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Residential

Top Electrical Upgrades to Increase Your Home’s Value in Phoenix

26Jul2024

Upgrading your home’s electrical system is not only essential for safety and functionality but can also significantly increase its market value. In Phoenix, where the climate and energy needs are unique, strategic electrical upgrades can enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers. This guide explores the top electrical upgrades that can add value to your Phoenix home.

Smart Home Systems

Smart home technology is increasingly popular among buyers who value convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Smart Lighting: Installing smart lighting systems allows homeowners to control lights remotely, set schedules, and save energy. These systems can enhance the ambiance and functionality of a home.
Home Automation Systems: Comprehensive home automation systems integrate lighting, security, climate control, and entertainment. They offer seamless control through smartphones or voice assistants, adding a modern touch to any home.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy efficiency is a key consideration for many homebuyers, particularly in Phoenix, where energy costs can be high.

Smart Thermostats: Devices like the Nest or Ecobee smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences, optimizing heating and cooling for energy savings. They are a relatively low-cost upgrade with significant appeal.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems: Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Systems with higher SEER ratings are particularly attractive in the hot Phoenix climate.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

An outdated electrical panel can be a major deterrent for buyers. Upgrading your panel can ensure your home can handle modern electrical demands.

Increased Capacity: Upgrading to a 200-amp panel can accommodate the electrical needs of modern appliances, HVAC systems, and future expansions.
Safety Features: Newer panels include advanced safety features like circuit breakers that prevent electrical overloads and fires.

Whole House Surge Protection

Power surges can damage appliances and electronics, and Phoenix is prone to electrical storms and grid fluctuations.

Surge Protectors: Installing a whole house surge protector can safeguard your home’s electrical system from voltage spikes, providing peace of mind to potential buyers.

EV Charging Stations

With the rise in electric vehicle (EV) ownership, having an EV charging station at home is a significant selling point.

Level 2 Chargers: These chargers offer faster charging times compared to standard outlets and can be a major convenience for EV owners. Installing one can set your home apart in the market.

Modern Lighting Fixtures

Upgrading lighting fixtures can transform the look and feel of your home, making it more appealing to buyers.

LED Lighting: LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various styles. They provide better lighting quality and can reduce energy bills.
Designer Fixtures: Investing in modern, stylish lighting fixtures for key areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal.

GFCI and AFCI Outlets

Safety is a top priority for homebuyers. Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets can make your home safer.

GFCI Outlets: These outlets are essential in areas with water exposure, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. They prevent electrical shocks by shutting off power when a fault is detected.
AFCI Outlets: AFCIs protect against electrical fires by detecting dangerous arcing conditions and shutting off power. They are especially important in bedrooms and living areas.

Backup Power Solutions

Reliable power is crucial, especially in areas prone to outages. Backup power solutions can add value to your home.

Generators: A standby generator can automatically provide power during an outage, ensuring comfort and safety. This feature is particularly valuable in areas with frequent storms or unreliable power grids.
Battery Backup Systems: Solar-powered battery backup systems offer an eco-friendly alternative, storing energy for use during outages.

Advanced Security Systems

Home security is a significant concern for many buyers. Upgrading to an advanced security system can provide peace of mind.

Smart Security Cameras: These cameras allow homeowners to monitor their property remotely. Features like motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage enhance security.
Integrated Security Systems: Systems that combine cameras, alarms, and smart locks offer comprehensive protection and can be controlled via smartphone apps.

Outdoor Electrical Upgrades

Outdoor living spaces are highly valued, especially in Phoenix’s warm climate. Electrical upgrades can enhance these areas.

Outdoor Lighting: Installing landscape lighting, pathway lights, and accent lights can make outdoor spaces more inviting and functional.
Outdoor Kitchens: Adding electrical outlets and lighting to outdoor kitchens can improve usability and safety, making these spaces more attractive to buyers.

Investing in these electrical upgrades can significantly increase your home’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers. From smart home systems and energy-efficient appliances to modern lighting fixtures and advanced security systems, these improvements cater to the demands of modern living. In the competitive Phoenix real estate market, these upgrades can set your home apart, ensuring a higher return on investment and a faster sale. Call Turn It On Electric today for a no charge, professional quote!

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Residential

The Gentle Power of Dimmers: Setting Ambiance and Saving Energy

13Oct2023

The Gentle Power of Dimmers: Setting Ambiance and Saving Energy

In today’s modern age of technology, we often find ourselves surrounded by the buzz and whirr of various gadgets. Amid this constant hum, a silent hero has emerged in our homes: the humble dimmer switch. Far from being a mere accessory, dimmer switches have transformed our living spaces, blending the twin goals of ambiance and energy conservation. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of dimmers, exploring their role in setting a room’s mood and their potential to save energy.

