY (do-it-yourself) some – not all – light bulb and ballast replacement and management:

Buy the correct replacement lamps. Not all 4-foot fluorescent bulbs are created equally. And replacement components should always match the original’s performance characteristics.
Check dimming pre-sets quarterly. Pre-sets rarely need to be changed, so you may ask your electrician to lock them.
Clean fixtures. The fixture’s output can be substantially reduced by dust accumulation. Have a professional electrician do this annually.
Record ballasts published ballast factor. You’ll need it to analyze if your lamps are actually delivering the promised amount of light.

5. You need an electrician for ballast and light replacement. One FAQ (frequently asked question) on AskingLot.com is, “Do I need an electrician to change a ballast?” The answer is always yes.

If damages occur as a result of your DIY ballast and light replacement, your insurance company can refuse to cover repair/replacement costs.

Many properties must retain commercial electrical services to remain compliant.
Your local electrician has the necessary tools.
Your safety is important.

Signs you have a bad ballast are:

Buzzing
Flickering
Low/inconsistent light
Slow-to-start

Turn It On Electric Is Your Light Bulb and Ballast Replacement Company

Retail businesses especially depend on service providers that can work after-hours. But sometimes light bulb and ballast replacement has to take place during store hours.

That’s why so many businesses prefer Turn It On Electric. If business interruption is necessary, we will work as quickly as possible to get you back to normal. We’re respectful of your need to give customers and clients their space. Quietly. Efficiently. Safely.

Creating a maintenance schedule for your commercial property can minimize emergencies. It can also save money. Your electrical applications will provide maximum output and better energy efficiency.

Contact Turn It On Electric if you have questions about commercial electrical service, including light bulb and ballast replacement.

Commercial, Lighting, Residential

4 Upgrade Lighting FAQs

8Feb2021

Our focus on comfort and energy savings is like never before. We want our homes, offices, and retail businesses to be inviting and eco-friendly.

But there’s an excitement surrounding interior lighting décor that’s energizing. Some trends are revealing unique concepts in home interiors and commercial properties’ lighting. If you’re thinking about upgrading your lighting this year, it’s a big project and one that will pay off in several ways.

The ROI (return on investment) of commercial lighting improvements is measurable:

Energy efficiency (reduced energy costs)
Increased office/workspace productivity
Lower maintenance with LED upgrades

Homeowners can see those ROI benefits in residential lighting upgrades, too.

There’s also something Amerlux calls “the possibility factor.” When you upgrade any area’s lighting, you increase the number of ways it can be used. Some things that weren’t possible before the upgrade now seem to be viable.

Here are four upgrade lighting FAQs (frequently asked questions) we recently received:

4 Upgrade Lighting FAQs

1. Q: Are there any new tax credits for upgrading lighting or electrical systems?
A: The two tax incentives that expired have been extended and are retroactive through December 31, 2020. There will likely be tax incentives available this year as well.

179D is based on energy-efficiency and square footage. It applies to commercial buildings and homes that are 4 stories or more. It’s good for:
- Additions
- Lighting upgrades to existing buildings
- New buildings
- Renovations
45L is a $1,000 or $2,000 tax credit for homes that meet Energy Star® requirements or that have energy use 50% lower than comparable properties.

2. Q: I’m a new facilities manager. Is there anything special I need to know about lighting upgrades?
A: The most important thing to know is commercial lighting installation or upgrades are not a DIY (do-it-yourself) project. If damages occur because of unlicensed non-professional work, the insurance company could deny coverage.

