Winter is in full swing and homeowners are often shocked by their increased electric bills. Many of us use a good deal more electricity in our homes during the frigid winter months, which can be quite costly if we’re not paying attention. From excessive use of the heating system to leaving lights on longer than necessary, there are several elements that add to higher electric in the winter.
We want to share with you some helpful tips to help you reduce your electric bill this winter.
Turn down your thermostat setting when you are away from home – Many of us work and are out of the home during the day. Turning down your thermostat settings when you are away from home is one surefire way to reduce electric costs. Installing a programmable thermostat, or even a smart thermostat, will allow you to set a working schedule rather than having the heat run all day long. A programmable thermostat will afford you the confidence of a home that is heated and comfortable upon your return while minimizing electric costs at the same time. In addition, when you travel for business or are away on vacation during the winter months, make certain to set your thermostat at a practical temperature, typically between 60 and 65 degrees, which will avoid pipes from freezing and keep the home comfortable without increasing electric costs during your absence.
Turn off lights when not in use – During the winter months when it gets dark earlier in the day, it can become somewhat of a bad habit to leave lights on throughout the day and night. Because of the shorter daylight hours, people tend to leave their lights on much longer or even forget to turn them off altogether. Whenever you leave a room in the house, make certain to turn the lights off. This simple yet practical act can save you quite a bit of money.
Adjust the blinds, drapes or shutters in your home accordingly – To conserve energy and save money get into the habit of closing your blinds, drapes or shutters at night and opening them during the daytime. This efficient task will allow the sun’s heat to enter your living space during the daytime resulting in a warmer atmosphere at night. Engaging in this simple practice will help keep your home at a consistent perfect temperature while reducing the workload of your furnace or heating system. Further, engaging in this daily practice will again conserve energy and contribute to your ability to reduce your electric bill. Whether your home is designed with plantation shutters, heavy blinds or lined drapes, opening them in the daytime and closing at night time is a good procedure to practice. Furthermore, be certain to adjust your window treatments in all the rooms in your house and not just your primary living space.
These important tips will certainly help you to reduce your electric bill during the winter months while still maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Take time out now to put these useful steps in place and don’t forget, if you need of any type of electrical services, we are the team for you. Don’t delay. Contact us today!! Gervais Electric, Inc. – your ‘go to’ company for all your Middle Tennessee electrical needs.
If you are a business owner who houses your business in a building that is well over 25 years old, or even a historic building, then chances are the wiring and electrical system in your building need attention. Because the wiring is tucked away nicely behind the plaster on the walls, it is understandable why this single element is often forgotten. With that said, aging electrical systems and faulty old wiring contribute to many a fire in older buildings. Both present with many hazards, some of which we are going to discuss right here.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring – Knob-and-tube wiring is very common in older buildings and over time this wiring becomes compromised, nibbled away by rodents and damaged in a variety of ways. Because of its old age and not so perfect condition, knob-and-tube wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in older buildings.
Wiring that is Poorly Modified – Most older and historical buildings have wiring that has been altered, changed and tinkered with in other ways over the years. With this tinkering, especially by people who are not certified electricians, there are often live electrical wires that are loose, poor electrical connections and a variety of hidden problems residing right there in the walls of your building structure.
Presence of Low Amp Wiring – Another common electrical fire risk is that of old wiring
knob-and-tube wiring image credits: Wikipedia
that is inappropriately amped. Many older buildings have wiring with a lower amp rating than is required for running business equipment and various appliances which is a serious fire hazard.
Faulty Breakers – In older buildings, often the electrical panel has not been upgraded which means that the breakers and the switches may very well be faulty. If they are not functioning properly, the electrical system in your building is unable to operate efficiently. This is dangerous and can surely result in serious fires.
Inadequate Insulation on Wires – The insulation used on old wiring back in the day is far from perfect and is not industry compliant with today’s standards. The insulation was probably damaged over the years by simple disintegration or by becoming brittle over time. When this occurs, the electrical wiring is then left exposed which can lead to sparks and fires.
