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Backup Generators Vs. UPS System For Your Business

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Though there are many challenges that come into play when running a business, one of the most disruptive occurrences is that of a power failure. Interrupted power supply can certainly cause a great many challenges and frustrations for any business. Whether your business relies heavily upon complicated machinery, IT systems or computers, operating without power is just not an option in most cases. With these occurrences always a possibility, it is critical that businesses who rely upon their equipment uptime or those in areas where power failures or blackouts are common, have some type of a backup plan. In today’s world, there are two primary options for providing backup power to businesses. The first is that of a backup generator and the second is an Uninterruptible Power Supply system or UPS. Each has its pros and cons which we will cover here.

Gervais Electric, Inc. can help you choose the perfect backup plan for your business. Our certified electricians are trained and skilled in all types of electrical services, including backup generators and UPS systems.

Backup Generators

Backup generators need either gasoline, propane or diesel to generate power. They are available in a range of sizes. Small, portable, backup generators can provide power for one or two items, while larger backup generators provide power to an entire warehouse or factory.

Purchasing a small backup generator is easy to do since they are remarkably easy to come by. They are also very easy to operate and maintain. A larger generator, however, would need to be special ordered from the manufacturer and cannot be purchased by simply walking into a store. Furthermore, a large generator must be professionally installed by certified technicians, such as those at Gervais Electric, that are skilled to perform these complex installations.

Backup generators do present with a couple of downsides. For starters, they require fuel for operating and secondly, they pose a lag time between the power going off and the generator being started. The lag time that occurs can be as much as one minute, depending upon the size of the generator as well as its configuration and settings. In addition to these obvious cons, backup generators typically give off fumes and can be quite noisy, not to mention they still need to be inspected from time to time. They truly are, however, a rather simple machine to use.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) System

UPS systems are very sophisticated, innovative batteries that are installed as a component to your existing power supply system. When the power is on in your factory or warehouse, the UPS system charges by way of the current flowing through them. They build up a power storage so that when the power goes off, they can continue to supply power that has built up.

UPS systems present with no lag time, which makes them an ideal component for installations that always require absolute consistent power. They are available in a wide range of styles, types and sizes. For businesses with complex computer systems, a UPS system can be used to ensure that your server and computers remain on for an extended period to allow for a safe shutdown when a power failure occurs. In addition, there are UPS systems that are large enough to power an entire building, warehouse or facility.

The downside of these systems is the obvious fact that they are remarkably expensive and the longer the battery backup they provide the more expensive they become. Further, due to the simple fact that they are battery based, there can be challenges maintaining or servicing them.

Whether you are interested in a backup generator or a UPS system, be assured you can rely upon the professionals at Gervais Electric to help you in your decision-making process and with the installation of your chosen backup system. Reach out to the experts at Gervais Electric today for your power supply backup needs and any other electrical needs you may have. Don’t get caught without power. Contact us today. We look forward to serving you. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Quick Solutions for Upgrading your Kitchen Lighting

Posted on by oleg

As homeowners, we are constantly looking for ways to improve upon the appearance and overall value of our homes. Home improvement projects do just that. From kitchens and bathrooms, to living rooms and backyards, home improvement projects are everywhere. Now that the holidays are here, why not improve upon your kitchen lighting and make this favorite room of the house your next project. Since the kitchen is one of the busiest spaces in your home, updating your kitchen lighting can certainly make it more efficient, but enjoyable at the same time. By changing the lighting in your kitchen, you can accomplish an entirely new stylish look and appeal.

With Gervais Electric, Inc. you can have an upgraded, newly modernized kitchen in absolutely no time at all. There is a wide range of lighting options you can choose from that can help you achieve that ideal look you are searching for. Abundant lights and fixtures, in a vast array of unique styles, designs and finishes are available on the market today to add ambiance and appeal to your kitchen living space.

Kitchen Lighting Options to Choose From

We want to share some of the more stylish and innovative lighting options that are available to you.

