Prepping Your Home for the Upcoming Winter Season
As the winter season approaches faster than many of us had hoped for, it becomes more critical to prepare your home and keep your mind at ease when the weather starts to turn. Many may not realize how much winter can impact your home, so taking the proper precautions will help to get you and your home ready for the winter season. It is very important to take care of your home’s exterior and interior when preparing for the chilly weather. Who wants to worry about having to take on any home projects when it’s cold out? Our guess is, no one! This blog will walk you through what you should have in your home for winter and what to mark off of your checklist before the first snowfall. Invest in a Smart Thermostat After returning home from a long day at work on a cold winter afternoon, the last thing you want is to walk into a frigid house. If you’re wondering how you would be able to avoid that, we have the answer for you – smart thermostats! A smart thermostat can be controlled from your smartphone, so you’re able to turn your heat on and off with the tap of a finger. This makes it quick and easy to manage your home’s temperature while the system itself helps to save you money and energy. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat and are considering one, making the choice sooner rather than later will add to a comfortable home and reduced utility bills. Installing this type of thermostat is something that should be done before winter hits in case any incidents occur, such as faulty wires or power outages. If you’re unfamiliar with thermostats and their installation, Ark Electric Heating & Cooling can help you install a smart thermostat for your home. Contact us HERE Check your Home’s Insulation Before winter hits, creating a checklist of what needs to be done will also help you to get your home ready. One of the items on the checklist should be to check your home’s insulation during the summer or fall to allow you to find and resolve any problems that arise. Due to the temperature drop outside as winter progresses, ensuring your home is properly insulated will help keep your home warm. Your windows, siding, attic, and basement should all be insulated to avoid any cold air from entering your home. Having your home properly insulated will also decrease the chances of your pipes freezing. Frozen pipes in the winter can cause a variety of problems making it hard to get them working again – or worse, breakage! If you are experiencing your pipes freezing, try the below tactics: Use thermostatically controlled heat tape and wrap it around the pipes. Break out a trusted, strong hair dryer and use the hottest setting to unfreeze the pipes. Place a space heater near the pipes. Taking initiative to check your home’s insulation will not only protect your home, but it will protect you and your family during the colder months. If you find that your pipes do end up freezing, because sometimes it is out of your control, follow these steps above to defrost any frozen pipes in your home. Complete All Summer Projects Transitioning from fall to winter tends to come much sooner than you think, so you’ll want to prepare sooner rather than later. Make sure, before winter begins, you wrap up any projects you started earlier in the year –especially if they involve the exterior of your home. Let’s face it, working outside when it’s cold or snowing isn’t fun, so completing these exterior projects before the cold weather arrives allows you to spend more time with your family during the holiday season. Winter is the perfect time to complete interior projects throughout the home as well. Take this opportunity to update your kitchen cabinets, reorganize your pantry, and invest in some new appliances. Purchasing new appliances before winter will allow you to have them in your home before the cold weather strikes so you are guaranteed they will work and will last you throughout the cooler months. No one wants to have any appliance malfunctions during winter storms. If you are investing in new appliances, you may consider looking into a home warranty plan to help protect your investments and save you money if anything goes wrong later down the road. If you do not invest in this plan, you may be at risk of having to pay for pricey repairs or buy brand-new appliances if anything happens to go wrong with them, and we know how much money that can cost us especially paired with holiday spending during the winter. A home warranty plan can also help when it comes to any HVAC issues you may experience as well, which is vital for keeping your home warm in the cooler months. In combination with the money saved, a warranty plan can help you to cut back on time spent addressing appliance issues as well. As the leaves begin to fall off the trees and the frost comes out in the mornings, follow these tips and tricks to get your home ready for another dreadful (for some) season of winter. Now that you can get started on your to-do list, also take some time to relax and enjoy your warm home with your friends and family.