A Poor Electrical Design – It goes without saying that the electrical design in many older buildings is nothing like electrical designs of today. Many years ago, the electrical system in your building was designed to meet different electrical needs and code requirements. The industry codes and standards have changed a great deal over the years, providing much more safety today. Rest assured, were you to have the old wiring in your business building inspected today, the odds are very high it will not pass inspection.
As a matter fact, your business structure may not even be that old and can still have outdated wiring and an outdated electrical system. If your building was constructed in the 70’s or before, then chances are you have some very serious electrical issues going on behind those walls. To feel safe and secure in your building, and to know that your employees are safe as well, the experts here at Gervais Electric, Inc. highly recommend you have your old wiring system inspected to ensure that there are no major fire risks. If you need an electrical inspection, then you have come to the right place. Reach out to our experts at Gervais Electric and schedule your inspection today. We look forward to providing you with all your electrical needs and to enhance the safety of your business and your employees. Don’t delay. Be safe, be wise, be sure. Contact us today! (615) 973-1436.
When you are in the market for an electrician, it is important to perform your due diligence and give focus to all the details. Often you will see an electrician that charges substantially lower rates than other electricians when performing your research. Why, you may ask.
The answer is simple. They are, more than likely, not licensed electricians and do not possess appropriate certifications. They, more than likely, have not had required schooling and training which is why they do not hold any certifications or licenses. Being licensed and certified offers a guarantee to customers that the work performed will be that of a professional standard and quality. In addition, licensed professional electricians bring with them a warranty for services should anything ever go wrong. With that said, when researching electricians and making that all-important decision, it is important to limit your search to licensed and certified electricians.
Licensed Electricians are Generally Reliable and Competent
Part of the licensing process that all electricians go through include testing to show competence at performing electrical work of all types. This advanced testing and training is an added benefit to those in search of an electrician and most assuredly contributes to the competency, the dependability and reliability of the electrician, something we all look for in service providers. Going through the rigorous testing and training is necessary to receive a professional certification and electrician’s license.
Testing of this nature tells us that our electrician of choice will comply with all building codes when providing services and will also give focus to rules, regulations and other acts of compliance in any given city, town or other locale. Licensed professional electricians perform all work up to code. Further, the extensive schooling and training that licensed electricians go through ensures that they are all familiar with the permits they need to acquire in a specific town or location before they can perform any work. This same training also defines how the work must be performed to ensure that all services provided are up to code in any given area.
Licensed Electricians are Insured
One essential element of electrical work is avoiding personal liability. We all know how dangerous it can be working with electricity. Though injuries are usually rare when all the appropriate safety measures are taken, accidents can still occur. Individuals who are not properly schooled and trained, and lack professional certifications and licensing are apt to fall prey to electrical accidents and potential property and personal liability claims.
Faulty wiring, many times, leads to fires and these types of fires can spread quickly throughout communities and residential complexes. When something of this nature occurs, then damages need be accounted for. If your electrician of choice is not licensed or certified, then surely you can imagine the problems and challenges that would lie ahead in trying to recoup losses or damages. When you contract the services of a licensed professional electrician you can be sure that they carry liability insurance coverage and are easily accessible should there be a need to communicate with them or even to file insurance claims. Though we do not want to typically give focus to this topic, it is important to realize that accidents can, in fact, happen and having liability insurance is an absolute must for both the electrician and the homeowners alike.
Top-Rated Electricians for Your Every Need
At Gervais Electric, Inc. we are all about our clients. You truly are our #1 priority which is why we have come to be known as your ‘go to’ company for all your electrical needs in the Nashville area. Whatever your electrical needs may be, we are the team for you. Hiring a professional electrician is critical to the safety of your home and family and ensures quality, industry compliant work, each time every time. There is no project too big or too small for our team. For all your electrical needs, reach out to the professionals at Gervais Electric today. We look forward to providing you with all your electrical needs.
