lighting upgrades – Turn It On Electric

Lighting

6 Places To Use LED Lighting in the Home

21Feb2023

The light-emitting diode (LED) is today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology. Quality LED lightbulbs last longer, are more durable and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting.
–energy.gov

The advantages of LED lighting are without dispute. LED lighting delivers quality illumination 40-50 times longer than incandescent lightbulbs. This means replacement LED lightbulbs can last anywhere from 5-10 years or longer. They’ll improve energy efficiency by as much as 50%-90%, depending on the types of bulbs you replaced.

Other differences between LED and incandescent bulbs include:

Incandescent bulbs need lampshades and fixtures to deflect lighting. Sometimes half the light emitted never leaves its source. LED lighting is more directional. (Task lighting is more effective with LEDs than incandescent.)
Incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat, while LEDs are much cooler (and safer).
LEDs last much longer.

Home LED Lighting

Upgrading your home to LED lighting is a fun family project. You can educate youngsters by sharing ways to save energy and lower expenses. Whole-house LED lighting is also a good investment.

Carefully wrap discarded bulbs before placing them in trashbags. (Most Lowe’s and Home Depot stores accept lightbulbs for recycling, but call before you go.)

LED light upgrades are perfect for:

Bathrooms – Lighting can be bright and functional for facial cleaning and makeup applications or appealing and mood-setting for relaxing tub soaks.
- Linen closets
- Mirrors
Bedrooms – Set the tone for relaxation with LED accent lights, lamps, and reading lights. You can also use LED lights to illuminate focal points with flair.
- Closets
- Under the bed
Kitchens – The most high-traffic room in the house needs a lot of light.
- Under lower cabinets near floor
- Under upper cabinets to illuminate workspace/countertops/sink
Living rooms – This area’s lighting helps entertain visitors or enhances relaxation at day’s end.
- Behind big-screen televisions (Multicolors are popular.)
- Downlighting above photos/art exhibits
- Uplighting underneath display shelving
Porches – All-night lights will last years when LED bulbs are used.
Stairways – Attractive lighting can also add safety.

What are LED Light Strips & Ropes?

LED light strips are several surface-mounted LED lights or “chips” affixed to a tape. They can illuminate a wider area and are usually brighter than LED ropes. They are also dimmable and you can change the colors.

LED ropes are small bulbs encased in plastic tubes. You can buy multicolored or specific bulb-color ropes, but you can’t change the bulbs. Rope lights aren’t much dimmer than tape lights, but if brightness is needed for a work area, go with tape LED lights.

Commercial, Industrial LED Lighting

You’re familiar with residential LED lighting. Commercial and industrial LED lights are usually not the same as residential. These low-maintenance and long-lasting lights are also more temperature-friendly for areas in which high heat is an issue.

Commercial LED lighting is designed for:

Hotels
Offices
Public outdoor areas
Restaurants
Retail stores
…and more

Industrial lighting is more durably designed to illuminate tougher workspaces. These lights are usually located on ceilings higher than 20´, including:

Chemicals/hazardous materials’ manufacturing/storage
Fixed/in-place heavy machinery/equipment
Mines
Production/factory facilities
Refineries
…and more

Central Arizona’s Electrical Contractor

If you’re planning a spring or summer home project, Turn It On Electric professionals may have some illuminating ideas (pun intended). Effective lighting can make a good project great.

We’re also available to discuss the best locations and voltage for lighting additions and upgrades. We will work with other contractors to deliver your project on time and within budget.

To learn more about ways to use LED lighting in your home or office, contact TIO 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.
___
*Ask your tax professional about energy.gov home or commercial tax incentives because deadlines have been extended and qualifications vary.

Lighting

14 Lighting Upgrades That Brighten Small, Dark Rooms

2Aug2022

Studies have shown we respond well to light. Dark rooms are best for sleeping, but during waking hours, light can literally brighten our moods. Lighting upgrades don’t necessarily need to be electrical. You can uplift the mood of a small, dark room in several ways.

Mood-Uplifting Electrical Lighting Upgrades

When you ask someone – anyone – what’s great about the winter holidays they almost always say “the lights!” We express our joy by adding lights in December, but why not create happiness year-round?