6 Simple Ways to Help You Lower Your Electricity Bill
Keep your energy bills five by five with these 6 tips and tricks As prices continual to rise you maybe looking for ways to save money. One of the biggest ticket items is likely your electricity bill. Though it may seem like a fixed expense you can do little about, following these six simple practices can help lower your electric bill. 6 Simple energy-saving practices to reduce your electric bill 1. Replace Outdated Equipment If you have older equipment, upgrading could save you energy. Consider replacing appliances with Energy Star models. If it’s time to replace a desktop computer, a laptop paired with a large monitor and Bluetooth or wired keyboard might be a better option. Laptops, according to the EPA, are 2.5 to 3 times more efficient than desktop computers. Additionally, many older homes are not designed to carry the electrical load require and need additional circuits installed or an electrical panel upgrade for optimal efficiency and safety. To ensure the electrical current is moving safely throughout your home, schedule an inspection with a professional electrician. 2. Switch to LED Bulbs Switching to a LED (light emitting diode) lighting system can reduce your energy costs considerably. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and produce significantly more light. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb produces 800 lumens. To produce that amount of visible light with incandescent lighting, you would need a 60-watt bulb. LEDs also have the added benefits of attracting fewer insects and pests, and since they run cooler, they also reduce fire risks. 3. Add Motion Sensors, Timers and/or Dimmers to Lights Installing motion sensors or timers in rooms, doorways, and outside areas can help many homeowners conserve energy. Similarly, dimmer switches provide the flexibility of using less energy for illumination at different times of the day or for different tasks or situations. You will need to make sure to choose a compatible dimmer for the type of bulb you’re using. Most dimmer switches are compatible with modern halogen light bulbs. 4. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance Perhaps one of the biggest opportunities to save on your electricity bill is to keep the biggest user of your electricity, your HVAC system, running at peak efficiency. Scheduling regular maintenance will increase its efficiency and save you money, not only on your electricity, but on repair costs. Routine inspections and servicing, help ensure smaller HVAC problems are detected before they grow into bigger, more costly ones. 5. Add Ceiling Fans to Compliment the A/C Ceiling fans are a perfect compliment to your air conditioning and should be used in tandem for the most benefit. Keeping the air circulating better will decrease the load on your AC unit as it tries to cool the entire room. If you already have fans, check to see if they have an Energy Star rating, as these can improve your energy efficiency by 40% compared to non-rated models. 6. Power Down The best energy savings come into play when we’re simply not using it. Turning off shop and office equipment overnight and unplugging seldom-used equipment are some of the simplest and most efficient ways to conserve energy. Even when equipment is powered down, it’s still drawing a small amount of current while it’s plugged in. To determine where the most improvement can be made in your business, contact your utility or an energy conservation consultant for an energy audit. When it comes to updating lighting and equipment, the experts at Schafer Electric are here to serve you. Our professional electricians and HVAC techs can ensure that your electrical and HVAC systems are working properly and at peak efficiency. We also specialize in security and safety lighting installation and maintenance for your home and commercial spaces. If you are in need of any HVAC or electrical services, Click HERE and fill out the form below or ARK electric Heating and Cooling today.
Ensure that your family stays warm this winter with a furnace you can rely on
Ensure that your family stays warm this winter with a furnace you can rely on The weather is cooling down and homeowners are preparing for fun fall activities like Halloween, Thanksgiving, fall festivals, and more. However, one thing that you might have neglected in all this excitement is your HVAC system. When is the last time that you turned on your furnace to make sure that it’s working properly? Having a reliable way to stay warm at home will become especially important as the temperature start to drop. One way to gain this peace of mind is to ensure that your furnace is working properly. Read three ways that pre-season furnace maintenance will save you money and frustration in Denver, CO, and the surrounding areas. Increase Energy Efficiency and Lower Bills To run efficiently, your furnace needs regular maintenance. A furnace that receives regular tune-ups will have improved energy efficiency, reducing your energy consumption and saving you money. In addition, your heat accounts for 25% of your energy costs on average, so an efficient furnace can have a big impact on reducing your monthly bills. When your furnace sits unused for some time, like during the summer, it collects contaminants such as dirt and dust that can curb its efficiency when you use it again. HVAC maintenance service right before the cold weather hits should keep your unit in prime condition, preventing problems that could make your system work harder, increase your monthly bills, or decrease the overall energy