The Rise of the Dimmer

Dimmer switches have been around for over a century, but their real surge in popularity began in the 1960s and 1970s. Their simple promise? To allow homeowners to adjust the lighting in their homes to their exact preferences. As the years progressed, dimmers became increasingly sophisticated, offering more than just a way to set the mood. They have evolved into essential tools for energy conservation.

Mood Lighting at Your Fingertips

Imagine hosting a dinner party. As the evening progresses, the mood changes—from lively conversations during the appetizer round to intimate stories by dessert. With a simple touch, a dimmer allows you to adjust the lighting to match the evening’s tone. Dimmed lights can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, enhancing experiences from romantic dinners to movie nights.

It’s not just about setting the mood for special occasions. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain, making tasks like reading more comfortable. With dimmers, spaces like home offices or reading nooks can have adjustable lighting, ensuring comfort and reducing glare.

An Eco-Friendly Solution

Beyond ambiance, dimmer switches play a crucial role in energy conservation. When you reduce the brightness of your lights, you’re not just dimming the light output; you’re also using less electricity. This reduced energy consumption translates directly into lower utility bills.

For instance, dimming a light by just 10% can result in nearly the same amount of energy savings. Moreover, when lights are dimmed, they often run cooler, which can extend the life of certain types of bulbs, further contributing to savings and reduced waste.

Smart Integration

In the era of smart homes, dimmer switches have seamlessly integrated into home automation systems. Modern dimmers can be scheduled to adjust lighting levels at different times of the day or paired with sensors to optimize light usage based on natural sunlight or room occupancy. This not only ensures optimal ambiance but also maximizes energy efficiency.

Making the Right Choice with Turn It On Electric

Not all dimmers are created equal, and not all bulbs are compatible with every dimmer. LED bulbs, in particular, require specific dimmer switches. This is where expertise comes into play. Turn It On Electric’s professionals can guide you through the process of choosing the right dimmer for your home, ensuring compatibility, safety, and optimal performance. CONTACT US TODAY to see what options are available to you!

Residential

The Essential Defense: Why Surge Protectors Matter for Your Home

6Oct2023

Electricity is the silent partner in our homes, working behind the scenes to energize our appliances and keep our lives running smoothly. But when an unexpected power surge occurs, that quiet ally can become a formidable foe, causing significant damage to our electrical devices. One solution rises above the rest: a surge protector. At Turn It On Electric, we’re here to unpack the benefits of this unsung hero of home safety.

Unpacking Power Surges

Imagine an abrupt, intense wave of electrical energy jolting through your home’s circuits – that’s a power surge. They can stem from various causes, such as lightning, disruptions in the power grid, or high-energy devices cycling on and off in your home. Though small surges may go unnoticed, the intense ones can result in considerable damage to your electronics, or in extreme cases, even lead to electrical fires.

The Shield of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are the guardians of your electrical devices, warding off potential power surges. They work by channeling any extra voltage safely into the ground, allowing only the necessary electricity to reach your devices. By doing so, they protect your appliances, potentially extending their lifespan and saving you from costly replacements.

Embracing Whole-Home Surge Protection

You might be familiar with the portable surge protectors that connect to wall outlets, offering defense for specific appliances. However, there’s an even more robust solution – whole-home surge protectors. These are installed directly into your home’s electrical service panel and provide protection to all your home’s electrical systems. This includes hardwired appliances, like HVAC systems, which can’t be safeguarded by portable models.

The Impacts: Beyond Protection

When you invest in a whole-home surge protector, you are investing in more than just the safety of your electronics. Let’s delve into the broader implications:

All-around Security: Whole-home surge protectors provide an umbrella of safety, safeguarding all your electronic devices – from your refrigerator to your laptop.

Economic Advantage: By preventing potential damage to your appliances, you dodge costly repair or replacement charges. It’s an investment today that prevents expenses tomorrow.

Assurance in Every Spark: The certainty that your home is defended against damaging power surges offers comfort and peace of mind.

The Turn It On Electric Promise

By partnering with Turn It On Electric, you’re not just choosing safety, you’re choosing a secure future. Get ahead of the game by scheduling an appointment with our seasoned technicians today. We’re committed to fortifying your home against the potential pitfalls of power surges. Remember, if it’s not right, we’re not done.

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.

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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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!