Whether you were drawn to your new electric car because it is environmentally friendly or because it has a lower operating cost, planning where you can regularly charge your vehicle is a crucial step. If you own an electric car, you already know how much of a hassle and how time consuming it can be…
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When considering electrical upgrades around their home, many homeowners tend to overlook a simple yet especially useful modification: upgrading their two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets. There are several reasons why you should consider this small but substantial improvement. Lack of grounding Ground wires keep people and electronics safe from electrical faults and surges…
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We all have bad energy habits, from hanging out in front of the open freezer door letting all the cold out, to falling asleep in front of the TV, to leaving the lights on all day when nobody’s in the house, but since appliances and gadgets all use different amounts of electricity, it’s tough…
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For anyone who thinks “bigger is better” when it comes to holiday decorating, overloaded circuits are a real concern around Christmastime. While you won’t risk shutting down the grid service to your entire town, you can certainly pop some breakers and possibly create a fire hazard. There are a few ways you can create an…
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Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses most families have each month. If you are trying to save money, reducing your electric bill can be a huge help. To help you save more of your hard-earned money, here are some proven ways that can help you slash your bill each month: Turn off your…
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Home energy monitors (HEM) are Wi-Fi enabled devices that are installed in your home’s electrical panel. Many HEMs only provide the whole home view of your usage. Some HEM devices give you real time data on how energy is being used in your home. A device like the Sense Home Energy Monitor discovers the…
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Knowing how to read an electric meter could alert you to discrepancies on your electric bill and help you keep track of your monthly energy use. There are four types of electric meters: digital, electronic, smart meters, and traditional dial meters. Use this handy guide to help learn how to read your electric meter, no…
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Electric fireplaces are a much less expensive alternative to adding a wood-burning fireplace to your home. Electric models provide a significant amount of heat for small spaces, reducing the need to crank up the furnace, thus saving you money on your energy bill. Electric fireplaces are indeed a great alternative to other energy-guzzling options. In…
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Homeowners become highly concerned when they notice a light switch is hot. It’s a natural instinct to feel concerned since it is out of the ordinary, but whether this is a dangerous situation actually depends on the type of switch you are using. Standard light switches are different from dimmer switches, and with this issue,…
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According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are nearly 25,000 electrical fires each year in homes throughout the country. Many of those could have been easily prevented. So, would your home pass an electrical safety inspection? Here are some things a professional electrician would look for during home inspection: Faulty Wires Faulty wires are…
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