efficiency of your home. Maintain Your Warranty Did you know that most furnace warranties require regular maintenance? If you do not get your furnace inspected regularly, the manufacturer might not honor the warranty. Skip the frustration of calling in to fix a failing furnace only to learn that your warranty is void because you forgot to get annual maintenance. Gain peace of mind and avoid the extra costs of an out-of-warranty repair by getting maintenance yearly. Make sure to check your warranty to see what you must do to be covered for part repairs. Prevent Costly Repairs and Improve Lifespan Much like how a car that has had regular tune-ups will outperform one that hasn’t, a well-maintained furnace will last longer than one that has been neglected. Regular heating service and maintenance can allow you to avoid costly repairs. A thorough furnace inspection is a perfect chance to discover and fix any small problems before they grow into a major problem. Ignoring maintenance can also reduce the lifespan of your heating system, leading to an expensive and premature replacement that prevents you from getting your money’s worth. Finally, regular maintenance can prevent emergency breakdowns that cost a fortune to fix. If you get an inspection before the cold weather hits, you shouldn’t have to worry about a furnace crisis later. Don’t put yourself in the situation of needing an emergency repair when it is cold outside, and you need heat. It’s uncomfortable for everyone in your family when the temperature is freezing in your home, and it could likely cost an emergency fee to repair. While all the benefits we have listed are important, the most important thing is that your family stays safe and comfortable at home. Having a reliable furnace will keep your family warm and cozy during the winter months. Are you ready to get a furnace inspection that brings you peace of mind through the winter months? We are here to help you make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Click HERE today and schedule your HVAC safety check and fall tune up and we will send out one of our great guys heating cooling and electrical team to get you taken care of.
What are the different types of electricians?
Although there are some home projects you can do yourself, electrical work isn’t one of them. Electrical and wiring issues require a skilled hand and in-depth knowledge about these systems. This is why hiring Denver electrical services is essential when it comes to any type of electric work in your home. Every electrician has varying levels of knowledge and expertise. There are also many different certifications that an electrician can specialize in. Find out more about the different types of electricians and which one you should hire. Electrician certification levels Electrical specialists can certify in different levels of training. These certifications require a variety of in-classroom and on-the-job learning. The type of electrician you hire depends on the type of work you need completed. An Apprentice Electrician is going to have a completely different skill set than a fully-licensed Master Electrician. Review the different types of certification levels below to decide which electrician is right for your project. Apprentice: An electrician in their beginning stages of learning. These types of electricians are completing on-the-job and in-class instruction to receive their licenses. Although Apprentice Electricians do not work without a supervisor, they are still able to perform many complicated household electrical fixes. Journeyman: An electrician who has acquired their licenses by passing their apprenticeship exams and hours. Their certifications and experience allow them to work on any type of residential projects. Master: An electrician who has completed the highest levels of learning and certifications. Master Electricians are required to complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, along with completing thorough testing. They can work on complex or large-scale residential and commercial electrical needs. Top five electrical specialists Any type of certified electrician can choose to specialize in a specific background. Depending on your project, you’ll need to hire one of the following common types of electrical specialists. Residential: Residential electrical specialists work on any type of home project. From repairing a circuit breaker to installing new lighting, hire a residential electrician to perform minor or major updates to your home. Commercial: A commercial electrician works on similar projects as a residential electrician, just in a commercial or business setting. They typically help install, repair, or perform maintenance on commercial buildings. Industrial: Industrial electricians are commonly found in settings like power plants, factories, or other industrial facilities. Their work requires in-depth knowledge of complex, large-scale systems. Installation: These electrical specialists have full knowledge of electrical systems and how to install them. They typically work on new home builds, setting up security, lighting, and connection to the electrical grid. Maintenance: Maintenance electricians are often employed by landlords or property owners. They perform basic diagnostic tests to determine repair and maintenance needs. Maintenance electricians are also skilled at troubleshooting electrical issues in any industrial, commercial, or residential setting. If you’re still unsure which electrician is right for you, contact ARK Electric for professional Denver electrical services.
How do I find a reputable electrician?