Here are 14 lighting upgrades to brighten spaces, especially small, dark rooms:

Burst chandeliers – They are called “burst” or “dandelion” designs and are dramatic focal points for any room.
Desk lamps – Explore the décor options of these small, multifunctional lamps. Desk lamps don’t have to be limited to lighting desks or tables…
Floor lamps – You can also buy compact floor-lamp tables that offer surface space in small settings.
Flush chandeliers – These have the attraction of chandelier light fixtures but hug the ceiling for more headroom.
Flush-mount ceiling lights – A dark closet was conformed to a cinematic event with 6 of these light fixtures.
Glass lamps – These open themselves and a room to take advantage of space.
Long-neck lamps – These are truly “uplifting” because they take lighting higher than traditional table lamps.
Pendants – There are unlimited designs and features but keep them in sync with room size and headroom.
Recessed lights – Recessed lighting is an old standby but always effective.
String lights – They aren’t tacky or childish; they’re great. Would you like a flameless fire pit? What about a lightweight, creative way to divide a room? String lights are the way to go!
Table lamps – Industrial, rustic, retro, or linear…Table lamps add form and function to every room.
Under-cabinet lights – Highlight a small bar or refreshment area or even better, increase utility lighting in kitchens and hobby rooms.
USB lamps – Small homes can have functional charging stations hidden in table lamps and end tables themselves.
Wall sconces – Limited wall space is no problem with attractive sconces.

Interior Design Hacks to Brighten Rooms

There are many reasons to work with your local electrician for complex electrical installations or upgrades. Safety first, but you can also void warranties and risk property damage with DIY (do-it-yourself electrical lighting upgrades.

If you want to add light and action to small, dark spaces, try these tips:

Add white-based multicolored rugs
Consider 2700K LED bulbs
Eliminate dark lampshades
Get rid of heavy curtains
Include bright artwork
Incorporate metallic furnishings
Keep windows sparkling clean
More mirrors, mirrors on the walls
Paint flooring white
Refloor with light woods
Use high-gloss paint for ceilings
Use shades of white room designs

TIO Electric Lighting Upgrades for Phoenix, Tucson, AZ

Arizona homeowners literally take ownership of their homes’ upkeep. We do what we can to enhance property values and maintain a better quality of living. The smartest homeowners know when to seek professional assistance.

If you request any kind of home service in Maricopa County, you expect knowledgeable, professional guidance. You deserve honest and accurate information. That’s why Turn It On Electric is the Phoenix area’s premier electric service company.

We’ll provide industry-best electrical solutions for your home repairs or renovations. We take ownership of our work. If you have questions about lighting upgrades for your home or office, contact TIO Electric.

Lighting

Landscape Lights: What Is Uplighting?

2Aug2022

As you consider landscape lighting options, you’ll love the choices. But you might be puzzled by similarities in various types of landscape lights. For example, flood lighting is one thing. Spotlights are not the same as flood lights. Uplighting is something else entirely. What’s the difference?

Uplighting, Spotlighting, Floodlighting, and Landscape Lights

Uplighting, Spotlighting, and floodlighting are 3 categories of landscape lights. All three lighting options accomplish different objectives.

Floodlights – These are usually shorter beams. Use floodlights when you want to illuminate a wide area.
Spotlights – These landscape lights can travel longer distances. They’re used to highlight sky from the ground in advertising and ground from the sky when searching for people on the run, for example. Spotlight beams are narrower than floodlights.
Uplights – Spotlights and floodlights can be mounted at different levels, but uplights are always mounted on the ground. The beam is shorter and narrow. This concentrated landscape lighting makes it easier to control exactly where and what you want to illuminate.

Ways to Use Uplighting in Phoenix Landscaping

Most property owners know that uplighting will emphasize – highlight – a portion of your home or yard. It’s also a security feature. What homeowners don’t know is uplighting creates shadows. And shadows add subtle, attractive drama to your landscaping.

In addition to highlighting landscaping or creating dramatic shadows, uplighting can be used for:

Backlighting – This is a way to create a silhouette. As an example, one landscaper says using uplighting to backlight begins with an interesting tree, shrubs, or a fountain. Rather than positioning the uplight in front of you, install it behind the object. “There are endless options for silhouette garden lights,” she says.
Wallwashing – This is the effect created when spacing several uplights in a way that emphasizes the texture of exterior walls. This is becoming extremely popular because modern exterior materials are more versatile and exciting. Draw attention to your home’s limestone, poured-in-place, or textured concrete outside walls… One Arizona architectural structure has a rammed earth exterior.

Types of Uplighting

For a special event, temporary uplighting can be strategically placed. Yes, it’s a bit tricky and yes, the light fixtures have a tendency to fall over if not positioned correctly. You can rent special-event uplights for landscape lighting.

The overall best investment is wired landscape lighting for your home using LED bulbs. LED uplighting is best for outdoors because they burn cooler and last longer. Because they generate less heat, they use less power. If you’re planning an event, you can change the colors, too.

Phoenix, Tucson-Area Landscape Lights Installation

Landscape lights are a fun, elegant way to provide additional security and beauty to your outdoor space. Turn It On Electric has specialized in landscape lighting solutions for Arizona for over 10 years. We’re here for you now and we’ll be here when you need us. To learn more about landscape lighting in The Valley, contact TIO Electric.

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!