  • Recessed – Recessed lighting can, without a doubt, improve upon the ambiance of your kitchen significantly. Further, recessed lighting can add functional lighting that contributes to the many kitchen tasks performed including reading recipes, cooking, and countertop prep such as cutting, rolling, and decorating.
  • New Lighting Fixtures – You can choose to add a variety of new lighting fixtures that accent your existing kitchen décor. Upgrading your kitchen space with altogether new lighting fixtures is a spectacular way of adding a unique, customized touch. Typically, the fixtures you choose are a true reflection of your own personality and style.
  • Under Cabinet Lighting – Most of us would value additional lighting in our kitchens and surely the installation of stylish under cabinet lighting can accomplish just that. It’s always easier to get about and perform in the kitchen when sufficient lighting is available.
  • Pendants     – Pendant lighting is a tremendous lighting option for islands and dining areas.
  • Chandeliers – Chandelier lighting certainly adds that perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen while providing additional lighting for all your kitchen tasks.
  • Customized Island Lights – What an exciting way to illuminate your kitchen island while adding a decorative appeal to the very heart of your cherished kitchen space.
  • Track Lighting – With state of the art track lighting you can move, rotate, swivel and/or aim the fixtures to provide ambient task or specialized accent light as needed.
  • Ceiling Lights – Installing additional ceiling lights provides easy and attractive lighting and can be mounted either flush with the ceiling or close to the ceiling; whatever suits your existing décor and your personal taste.
  • Fluorescent Fixtures – Fluorescent fixtures are a bright, high-efficiency lighting option that is ideal for creating whole-room illumination in your kitchen.
  • LED Lighting – LED lighting, as we all know, saves energy and helps to reduce your electric bills. In addition, LED lighting is cool to the touch and provides balanced light distribution throughout the entire kitchen space.
Kitchen Lighting Options

The kitchen is the new family room. It’s the room where everybody wants to hang out. Enhancing the overall appeal and appearance of your kitchen with upgraded lighting options is a sure-fire way of making your kitchen space stand out above the rest. Dimmers installed in your kitchen are a perfect way to alter or adjust the atmosphere to suit your every occasion and guest.

If you are interested in upgrading your kitchen lighting, whether conventional options or inspirational kitchen lighting, then the experts at Gervais Electric are the professional team for you.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can enhance your kitchen space with new, innovative lighting solutions from Gervais Electric.

Important Facts to Know About Rewiring Your Home

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As homeowners we are always looking for effective and efficient ways to improve our home. One of the best all round upgrades you can make to your home is electrical rewiring. Often in older homes that have the original wiring from the time they were built, homeowners encounter lots of problems. Rewiring your home can certainly provide severe improvement to both the functionality and safety of your home. At Gervais Electric, Inc. we specialize in everything electrical. We take tremendous pride in our top of the line products and services and in educating all our clients on important electrical facts they should know.

Does My Home Need Rewiring?

local electrician

Electrical wiring, as we all know, is typically installed out of sight. People tend to overlook the electrical wiring in their homes for the simple fact that it is not visible. However, electrical wiring should be on your priority list when buying a home or renovating your existing home. It’s important that the wiring in your home is always up to date and complies with industry standards to avoid any electrical hazards, shocks or fires.

If you own an older home, it’s more than likely that the wiring is outdated. No worries. The professionals at Gervais Electric will perform the necessary inspection of your electrical wiring and suggest appropriate upgrades. Since most older homes have only a single circuit to house all the outlets in the home, we may suggest rewiring your home and splitting the outlets to avoid power trips and hazardous situations.

Here at Gervais Electric our highly skilled and certified electricians stand ready to perform your rewiring project. Our technicians will replace the old wiring, renew power points in the house along with switches, inspect and analyze your home’s current grounding system and, if necessary, upgrade the main panel and breakers. When it comes to electrical projects, we highly recommend that you do not attempt to perform them on your own, unless of course, you are trained to do so. Otherwise, it is imperative you rely upon the top-rated electrical services that we provide.

Benefits of Rewiring

The electrical wiring in older homes deteriorates over time and if it is not properly replaced could eventually lead to a house fire. Therefore, rewiring your home and performing a full assessment of the grounding in your home is essential to the overall safety of your home and family. Our licensed electricians will ensure that your wiring, grounding and other components are all up to date and comply with the applicable industry standards.

Another enormous benefit of having your home professionally rewired is that separate circuits will be established to accommodate some of the more important features in your home. Items such as your alarm system, your hot water heater, or your HVAC system should have their own circuit to keep them from being affected when the less important appliances in your home trip their circuits.

Finally, rewiring your home will most assuredly increase the value of your home should you ever want to sell it. Up to date wiring is something that the average buyer may ask about since they have obvious concerns for the safety of their family and their home. Rewiring your home is an incredible investment. It’s an investment in one of the most important assets you will ever purchase in your lifetime.

If your Franklin home needs electrical rewiring, or you simply want us to look at your home’s wiring needs, then act now.   Reach out to the experts at Gervais Electric, Inc. and put the safety and well-being of your family into the hands of some of the absolute best in the industry. Contact us today. We look forward to serving you with all your electrical needs!!

Avoid the Shock: Conduct Proper GFCI Installations in your Home

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Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) reduce the number of electrocutions that occur in homes by nearly 50% and have saved thousands of lives over time. There are many homes today that do not have proper electrical protection in those areas of the home inside or outside where water is present. Weather conditions outside and flowing water inside are obvious reasons why homeowners need to be guarded from the many risks of shock. Here at Gervais Electric we perform hundreds of GFCI installations every year.

