electrical upgrades – Turn It On Electric

Residential

The Benefits of LED Retrofitting for Older Homes

13Sep2024

Why LED Retrofitting is Ideal for Older Homes

Older homes often come with charm and character but can lack the energy efficiency found in modern builds. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to enhance energy savings in an older home is through LED retrofitting. Switching from traditional lighting to LED offers numerous benefits, from cost savings to improved lighting quality, all while reducing environmental impact. For homeowners looking to upgrade without a complete renovation, LED retrofitting is a practical solution that brings both functional and financial rewards.

Energy Efficiency: The Key Driver of LED Retrofitting

The primary reason for switching to LED lighting in older homes is energy efficiency. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) consume up to 75% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. For older homes that may rely on outdated, inefficient lighting, this upgrade can lead to significant reductions in electricity bills. Over time, homeowners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by making the simple switch to LEDs.

Longevity: A Long-Term Solution for Lighting

Another major benefit of LEDs is their longevity. While incandescent bulbs may need replacing every year or so, LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer. For homeowners, this means less frequent bulb replacements, reduced maintenance efforts, and fewer trips to the store. Given that many older homes may have hard-to-reach fixtures, such as chandeliers or high-ceiling lights, the longevity of LEDs becomes even more valuable.

Improved Lighting Quality: Better Light, Better Ambiance

One of the often-overlooked benefits of LED retrofitting is the improved quality of light. LED lights are available in a range of color temperatures, from warm yellow tones to crisp white light, allowing homeowners to customize the ambiance of their spaces. Whether it’s creating a cozy living room or brightening up workspaces like kitchens or offices, LED lighting provides flexibility and better overall illumination. LEDs also offer better light distribution, ensuring that spaces are evenly lit, without the harsh shadows often associated with older bulbs.

Reduced Heat Output: A Cooler and Safer Home

Incandescent bulbs are notorious for emitting a significant amount of heat. In contrast, LED bulbs remain cool to the touch, even after long periods of use. For older homes with outdated wiring or limited ventilation, reducing heat output is a significant safety and comfort advantage. By retrofitting with LEDs, homeowners not only improve energy efficiency but also decrease the risk of accidental burns or fire hazards caused by overheated fixtures.

Environmental Impact: A Greener Choice

LED lighting is not just about energy savings; it’s also a greener choice for the environment. LEDs contain no harmful chemicals like mercury, which is found in some traditional bulbs. Additionally, their longer lifespan means fewer bulbs end up in landfills. For eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint, retrofitting an older home with LEDs is a practical step toward sustainability.

Compatibility with Smart Home Systems

Modern lighting solutions, like LEDs, are often compatible with smart home systems. Many older homes weren’t designed with smart technology in mind, but LED retrofitting allows homeowners to take advantage of features like smart dimming, scheduling, and remote control through smartphone apps. This integration can increase convenience and help further optimize energy usage by allowing homeowners to adjust lighting based on their routines.

Versatility in Design: LEDs Fit Any Style

LEDs aren’t just for standard light fixtures. They come in many different styles, from vintage filament designs to modern recessed lighting, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into any home, regardless of architectural style or interior design. For older homes that may boast historical charm or unique design elements, LEDs offer the versatility to maintain the home’s aesthetic while bringing it into the modern era.

Easy Installation: A Straightforward Upgrade

Retrofitting an older home with LED lighting is a relatively simple process, often requiring no extensive rewiring or construction. Most LED bulbs are designed to fit into existing fixtures, making the transition quick and hassle-free. This is especially important for homeowners who want to maintain the original character of their home without embarking on a major renovation project.

LED retrofitting offers a wealth of benefits, from energy efficiency and cost savings to improved lighting quality and safety. For older homes, the transition to LED lighting is an easy yet impactful upgrade that modernizes without sacrificing the home’s charm. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, lower utility costs, or enhance the lighting experience in your home, LED retrofitting is a practical solution that offers immediate and long-lasting rewards.

Residential

Essential Electrical Upgrades for Your Home Office

16Aug2024

More people are setting up dedicated home offices to stay productive and comfortable while working from home. However, creating an efficient and safe home office isn’t just about choosing the right desk or chair—your electrical system plays a crucial role as well. Proper electrical upgrades can ensure that your home office is not only functional but also optimized for the modern demands of technology. Let’s explore some of the best electrical upgrades for your home office.