An electrician can help with various household or business needs. Whether that is a faulty breaker box or an old electrical system. You may need an electrician for various risks at home, but a licensed Denver Electrician is the only person you should be hiring for the job. What do electricians do? Electricians are often hired to work on parts of a building that has electrical wiring tied to an electrical panel. The scope of their work might include installing new fixtures, rewiring or adding electrical components, as well as replacing switches and outlets. You may also be able to hire an electrician in the event of a power outage or to help with home inspections. Common issues that are taken care of by an electrician Electricians are able to assist with major and minor within a building or home. These might include: ● Flickering lights: This issue would signify that the electrical grid is having some sort of problem. It may also indicate that it is hindering the transfer of electricity into that system. If the light continues to flicker after the bulb has been changed, then fixtures or wires may have problems. If not addressed by an electrician, this can eventually lead to a fire. ● Tripped circuit breaker: Circuit breakers shut down when they are overloaded with too much electricity. It is a safety measure to prevent overheating. In this case, you may attempt to reset the circuit. If that does not work, an electrician should be able to fix the issue. ● Rising electricity bill: The summer and winter generally show higher costs in your electricity bill. However, it is not normal for your home electricity bill to suddenly rise. Hiring an electrician can help assess the reason for this, and if there are any mechanical issues to be addressed. ● Exposed wires: This can pose a serious threat and safety hazard to your home. Not only can it be a fire risk, but it can even increase the chance of electrical shock. Electricians can help to secure your home and hide exposed wires. ● Loose electrical contacts: If you have plugs that often fall out of outlets it means that there is loose contact in the socket. It is important to correct this because it can lead to fires. How do I find a reputable electrician? The first step in finding a good electrician is to ask for recommendations. They should be able to provide these easily from past clients. You can also discuss what they specialize in to see if it works with your needs. Another important part of hiring a reputable electrician versus a poor one is to see a copy of their license. This should be easy for them to produce. It is also required in most states. You should also verify they carry insurance in case something happens on the job. Finally, you can call us at Arc Electric Co. for all of your electrical needs.
How Long Does it Take to Replace an Electrical Panel?
Electrical panels are a necessary part of the electrical systems in our homes, but eventually, they need to be replaced. Here is what you can expect. Every modern home has an electrical panel, and over time these panels will need to be replaced. When this occurs, you will need to work with an electrician to receive a replacement, but it isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this article, we will explore this process and how long it takes. Electrical Panel Replacement Replacing an electrical panel might sound like an easy task, but it is actually fairly complicated. In most cases, electricians will work in small teams to handle the task together because of the extent of the process itself. Let’s learn more. Why Does It Happen? There are two reasons that you will need to replace an electrical panel. The first reason is that your other one has stopped working correctly or has experienced some kind of damage. When this happens, you will need to have a new one put in. The second reason is that sometimes panels can become outdated. Our technology is improving at a very quick rate, and older systems are being phased out all around the world. Electrical systems are not any different. Sometimes you will need a replacement as part of a bigger upgrade. How Long Does it Take? Replacing an electrical panel with a team of three or fewer people can take as little as 3 to 4 hours and as long as 10 to 11 hours. Every panel is different. Depending on the home and state of the working environment, things can take different amounts of time. For a group of electricians, replacing an electrical panel is considered a full day of work in most cases. Can I Replace an Electrical Panel Myself? Most of us would prefer not to have strangers in or around our homes, which is why you might be wondering if there is a way around working with professionals. Like anything else, replacing an electrical panel yourself is technically possible, but it is not advised. Installing an electrical panel is a very complicated and time-consuming process that should be left to professionals under all circumstances. It simply is not worth the risk to attempt to do it yourself, and trained electricians can make sure that it is done correctly. The Takeaway Upgrading or replacing your electrical panel can have plenty of positive effects on your electrical system and your home. You will find that this change is one that goes on behind the scenes, but it is a part of what keeps your house functioning in the way that you prefer. If you are uncertain whether or not you should replace your electrical panel, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly in order to determine if you are a good candidate for an upgrade. As a Denver electrical company, we take great pride in helping our neighbors to get the most out of their homes.
What Are The Different Varieties of Electrical Services?
