electrical upgrades – Page 2 – Turn It On Electric

Residential

2 Important Electrical Upgrades for Fall

27Aug2022

Fall is the season for the quiet return to nature. Many families take “Aspen safaris” into the more colorful areas of Arizona. It’s also a time for new beginnings; school starts. Electrical upgrades for fall can give your home and office a new level of comfort and security.

Explore These Electrical Upgrades for Fall

Home offices may need wiring upgrades or perhaps you’d like to create one or more workstations in your house. Electrical upgrades for fall can offer enhanced quality of life and improve home safety.

1. Home Electrical System Upgrade

This is more than a maintenance call or a “tune-up.” We troubleshoot several home areas to answer questions about your overall electrical system.

EV charging – Is it providing the power you need, or does it require an upgrade?
Outlets/switches – Are they safe? Do you have enough for your needs?
Panel – We will examine the panel and ask several questions to determine if your panel is effective and safe:
- Do breakers trip frequently?
- Do you have a fuse box?
- Does the breaker box make “funny” noises?
- Have you smelled burning odors from the breaker box?
- Is your home more than 20 years old?
Safety – Are all failsafes in place and is your home free from hazardous electrical sites?
Surge protection – Do you have sufficient surge protection? Do you have the ability to add more?

2. Office Electrical System Upgrade

Whether it’s your home or your business in a commercial building, electrical upgrades for fall can include an office system inspection.

If your local electrician is LEED-certified, you can be sure you’re getting advice based on industry-best practices to reduce your carbon footprint. Home and electrical services for commercial properties have different code structures, and you can possibly get tax incentives for energy savings*.

The needs for office electrical system upgrades are determined by the condition and quantity of:

Circuit breaker(s) – It’s much more common to find overloaded circuits in homes and offices. We are using more electricity than ever before, every day.
Lighting – The right lighting is critical to hours-long deskwork in front of a PC or laptop. Overhead and directional lighting upgrades can reduce body and eye strain.
Outlets – If your office layout is structured to accommodate wall outlets – not the way you need to work – it’s time to relocate or add outlets.
Regulations – Homes and offices should meet appropriate Arizona and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations. Some of the things that were acceptable when your property was constructed may not be considered safe today. This may not impact your property’s efficiency now but will affect your ability to sell later. You’ll need to make considerable repairs to your system.
Wiring – Behind-the-scenes wiring issues can be spotted by your local Phoenix-area electrical professional.

Warning Signs Your Property Needs an Electrical Upgrade

If you have any of these warning signs, don’t wait to schedule an electrical consultation:

Bulbs burn out too soon
Circuit breaker trips
Electric bill spikes
Light switches hot to touch
Lights dimming/flickering
Outlets broken/charred/discolored

Companies that believe customer service is a priority understand your time is valuable. You don’t need hassles and upselling strategies that have nothing to do with what you want. Discussing possible electrical upgrades for fall doesn’t necessarily involve a commitment. Turn It On Electric offers free estimates and sometimes we can give you a best-guesstimate quote over the phone.

If extensive electrical upgrades are indicated, we also have financing for energy-saving home and office electrical improvements. If you have any questions about electrical upgrades for fall, contact TIO Electric.
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*Ask your tax professional about energy.gov home or commercial tax incentives because deadlines have been extended and qualifications vary.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Understanding Baseboard Outlets

26Jun2022

We need and appreciate electricity. It offers us a superior quality of life, safety, and security. It provides “illuminating” lights and insights.

We looked up and saw too many overhead wires above our homes. Then we began looking around and saw too many electrical wires and cords inside our houses. Underground wiring for improved landscaping is a priority in many housing communities. And now, baseboard outlets are trending inside those homes.

Baseboard Outlets: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Do you know why so many room layouts are appealing in decorating and home improvement magazines? One reason is that you don’t see a lot of electrical cords running from lamps and appliances to wall outlets.

The illusion is real. One interior décor pro says she not only Photoshops® electrical cords but also eliminates the wall outlets in advertising images. Strategically placed cookbooks and bottles of oil are often used. But if professional architectural photographers cannot hide the outlets, Photoshop can remove outlet covers.

