Smart Homes: Safety and Security Options to Protect Your Family
Smart homes have been a major trend over the past few years, and the trend towards transforming our living spaces and bringing the internet of things into our homes won’t be going anywhere this year. In fact, there are some pretty amazing new electrical protection gizmos and gadgets that you can expect to see a lot more of this year, including: Facial recognition software. What used to be the preserve of spies and government agencies has gone mainstream, and new video surveillance technology for homes includes software that can recognize...
read moreNew Trends in Residential Lighting for 2016/2017
Every year, there are subtle shifts in décor and design trends, and lighting is no different. While redecorating your whole home isn’t really an option for most of us, the good news is that small changes can make a big impact. If you’re looking to update your residential lighting this year, there are some great trends you can try. Artisanal Details Artisanal décor details remain a strong trend in 2016, and lighting is a great way to bring this handmade look into your home. Consider hand crafted chandeliers or light fixtures. Think wrought...
read more5 Types of Electrical Remodeling to Consider
When you are renovating a home, chances are there are going to be some electrical remodeling tasks that you consider doing. Whether it is for energy savings, safety or aesthetics, you need to consider whether the things you are considering changing are a want or a need, and assign your remodeling budget accordingly. Here are some of the best electrical remodeling options you could choose. A Bigger, Better Panel If your remodel includes any additions or changes to your home that will require more outlets, fixtures or appliances, or place more...
read moreWhy a Whole Home Generator is Vital to Emergency Preparedness
Until you have experienced a blackout, you never really think about getting backup power. However, once you have, you know what to expect. Everything in our modern lives depends on power to work. Being without it, even for a few hours, can be a miserable or even downright dangerous proposition. We take a look at why you should consider a backup generator, what your options are, and how you can go about getting the right home generator. Who Should Have a Backup Generator? Ideally, everyone would have a backup generator, because blackouts and...
read moreHow Electrical Vehicles are Improving Green Efficiency
In 2011, Barack Obama set the goal of having 1 million electric vehicles on the road by the end of this year. It is now clear that while we won’t reach that goal, there have been significant strides in the electrical vehicles market. Although the industry hasn’t achieved its target of a million units, it has made great strides and we are improving not only the state of EV’s on the road, but also the ideals of electrical efficiency and green building in general. The Silent Electrical Revolution In spite of falling short of those...
read moreHow to Make Your Home a High Performance Electrical Superstar
High performance homes are in big demand. People love to buy these types of homes, because they know that a certified high performance home will have the best heating and cooling efficiency, the best ventilation, and the best electrical efficiency. Many new homes are built to high performance standards from day one, but it is possible to retrofit too. If you want to make your home a high performance superstar, there are a few steps you can take to make positive changes to your power consumption. Get a RESNET Approved Contractor The first step...
read moreMake Your Home a Thing of Beauty This Holiday – Efficiently!
There are a few things in life that you can’t escape. Death and taxes, and the absolute necessity of turning your home into a beacon of light during the festive season that can be seen from space. Or at least from passing aircraft. The only trouble with holiday lighting is that while it is beautiful and fun, and it is a big part of the season, it is not exactly energy efficient. It can be, however, and here’s how: Better Bulbs If your holiday lights are old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, then they are probably sucking enough power...
read moreWhat is the Purpose of Preventive Electrical Maintenance?
Electrical maintenance, whether in your home or in a commercial or industrial setting, is often a grudge purchase. It is something you would rather not be spending money on (like insurance), and you may even wonder if you couldn’t just skip it altogether. While it may be tempting to save a little on your budget now, there are many reasons not to skip the preventive electrical maintenance on your business premises. Electrical Failure is Cumulative and Preventable The electrical systems in your home or commercial building are a lot like...
read moreBuying a New Home? Electrical Must-Haves to Keep in Mind
If you are a new homebuyer, particularly if you are going to be involved in the design and construction process, then you really do have an opportunity to get exactly what you want and build the home of your dreams. While you may be excited by finishes and enchanted by fixtures, don’t forget to spend a little time considering the less visible, less sexy elements of your new home. Like the plumbing and electrical. You might not think about it as much as you do designer cabinets and glorious granite countertops, but you will be glad you...
read moreCalifornia Project Gets Recognition for Energy Conservation
When most people think about energy conservation, they are probably not thinking about a seventy-year-old luxury resort and spa in one of the country’s most sought after tourist destinations. However, the recent recognition of Granlibakken in Lake Tahoe, California, by the US Department of Energy proves that those are exactly the sort of places that can make a difference. In fact, with a projected reduction of over 40% in power consumption, Granlibakken is not just a flagship project for Placer County, and its first successful mPOWER funded...
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