Electrical experts can offer a variety of electricity-related services—let’s explore their top services. Electrical systems can be complicated, and a lot of people aren’t clear about what electrical services actually entail. The area of electrical services is larger than you might expect, which means you could be missing out on a good opportunity to receive assistance with a difficult task in the home. In this article, we will discuss some of the more popular electrical services. Types of Electrical Services There are a variety of different areas in our lives where electricity plays a key role, and these systems can be found all around the home. Since electrical systems operate behind the scenes, most of us don’t think too much about them until we have to. Let’s learn what electricians can truly offer. Lighting Installation One of the most common electrical services available is lighting installation. Any time that you need to add lighting to your home as a permanent fixture, you will need to run electricity to the new area. Electricians can handle the installation of any necessary wiring to allow your new lights to shine. Though the occasional light is important, electricians can also help with more dedicated forms of lights, like chandeliers. Whether you want a chandelier installed or removed, an electrician can help you to do this safely in a way that you can trust. Ceiling Fan Installation A ceiling fan is a wonderful addition to a room. They can be a stylish new feature in any room of the home, but they also provide an important function by keeping the air moving. Most of them have lights, and they can be set at different levels of activity as well. Your local electrical experts can safely install these fans and give your room that exciting new look. Basement Wiring Basements play different roles for different people. Some people use them for storage or as a second place to work. Others prefer to renovate them and turn them into an entirely new addition to the home. Regardless of how you use them, you will likely need some kind of electricity in the area. Electricians can handle the wires so you can focus on enjoying your space. Remodeling Services With most major remodels, electricity becomes a key point of focus. Whether you are moving the lights in a room or adding electricity to an area for the first time, remodels almost always involve electrical work to some degree. Fortunately, an electrician can help whether you are running the show or working with a talented remodeling team. Electricity makes life easier no matter what you do with it, so remember to ask for more lights in your next remodel. The Takeaway There are so many ways that an electrician can help, even if it is just hooking up your brand new hot tub for you. For the best Denver electrical services that Colorado offers, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We specialize in a variety of electrical services, including the ones on this list and more.
What Are Electrical Works?
Electrical works consist of the many areas of electrical expertise provided by an electrician. This can be in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting. Whether they’re installing new wiring in a home or manufacturing new electrical equipment, an electrician uses their vast knowledge of electrical works. A Denver Electrician can also help you decide what electrical works need performed or updated in your home. Read on to discover examples of electrical works and how to find the best electrician for the job. Electrical Works Defined There are many different types of electrical works, just as there are different types of electricians. Electricians go through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training so that they are knowledgeable about electrical works pertaining to industrial and residential jobs. Through this knowledge, they can connect and disconnect equipment to an electrical grid through installation, repair, and maintenance. They can even manufacture and construct electrical wiring and components. Electrical Works at Home A Denver electrician can perform electrical works at your home by installing and maintaining electrical systems. Learn more about the most common residential electrical works below. Electrical Panel Installation and Maintenance It’s important to maintain the electrical panel in your home. This panel connects the electrical system throughout the entire house and older systems create potential fire hazards. You may have an older system if the circuit breakers located inside the panel are resetting or “tripping”. With the use of modern technology, older electrical panels should receive an upgrade so they adjust to the increase in electrical current. Replacing these systems requires the finesse of a certified electrician. Electrical Outlet Upgrades Electrical outlet maintenance is another type of electrical work provided by Denver electricians. Because these small outlets provide a lot of power all over your home, it’s important to keep them working properly. Re-wiring and electrical connection should be performed by an electrician to prevent fire or potential hazard. Lighting Installation Although it may be easy to replace a lightbulb, installing a brand-new lighting fixture is anything but simple. These electrical fixtures need to be connected to your home’s electrical board and panel. This requires updates to the electrical panel, as well. Even replacing an old lighting fixture with a new one can be confusing. A local electrician can help you choose the best spot for a new lighting fixture, as well as replace outdated fixtures. Call a Denver Electrician A certified electrician who specializes in residential electrical works can help you with these projects and more. Our Denver electricians are highly trained in all types of electrical works. From circuit panel maintenance to new electrical fixture installation, ARK Electric can help. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help you replace, repair, and install electrical works in your home.
What is an Electrical Service Panel?