Baseboard outlets are one way to eliminate “cord clutter.” And you don’t need to be a minimalist to appreciate that advantage. “When I see tangled cords around the office power strip or worse – in my living room – I think it tangles my mind, too,” said one Phoenix homeowner. “It’s just disorganized.”

Houzz says baseboard outlets simply look more refined. You get a cleaner wall appearance.

Kitchen Outlets Can Be Creatively, Strategically Located

Wireless appliances may be in our future but for now, we’re seeking creative ways to manage electrical efficiency and appearance. Kitchen designers in particular are beginning to research eliminating or at least disguising visible electric outlets. Because most small appliance cords are no longer than 24 inches, this can be trickier than you think.

In addition to baseboard outlets, you can install:

Appliance garage – This is a kitchen cupboard created especially for coffeemakers, toasters, food processors, etc. Your local Phoenix electrician will know code requirements for the safe placement of plug-ins.
Architectural art – If you can’t beat ’em, decorate ’em. If you want a professional artist to create an outlet-hiding wall painting, it’s a very popular trend. (This may work for one area of the kitchen but incorporating electrical outlet art into every wall is overkill.)
Backsplashes – Some new-home kitchen backsplashes are designed to hide electrical outlets. The outlet covers themselves blend into the backsplash design. You can even install Legrand adorn® pop-up outlets that make your outlets (almost) disappear.
Underneath – This is another way to hide outlets. Locating them under the cabinet or underneath countertops is a great idea if you store unused appliances out of sight. Your kitchen counters will have a clean, minimalist appearance that is eye-pleasing.

Electrical Design for Your Home

All electrical reconfigurations require the expertise of a licensed electrician. In Central Arizona, Turn It On Electric professionals are known for their technology training. We also understand the need to customize electrical solutions for per-room form and function.

We will work with you or your architect to design safe, utilitarian, attractive electrical solutions for your home. Let’s plan your baseboard outlets! Contact TIO Electric.
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Residential

Top Things to Know About Remote-control Shades

26Jun2022

They may be called “power shades” by millennials and “motorized shades” by retirees. But whatever they’re called, the important questions are: Are remote-control shades a good investment? Will their cost justify the added convenience and enhanced property value?

What Are Remote-control Shades?

Remote-control shades are window coverings that can be opened and closed at the touch of a switch or remote control. They can be hard-wired for long life or battery-powered (in which case the battery will need frequent recharging or replacement). And yes, some types of power shades will integrate with your smart home.

Remote-control Shades Add-To Home Automation

Home automation is here to stay. We’re becoming savvier about using our phones or remote controls to manage appliances and other home essentials. Home décor is no different.

Window coverings have always been an interior fashion option and now they are even better: Not only can you remote-control opening and closing, but you can also adjust the tilt of blinds. With no pull-strings hanging down, there’s less risk of kids, pets, or your robo-vac getting tangled in cords.

Your motorized window coverings can integrate with other smart home systems, including:

Amazon Alexa®
Apple Home®
Control 4®
Nest®

…and more.

Are they loud? That’s a frequently asked question and a good one. They shouldn’t be. Request a demonstration before you buy remote-control shades.

A soft, humming sound is standard; if the volume seems too noisy, check another brand. Door blinds can have a clacking noise when operated. Only you can determine which sounds are tolerable and which are not.

Also, ask about maintenance. Any appliance with moving parts needs to be cleaned and lubricated, at least once a year.

Benefits of Hard-Wired Shades

Residential power shades often have as many as 24 batteries to operate the remote-controlled shades. Hard-wired shades using low-voltage wiring at every window opening can let you use battery-powered shades without the inconvenience (and expense) of battery replacement.

You can install a phone app to organize your shades by room. This means you can open and close window coverings at set times, which is a security advantage when you’re on vacation.

UV rays can damage flooring and furniture as well as our skin. A predicted cloudy day doesn’t develop and instead, we see blazing, blistering Arizona sunshine. Just close the shades from wherever you are that day.