Dedicated Circuits for Your Home Office

Why You Need a Dedicated Circuit

If you’re using your home office for work every day, chances are you’re running multiple electronic devices—computers, monitors, printers, and more. These devices can put a significant load on your home’s electrical system. A dedicated circuit for your home office can prevent overloads, reduce the risk of tripped breakers, and ensure a stable power supply for your essential equipment.

How to Install a Dedicated Circuit

Installing a dedicated circuit involves adding a new circuit breaker to your electrical panel and running new wiring to your office space. This is not a DIY job; it’s important to hire a licensed electrician to perform the installation. A professional will ensure that the circuit is properly rated for your equipment and meets all local building codes.

Advanced Surge Protection

Protecting Your Equipment

Your home office likely contains expensive and sensitive electronics. Power surges, which can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or even turning on a high-powered appliance, can damage or destroy these devices. Advanced surge protection is essential to safeguard your investments.

Whole-House vs. Individual Surge Protectors

There are two main types of surge protection: whole-house surge protectors and individual plug-in devices. Whole-house protectors are installed at your electrical panel and provide broad protection against surges entering your home. Individual protectors are plugged directly into outlets and protect specific devices. For the best protection, consider using both types in conjunction.

Proper Grounding for Sensitive Electronics

Understanding Grounding

Grounding is an essential safety feature of any electrical system. It provides a path for electrical currents to safely dissipate into the earth, protecting your devices and reducing the risk of electrical shock. In a home office, proper grounding is especially important for protecting sensitive electronics like computers and networking equipment.

Upgrading Your Grounding System

If your home is older, it may not have adequate grounding. An electrician can assess your current system and make necessary upgrades to ensure that your home office is properly grounded. This may involve adding ground rods, upgrading outlets, or installing grounding conductors.

Upgraded Lighting for Productivity

Choosing the Right Lighting

Good lighting is critical for maintaining productivity and reducing eye strain in your home office. The right lighting can improve your mood, enhance focus, and even make video calls look more professional. Natural light is ideal, but if your office lacks windows, LED lighting is a great alternative.

Options for Home Office Lighting

Consider installing adjustable LED lighting that allows you to control brightness and color temperature. Dimmable lights or smart lighting systems can give you the flexibility to change the lighting based on your needs throughout the day. Task lighting, such as desk lamps with adjustable arms, can also help illuminate your workspace without causing glare on screens.

Power Management and Outlet Placement

Strategic Outlet Placement

One of the most common frustrations in home offices is the lack of accessible power outlets. When setting up your office, consider where you’ll place your desk, computer, and other equipment. Installing additional outlets in convenient locations can eliminate the need for extension cords and reduce clutter.

Installing USB Outlets

The Convenience of USB Outlets

Many modern devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and wireless accessories, charge via USB. Installing USB outlets in your home office can free up standard outlets for other devices and reduce the need for bulky adapters. These outlets combine standard AC outlets with USB ports, providing a streamlined charging solution. This is another task best handled by a professional electrician, who can ensure that the new outlets are safely installed and properly wired.

Backup Power Solutions for Your Home Office

Ensuring Uninterrupted Power

Power outages can be particularly disruptive when you’re working from home. Having a backup power solution in place can keep your essential equipment running and prevent data loss during an outage.

Best Backup Power Options

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are the most common backup power solution for home offices. A UPS provides short-term power to your devices, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down. For longer outages, consider investing in a home generator or battery backup system.

Network and Connectivity Enhancements

Structured Wiring for Internet Stability

A strong, reliable internet connection is crucial for remote work. Structured wiring, such as Ethernet cables, can provide a faster and more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi, particularly in areas with thick walls or interference.

Energy Efficiency in Your Home Office

Smart Thermostats and Energy Management

Working from home means you may be using more energy during the day than before. A smart thermostat can help manage your heating and cooling efficiently, saving energy when you’re not using your office and maintaining comfort when you are.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Equipment

Investing in energy-efficient computers, monitors, and lighting can reduce your overall energy consumption. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated devices and consider using power-saving modes to cut down on electricity use.