Homes and properties are fitted with electrical service panels—what do these panels actually offer? Properties always have electrical service panels that can offer a great bit of comfort for the home. Most of us feel very strongly about having clear access to power, and these panels can provide us with that clear entry point that we need to power our homes. In this article, we will explore what these panels are and what they offer. The Electrical Service Panel in Your Home Most of us are quite fond of being able to charge our phones, watch tv, and heat our spaces up, but how often do you actually consider the electricity in your home? There are plenty of components that work together to make this possible, and an electrical service panel is one of them. Electricity Made Accessible The first and biggest offering that comes with an electrical service panel is the fact that it allows us to enjoy electricity. Electricity from providers works directly with this panel to bring electricity into our homes. Being able to access electricity is a tricky business, which is why our homes are all fitted with a simple panel to make connecting to electrical providers possible. With these panels, you are able to tap into all of the electricity from your chosen provider. Fuse Boxes and Circuit Breakers Most of us know what it is like to blow a fuse, and electrical service panels are responsible for helping us to repair them. Whether you are blow-drying your hair when the electricity goes out, or you find yourself testing out all of the new appliances you received during the holidays, these boxes can be very important. These panels allow you to head over to flip a switch and manually kickstart your energy back into your home. Knowing where these are and how to use them is very important, particularly during inclement weather. Electrical Separation The electricity that is funneled into our homes might be able to power anything that we throw at it, but it can’t do that without being able to separate that electricity throughout the house. Our electrical service panels are responsible for helping to send our electricity where it needs to go, allowing us to understand the flow of electricity within our homes in a clearly organized way. Without this, our scope of electricity would likely be very limited. The Takeaway You don’t need to be an expert to understand these panels, but we also understand that there are instances where it is safer to work with the professionals. For Denver electrical services aimed at helping you to get the most out of the electrical systems in your home. Whether you have a problem or just need an opportunity to have things checked out, we are happy to support you through any of your needs. Ask us how we can ensure that your systems are functional, safe, and ready to support the energy usage in your home!
What does a service electrician do?
Electricians are important personnel who work on a range of projects. From commercial to residential needs, a skilled electrician can help with maintenance projects, home redesign, and new home builds. The impact of these skilled workers is ever growing – with a projected industry growth increase of 10 percent in the next five years. Learn more about the skills and knowledge that service electricians provide and how Denver electrical services can help you. Electrician Overview Service electricians go through a range of training, including both practical, on-the-job experience and in-classroom work. Many have a background in electrical engineering and are well-versed on electrical terminology. This makes them the go-to professionals for in-depth projects around your home. Beginner electrician contractors can choose to learn via apprenticeship, as well. This allows them to learn the many skills of the trade alongside a Master Electrician. To become a fully-fledged service electrician, state exams and licensure are also required. Skills and knowledge aren’t the only thing that makes a great service electrician. Communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service are all imperative to successful client interactions. Common Services Offered When you need a pro on a residential or commercial project, a service electrician should be the first person you call. These technicians are highly skilled and have expertise in many areas of knowledge. From handling simple repairs to navigating more technical issues, service electricians offer many different types of services. Some of the most common specializations of service electricians are: ● Installing new lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, house fans, light switches, attic fans, under-cabinet lighting, and more ● Repairing faulty wiring ● Hooking up outdoor lighting, water features, hot tubs, and spas ● Pigtailing electrical wiring ● Assisting with kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances ● Installing more efficient HVAC systems ● Assisting with electrical service changes ● Wiring for new builds, remodels, or finishing basements and attics In Case of Electrical Emergencies Local service electricians can also help in the case of a Denver electrical services emergency. Contracted electricians provide reliable, fast attention to failed electrical systems or serious electrical issues. This is not always the case for larger-scale, industrial electricians because of the nature of their work. However, contacting a local service electrician ensures that any electrical problems will be handled with care during same-day service. There are many other benefits to working with Denver electrical services. These local, certified professionals are knowledgeable about the area and can easily provide same-day assistance. Working with a reliable service electrician is essential in emergencies, but it’s also comforting to work with a person you trust for smaller projects, too. Whether you’re doing a full home remodel, installing a new light fixture, or are experiencing total electrical failure, a service electrician can help. Contact Denver electrical services to learn more.