Categories Residential

Decoding Your Electric Bill: Why Is It So High?

Electricity bills can be baffling and frustratingly high for many homeowners. This comprehensive guide explores the multifaceted reasons behind steep energy costs and offers actionable advice for reducing your monthly charges.

Understanding Your Bill

Electric bills are influenced by utility rate structures, which vary by location and provider. Peak usage times can lead to higher charges due to demand-based pricing.

Appliances and Systems

Household appliances, especially HVAC systems, are major energy consumers. Aging appliances or those in constant use can significantly increase your bill.

Seasonal Variations

Energy usage naturally fluctuates with the seasons. Summer and winter can see spikes due to air conditioning and heating demands.

Energy Efficiency at Home

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can lead to substantial savings. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, investing in smart thermostats, upgrading to efficient windows, and enhancing insulation are effective measures.

Renewable Energy Options

Solar panels represent a significant upfront investment but can drastically reduce your electricity costs in the long run, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

High electricity bills can often be mitigated with informed choices and investments in energy efficiency. Understanding the components of your bill, optimizing appliance use, and making your home more energy-efficient can all contribute to lower monthly costs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a technician who can help further pinpoint your needs and answer any questions or concerns that you may have!  

Categories Residential

Understanding and Protecting Against Electrical Overloads

In the intricate world of residential electricity, understanding voltage variations and their potential impact is crucial for every homeowner. Voltage variations can lead to electrical overloads, posing significant risks to your home’s electrical system and devices. At Turn It On Electric, we emphasize the importance of being informed and prepared. This blog will delve into the nature of voltage variations, the risks associated with electrical overloads, and the essential steps for protection and prevention.

Understanding Voltage Variations and Electrical Overloads

What Are Voltage Variations?

Voltage variations refer to fluctuations in electrical power supply. These can be brief surges, sags, or more prolonged undervoltages or overvoltages.

Causes of Voltage Variations:

External factors can include utility grid switching, lightning strikes, or power outages.

Internal factors within a home, like high-powered appliances cycling on and off, can also create fluctuations.

Risks of Electrical Overloads:

Overloads occur when the electrical system or a circuit receives more electricity than it can safely handle, leading to potential hazards like circuit damage, appliance malfunction, or in severe cases, fires.

Preventing and Protecting Against Electrical Overloads

Proper Circuit Design and Load Management:

Ensuring your home’s electrical system is correctly designed to handle the electrical load is the first line of defense. This involves having appropriately rated circuit breakers and well-distributed circuits.

Surge Protectors and UPS Systems:

Surge protectors are crucial in safeguarding your electronics from transient surges. For sensitive electronics, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems can provide additional protection from voltage sags and brief outages.

Regular Electrical System Maintenance:

Routine check-ups by licensed electricians can identify potential overload risks, ensuring all components function within safe parameters.

Upgrading Outdated Electrical Panels:

Older electrical panels may be more prone to overload issues. Upgrading to a modern panel can enhance the overall safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

Understanding the Role of Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breaker Functionality:

Circuit breakers are designed to automatically shut off electrical flow when a circuit exceeds its rated load, preventing overheating and potential hazards.

Importance of Regular Circuit Breaker Checks:

Homeowners should routinely check their circuit breakers to ensure they are functioning correctly and have not become overly sensitive or unresponsive.

Voltage variations and the subsequent risk of electrical overloads are critical considerations for maintaining a safe and efficient home electrical system. By understanding these concepts and implementing protective measures, homeowners can significantly mitigate the risks. Turn It On Electric is dedicated to providing expert guidance and services to ensure your home’s electrical system is robust, safe, and well-equipped to handle everyday demands and unexpected fluctuations alike. Contact us today for a comprehensive electrical safety assessment or any upgrades, our team of skilled professionals is here to assist you.

Categories Residential

Smart Home Gift Ideas for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and it’s the perfect time to think about giving your home a smart upgrade. Smart home devices not only make excellent gifts but also bring convenience, efficiency, and enhanced security to your living space. At Turn It On Electric, we understand the ins and outs of smart home technology and are here to guide you through the best upgrades available.

Smart Thermostats

With our unique climate, a smart thermostat is a must-have. It learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly, saving energy and money. Nest and Ecobee are popular choices that offer remote control via smartphones.

Smart Lighting Solutions

LED smart bulbs, like those from Philips Hue or LIFX, can change the ambiance of your home with the touch of an app. They are energy-efficient and can be programmed to turn on and off, adjusting to your daily routines.

Smart Security Systems

Upgrade your home’s security with smart cameras, doorbells, and locks. Brands like Ring and Arlo offer products that let you monitor your home remotely, giving peace of mind while you’re away enjoying the holiday festivities.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety is paramount. Smart detectors provide real-time alerts to your phone, even when you’re not at home. Consider the Google Nest Protect, which also tests itself automatically and lasts up to a decade.

Smart Irrigation Systems

In the desert climate, smart irrigation systems like Rachio can help manage your watering schedule efficiently, conserving water while keeping your landscape thriving.