Safety Considerations

Regular Electrical Inspections

Safety should always be a priority in your home office. Regular electrical inspections can help identify potential hazards, such as outdated wiring or overloaded circuits, and ensure that your office setup meets current electrical codes.

Childproofing and Fire Safety

If your home office is accessible to children, consider childproofing outlets and keeping cords out of reach. Additionally, make sure your office is equipped with a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher for added safety.

Professional Help for Your Electrical Upgrades

When to Call an Electrician

While some electrical upgrades can be handled by handy homeowners, others require the expertise of a professional electrician. If you’re unsure about your ability to safely complete an upgrade, it’s best to call in a professional.

Conclusion

Your home office is more than just a place to work—it’s a space that should be safe, comfortable, and conducive to productivity. By making the right electrical upgrades, you can create a home office that meets all your needs and supports your remote work lifestyle. Take the time to assess your current setup, and consider implementing some of these essential upgrades to enhance your workspace. Contact Turn It On Electric today to schedule for a no cost, onsite consultation!

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Residential

Ceiling Fan Installation and Troubleshooting

12Apr2024

Installing a ceiling fan is more complex than it might appear. Professional installation is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and functionality.

Understand Your Installation Needs

Before calling an electrician, identify the type of ceiling fan you need, considering the room’s size and your aesthetic preferences. Having the fan selected beforehand, and in your possession, can save time and helps the electrician prepare for the specific installation requirements and specs.

Electrical Box and Power Concerns

One common issue that arises during ceiling fan installations is an inadequate electrical box. Electricians can assess if the existing box can support the fan’s weight and the vibrations it produces. Upgrading to a suitable box is crucial to prevent future problems.

Wiring and Switch Configuration

Electricians handle the complex wiring that involves integrating the fan smoothly into your home’s electrical system. They ensure that the fan and its switch are properly wired to your home’s power source, addressing any safety and functional issues that might not be evident to the untrained eye.

Troubleshooting Your Ceiling Fan

Before reaching out to a professional, there are a few simple checks you can perform if your ceiling fan is not working properly:

Check the Power Supply: Ensure the fan’s switch and the main circuit breaker are in the ‘on’ position.
Remote Control Issues: If your fan is controlled by a remote, replace the batteries to rule out a dead battery issue.
Inspect for Loose Connections: Sometimes, a loose wire in the switch or fan can be the culprit. If accessible and safe, check to ensure all connections are tight.

When to Call an Electrician

If the fan makes unusual noises or wobbles excessively, it could be an installation issue.
Persistent power issues after checking the circuit breaker might indicate more serious wiring concerns.
Any sparking or electrical odor is a clear sign to stop your checks and call a professional.

When You Might Not Need an Electrician

It’s important to note that while electricians handle all power and mounting issues, they typically do not troubleshoot remote controls or external devices not directly connected to your home’s electrical wiring.

For a safe and secure ceiling fan installation, professional help is invaluable. Electricians ensure that all components are correctly installed and meet all safety codes, which is especially important for high-powered devices like ceiling fans. Ready to enhance your home with a new ceiling fan? Contact Turn It On Electric today to ensure your installation is handled professionally from start to finish!

Residential

RV Receptacles: Powering Your Adventures Safely

3Nov2023

Embarking on an RV adventure offers a sense of freedom and excitement. But behind the scenes, a reliable power supply plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your journey is both comfortable and safe. Central to this reliable power supply are RV receptacles – the unsung heroes that connect your RV to a stable power source.

Understanding RV Electrical Systems

At the heart of every RV is its electrical system, a complex network that powers everything from lighting to appliances. Two main types of RV receptacles are prevalent: the 30-amp and the 50-amp. The 30-amp receptacles are suitable for smaller RVs with fewer power demands, while the 50-amp ones cater to larger RVs equipped with multiple high-power appliances. Selecting the appropriate receptacle is crucial for balancing your RV’s energy needs with safety considerations.

Types of RV Receptacles

RV receptacles come in various forms, each designed to meet specific electrical standards and requirements. From twist-locking plugs that secure the connection against accidental disconnections to heavy-duty receptacles designed to handle higher wattages, the choice of receptacle should be made with both the RV’s specifications and your power needs in mind.