Specifically, facilities managers should study and know:

Energy code (maximum allowable watts/sq. ft.)
Newest commercial lighting trends, like color-tuning technology
Available daylight
Advances in lighting controls

3. Q: What are some of the residential lighting trends for 2021?
A: Some of the residential lighting trends to watch (or even better, consider for your home) include:

Colored glass
Geometric shapes
Horizontal lighting
Invisible, “hidden” lighting:
- Floor lamps
- Multilevel lighting
- Positional luminaires
- Recessed fixtures
Light scenarios:
- Color temperatures
- Different types of light sources (chandelier, lamp, sconce, etc.)
- Installing touch control panels, motion sensors
- Natural light maximization
- Relocation of switches/dimmers, control panels
- Several light source groupings
Mixed materials
Pendants
Portable lights
Rustic
Sculptural fixtures
Shades of black (especially matte black fixtures)
Vintage

4. Q: What lighting improvements are most Arizona homeowners making?
A: In 2020, lighting and overall electrical improvements (like installing more outlets) trended. Popular lighting upgrades continue to be security lighting and “smart” lighting. Installing outdoor motion/security lights, walkway lights, and being able to operate light fixtures from your phone improves safety (and can be fun).

This Year’s Lighting Décor Possibilities Are Energizing with TIO Electric

Turn It On Electric works with interior designers, other contractors, and home improvement weekend warriors. Together, we can effectively and safely create a new look for your home or install exciting lighting in your new home build.

If your questions weren’t included in these upgrade lighting FAQs, please let us know. Contact us to learn more about ways to upgrade your lighting this year.

Electrician, Jobs

4 Electrician Jobs FAQs

8Feb2021

If you’re looking for a job by a licensed, certified electrician, contact Turn It On Electric. We serve Maricopa County, Pima County, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and nearby neighborhoods and communities. We don’t consider a job well-done until you say we did a good job.

If you’re looking for a job as an electrician, contact Turn It On Electric. We serve Maricopa County, Pima County, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and nearby neighborhoods and communities. Our values and culture attract only the best employees. If that’s you, read on and discover our electrician jobs to learn more.

Electrician Jobs FAQs

1. Q: How can you tell an electrical services contractor is “the best?”
A: Ask your potential employer how many call-backs the company had last year. Too many call-backs indicate poor quality work.

Community involvement is another indicator that a company is invested in its business enough to promote itself through good works or support.

Finally, look at awards/testimonials, etc. Turn It On Electric has favorable ratings with:

Angie’s List – 2020 Super Service Award
Better Business Bureau – A+ rating
Home Advisor – 2020 Best of Home Advisor winner

2. Q: How does a good electrical services company communicate?
A: Communication skills are vital to electrical services professionals. Here’s why:

Building a client base – Communicating to customers that you want to be here for them when they need you builds a valuable customer base. You want families and other businesses to be able to say, “Turn It On Electric is our company and >your name here< takes care of us.”
Customer choices – Effectively explaining their problem to customers is just the beginning. A professional electrician will be able to also explain options; what’s most cost-effective now and what will be the best choice for the long run. Communication skills build trust.
Customer service – Communicating with customers helps them make informed decisions. When you have unexpected issues on a job, being able to explain why will relieve customers’ doubts and increase confidence. If you can share ways to lower their electrical/energy bills or offer valuable tips, that takes customer service to a superior level.

3. Q: How is work scheduled?
A: Emergencies don’t keep office hours. A good electrical contractor company is available 24/7. TIO Electric technicians take turns being “on-call.” That means, just like doctors, when you’re on-call you have to be available and able to work responsibly with short notice.

4. Q: What’s it like to work at TIO Electric?
A: The owner of Turn It On Electric has been working in Maricopa and Pima county communities for over 25 years. He understands the challenges faced by working “in the field.” He knows how electrical contractor projects can become stressful. You’ll not only work with your Turn It On Electric team. You’ll be working with other contracting companies, commercial property owners/managers, and homeowners.

The About Us tab on Turn It On Electric’s website features biographies about each member of the team because that’s what we are: A team. No one person is more valuable than another. Every employee drives our business. Your ideas for better productivity and ways to increase our customer base will be respectfully evaluated. You’ll have job security if you have a customer-first attitude and excitement about what we do.

Have More Electrician Jobs FAQs?

We care about our company and the people that make it great.

NASA’s Carl Sagan said, “There is no such thing as a dumb question.” It’s true. What you don’t know can prevent you from making good career choices. If our electrician jobs FAQs didn’t answer all your questions, let us know. Contact Turn It On Electric to learn what kinds of job opportunities are available.

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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!