Smart home technology is more than just a holiday gift; it’s an investment in your home’s future. With these upgrades, you can enjoy a more comfortable, secure, and efficient home. If you need assistance in selecting or installing the perfect smart home gifts this holiday season, Turn It On Electric is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your home into a smart home.

Categories Residential

Electrical Tips for Decorating Your Home This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and beautiful decorations. Bright lights and festive ornaments bring warmth to the chilly days, but it’s crucial to decorate safely, especially when it comes to electrical installations. At Turn It On Electric, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your holiday season is both merry and safe. Here are our top tips for safe electrical decorations:

Inspect Decorative Lights

Before you start decorating, thoroughly inspect your holiday lights. Look for frayed wires, cracked sockets, and loose connections. Faulty lights are not just inefficient but can also pose serious fire hazards. It’s always better to replace damaged lights than to risk an electrical mishap.

Use LED Lights

Consider switching to LED holiday lights. LEDs are more energy-efficient, last longer, and are cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of overheating and fires. They might be slightly more expensive upfront, but their longevity and energy savings make them a wise investment.

Avoid Overloading Outlets

It’s easy to get carried away and plug too many lights into a single outlet. However, this can overload your home’s electrical circuits. Spread your decorations across multiple circuits and use power strips with built-in circuit protection to prevent overloads.

Outdoor Safety

If you’re decorating outside, make sure to use lights and decorations rated for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated items are designed to withstand weather conditions and are safer for use in areas exposed to moisture. Also, when running extension cords outside, use cords rated for outdoor use and keep all connections above ground, out of puddles or snow.

Turn Off Decorations Before Bed

This one is simple but crucial. Turn off all your holiday lights and decorations before going to bed or whenever you leave the house. You can use a timer to automate this process, ensuring that your lights are never left on unnecessarily.

Child and Pet Safety

If you have young children or pets, be mindful of where you place electrical decorations. Avoid low-hanging or floor-level decorations that can be easily reached. Also, cover any unused outlets with safety caps.

Read Manufacturer’s Instructions

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance of holiday decorations. Each product might have specific requirements or limitations, and it’s important to be well-informed.

Consider Professional Installation

For elaborate displays, or if you’re unsure about how to safely manage your electrical load, consider professional installation. At Turn It On Electric, we offer installation services that ensure your holiday setup is not only stunning but also safe.

In conclusion, while decorating your home for the holidays, it’s important to prioritize safety along with aesthetics. By following these tips, you can ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy, not hazards. For any electrical concerns or professional assistance with your holiday decorations, contact Turn It On Electric for help. Let’s make this holiday season both bright and safe!

Categories Residential

The Impact of Winter Weather on Your Electrical System

As winter blankets our neighborhoods with its chilly embrace, it brings more than just the holiday cheer. For homeowners and businesses alike, the colder months can pose unique challenges to electrical systems. At Turn It On Electric, we understand the importance of being prepared. In this article, we delve into how winter weather impacts your electrical system and the steps you can take to ensure safety and efficiency.

Understanding the Winter Impact

Increased Electrical Load – Winter is synonymous with shorter days and longer nights, leading to increased use of lighting. Heating systems work overtime to keep spaces warm. This added demand can strain your home’s electrical system, especially if it’s older or not properly maintained.

Moisture and Cold Temperature Effects – Electrical systems are not immune to the ravages of cold and moisture. Wiring and components can contract in lower temperatures, potentially leading to cracks and damage. Moisture from snow, ice, or rain can seep into cracks and crevices, causing short circuits or ground faults.

Overloaded Circuits – The use of space heaters, electric blankets, and other heating appliances can lead to overloaded circuits. This is particularly true in older homes not designed for the electrical demands of modern appliances.

Power Outages – Winter storms, with their potent mix of wind, ice, and snow, can wreak havoc on power lines, leading to frequent power outages.

Preventative Measures and Solutions

System Inspection and Maintenance – Turn It On Electric recommends a thorough inspection of your electrical system before winter sets in. This includes checking for any insulation gaps, ensuring that all connections are secure, and that your system can handle the additional winter load.

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel – If your home is older or you’re experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips, it might be time to consider upgrading your electrical panel to accommodate higher loads safely.

Implementing Surge Protection – Power surges are common during winter storms. Implementing whole-house surge protection can safeguard your appliances and electronic devices from damage.

Safe Use of Space Heaters – Educate yourself and your family on the safe use of space heaters. Ensure they are placed away from flammable materials and are not overloading circuits.

Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – In areas where water and moisture are prevalent, like bathrooms or kitchens, installing GFCIs can prevent electrocution and electrical mishaps.

Emergency Preparedness – Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source like a generator. Turn It On Electric can assist in selecting and installing the right generator for your home.

Winter’s beauty comes with its set of challenges for electrical systems. By understanding these challenges and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a safe and comfortable season. At Turn It On Electric, our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of service to meet your winter electrical needs. From inspections and repairs to upgrades and emergency services, we are here to keep your home bright and warm through the winter months. CONTACT US today to make sure you’re prepared.