Safety First: Proper Installation of RV Receptacles

Improper installation of RV receptacles can lead to dire consequences, including electrical fires or appliance malfunctions. This underscores the importance of entrusting the installation to licensed professionals. At Turn It On Electric, our experts ensure that every installation meets rigorous safety standards, providing peace of mind as you travel.

Upgrades and Modern Features

Advancements in RV receptacle technology have led to the introduction of features that enhance safety and convenience. Modern receptacles often come equipped with weatherproof designs and built-in surge protection, safeguarding your RV against the elements and unexpected power surges. For those who frequently embark on RV adventures, upgrading to these advanced receptacles can be a wise investment.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly managing RV receptacles is essential for any RV owner. These components are more than mere accessories; they are foundational to a safe and enjoyable RV experience. Partnering with professionals like Turn It On Electric ensures that your RV’s electrical system is in capable hands. As you power your adventures, CONTACT US to power your safety and comfort on the open road.

Electrician

5 Things To Do Before You Call an Electrician

27Apr2023

When you contact tech support for help with your laptop or iPhone, the first thing the specialist asks is, “Did you turn it off and turn it back on?” If an electrical appliance or a light fixture is problematic, that’s the first thing you do before you call an electrician. Turn it off and turn it back on. If there are no signs of danger (burning, etc.), unplug it. Plug it back in.

Here are 5 additional steps to take before you call an electrician.

1. Troubleshoot the Outlet Before You Call an Electrician

The most frequent electrical issues are problems with outlets. To troubleshoot an outlet that isn’t working:

Check the circuit breaker – A tripped breaker will probably show the switch halfway between off and on. Flip it to the off position and reset the breaker, then flip it back on. If you see signs of visible damage, the breaker box is warm to the touch, or you smell burning wires, turn the breaker box off. Call an electrician.
Check the fuse box – Common signs of blown fuses are discoloration and melting. Be sure to use the right fuse to replace the blown fuse.
Examine the outlet itself – It’s not uncommon for an outlet to burn out. If you see signs of discoloration around the outlet, a small fire may have occurred. This is dangerous and it’s time to call an electrician to replace the outlet.
Flip a switch – A half-hot outlet is one in which one plug is always on but the other plug-in only works if you flip a nearby light switch.
Reset the GFCI – Ground fault circuit interrupters are designed for safety. If a GFCI outlet detects a power surge or short, it can shut itself off to protect you. There are two buttons located between the plug-ins. The red button is the reset button. Push it to get the outlet working again.
The black button is a test button. To check that any GFCI outlet is working properly, push the black button. The plugged-in appliance should turn off, so then you reset it. If you press the black button and the appliance doesn’t turn off, there’s a problem with your GFCI outlet and you should call an electrician.

2. Check the Appliance, Electronic

Your problem may not be with your home’s electrical system. The obvious thing is to make sure your appliance or electronic is securely plugged in. If it is, unplug the non-working appliance and plug another into the outlet. If the outlet works fine with another device, it’s not an outlet problem.

If it’s a light or lamp, it could be the bulb. Years ago, you could visually spot a blown lightbulb. To check it today, you’ll need to insert a new lightbulb. If the new bulb doesn’t work, check it by inserting it into another fitting. If it works in another fixture, it’s time to call your electrician.

3. Problematic Power Outages

When your neighborhood loses power, you simply wait it out or revert to whole-house generator power. But if it’s just your house, check the circuit breaker. It has a safety switch. If it’s flipped off, reset it. If it keeps tripping, there’s a problem with the electrical circuitry or the panel itself. If your home has a fuse box, it can be several issues. (Call an electrician and consider upgrading to a circuit breaker box with protective safety switches.)

4. Feel The Walls

If you have any electrical outlet or switch problems, feel the walls around the area. If the nearby wall feels warm to the touch, this is an electrical emergency.

5. Unplug

Most new homes today can accommodate the additional electrical demands, but not-that-much-older homes can be overwhelmed by power requirements. Let’s say every member of the household is plugged-in, charging, washing/drying, the dishwasher is running, all lights are on, and your hairdryer blows the circuit. Your power outage can be managed by unplugging a few things. Later, ask your electrician what can be done to safely manage and eliminate power overloads.

Any time you have questions about home electrical problems, contact Turn It On Electric.

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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!