The shades themselves offer energy efficiency. They can prevent heat loss in winter and minimize solar heat gain in the summer.

Turn It On Electric Is Central Arizona’s Choice For Home Automation

The average cost for motorized shades alone is $500/window. You can pay from $350-$700 per window (or more), depending on many factors.

What’s your style? Remote-controlled window coverings are available in many designs: accordion, blackout, honeycomb, light-filtering, roller, slat, solar, and more. But the most important feature to consider is the power source.

Some can be solar-charged as well as battery-charged. Some can include a DC adaptor. Power shades require different levels of control using varying degrees of energy.

Electrically hard-wired shades are more reliable, durable, and consistently provide better movement and operation. If you have questions about installation and power sourcing your remote-control shades, let’s discuss your options. Convenience, affordability, and – as always – safety are what we’ll consider.

To learn more, Contact Turn It On Electricof Central Arizona.
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Electrical Wiring, Residential

3 Electrical Upgrades to Consider This Summer

26Jun2022

This summer holds the promise of being one of the best! We are spending more time at home; playing and working. For Summer 2022, many of us are examining ways to make our home lifestyles more engaging and safer. Electrical upgrades in Central Arizona can be affordable as well as enhance your quality of living.

Electrical Upgrades: Safety, Convenience, or Fun

What’s your priority? Upgrading outside lighting can include landscape lights, motion-activated lights, and more. Smart-home electrical upgrades are added conveniences that also increase the value of your property. Swimming pool lights and fun recreational lighting are entertainment options your friends and family will enjoy.

Here are 3 electrical upgrades to consider this summer:

1. Entertainment and Recreational Lighting

Outdoor entertainment calls for additional lighting. You can add long-term light fixtures or create temporary lighting for tented events and more. What’s more entertaining than outdoor white LED light-wrapped trees? They’re not just for winter anymore; they can offer year-round beauty and appeal.

This year, consider hot tub and swimming pool light options for safety and beauty (or just plain fun!). Adding or relocating your pool light switch can offer more convenience and safety to summer fun.

Another consideration is your own, indoor entertainment. Valued collectibles and art pieces are even more enjoyable with the right presentation lights. Upgrade your home’s entrance with a stunning chandelier or add auto-on/off lights to bathrooms and closets.

2. Home Safety and Security

Safe passage during darkness is a reasonable expectation, and with ground illumination, you have it. Landscape lights can line your sidewalk, providing beauty and safety for visitors.

Two popular types of security electrical upgrades are security lights and motion sensors. You can program security lights to turn on at dusk and off at sunrise. Some security installations include video. Motion sensors can quickly activate security floodlights when a trespasser is detected. Pet-immune motion detectors can be programmed to ignore moving objects under 40 pounds.

Security lighting should be added to areas including:

Back/side yards
Blind spots around the house
Entrances to house/garage
Storage sheds

3. Whole-house Rewiring

Admit it. Your office looks like a tangled web of power strips and multi-outlet plug-ins. Every electronic in the house needs recharging every day, and if you buy that hybrid vehicle you want, the overload may put you over the top.

An electrical inspection will reveal problem areas and prioritize areas that need electrical upgrades. Advantages to whole-house rewiring include:

Additional home improvement/expansion options, including a garage or house expansion for rental or family
Fewer outages
Greater energy efficiency
Higher property value
Increased safety and reduced fire risks

…and any location on your property you feel would benefit from additional security.

TIO Electric Specializes in Arizona Electrical Upgrades

Perhaps you plan to sell this year or next. Or perhaps, like many of us, you’re stretching the capabilities of your home’s original wiring. Home safety and security are electrical upgrades that are a solid investment, but they also offer peace of mind.

Turn It On Electric pros are electrical technology specialists. We receive continuing education so we can offer you the latest smart electrical technology for your home. But we’re also focused on industry-best practices as well as customer care. Our electrical project isn’t complete until you’re happy.

Ask about summer electrical upgrades for your home. Contact TIO 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!