What are GFCIs? Simply put, they are electrical safety devices that serve to trip home electrical circuits whenever ground faults or leakage current are detected. GFCI outlets prevent electrocutions by shutting off the power to a circuit quickly when it is detected that the electricity flowing into the same circuit differs somewhat from the electricity returning.

Whether indoors or outdoors, any area where water can come into contact with any electrical products should have GFCI installations in the immediate area. Electrical code requires that GFCI installations are used in all types of kitchens, bathrooms, recreation rooms, pools, garages and gardens as well. It is also required that your GFCIs be tested at minimum once per month to confirm their functionality and effectiveness.

Testing your GFCIs

To ensure that GFCIs are working properly, the professionals at Gervais Electric recommend you follow these steps:

  • To prepare the outlet for testing, always push the reset button first.
  • Plug a light of some sort into the GFCI outlet and turn it to the on position. The light should turn on at this point.
  • Next, push the test button on the GFCI which should then turn the light off.
  • Push the reset button once again, which should turn the light back on again.

If you stumble on any problems with these simple steps, for instance the light does not turn off when you push the test button, this is a surefire indication that the GFCI has either been wired incorrectly or even damaged. When this occurs, there is no protection from shock available. When you discover any such problems, be certain to immediately reach out to the highly skilled electricians here at Gervais Electric to identify the problem and provide an effective solution.

The Importance of GFCIs

If ever you have suffered an electric shock, it was probably because a portion of your body came in contact with an electrical current and provided a path for that very current to travel to the ground. When a human body provides a path, often serious injuries occur. However, if the appliance from which you encountered the electrical current was plugged into a GFCI outlet, the electrical power would be shut off immediately before any electrical shock could occur. A GFCI constantly monitors electricity that moves through a circuit. When a difference in the electrical current is detected, the power is quickly shut off.

GFCIs can be easily installed and are very affordable. However, the Electrical Safety Foundation International highly recommends consulting an electrician to guarantee a proper installation. That is where the folks at Gervais Electric come in. Proudly serving Nashville and many of its surrounding towns, our licensed and certified electricians are here to provide you with all your electrical needs, and that includes professional GFCI installations. Contact our experts today at (615)973-1436 or send us a message to talk with our professionals today. There is no project too big or too small for our professional team.

Common Home Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Should Always Avoid

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Unless you are trained and qualified, homeowners without electrical experience should avoid performing tasks that involve electricity. One wrong move with electricity and the outcome could be tragic. Electricity leaves no room for error and mistakes made can ultimately lead to some very serious damage including fires or electrical shock. For these very reasons, the folks here at Gervais Electric, Inc., right here in Franklin, want to educate our clients on the common mistakes that people make when working with electricity so you will know exactly what you need to avoid.

energy

NEW CONNECTIONS – Often times with wiring projects such as installing outdoor lights or speakers where there is no electrical box, people tend to think it is perfectly ok to perform wiring without the use of an electrical box. This could not be farther from the truth. If there is no electrical box in the immediate vicinity, then surely you would need to add a junction box nearby to where you want to install the lights or speakers. With the installation of the junction box you ensure that the connection and wires are protected against moisture and damage and prevent heat and sparks from occurring. Once you have installed the box, then all you need to do is connect the wires to the inside of it. This is much safer than attempting to wire a new connection without a junction box at all.

UNPROTECTED CABLES – The experts here at Gervais Electric want to point out the simple fact that leaving cable unprotected can lead to electrical issues. Electrical standards and codes make it very clear that any type of cable installed between framing members absolutely must be protected since it can be easily damaged otherwise. The use of a conduit of some sort will provide needed protection and is often the perfect solution.

UNSECURED OUTLETS – If you have outlets in your home that are loose or unsecured they may shift at one point and cause the wiring to come loose from the terminal. When this happens, wires can overheat quickly and can create a serious fire hazard. Here at Gervais Electric we highly recommend adding plastic spacers to the screws on the outside of the outlets to properly secure the outlets in place. This simple task can avoid costly fire damages to your home and keep both your home and family safe.

electrical safety

ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ARE CUT TOO SHORT – This is a common home electrical mistake made by many. People installing a new outlet or switch perhaps, tend to cut the wires too short which makes it almost impossible to have a proper connection. Without proper connections the risk of danger is very high. It is important that, when cutting wires, they protrude at least a good three inches out of the electrical box. We understand full well that there are times when you might have to work with shorter cut wires. If this is the case, we suggest you extend the short wires by adding extensions to the existing wires. This will certainly remove any high risks of danger and make your installation project altogether easier and safer.

These common home electrical mistakes can cause grave danger to your home and family. With that said, the expert teams here at Gervais Electric want to make it perfectly clear that if you have no experience working with electricity, attempting to perform an electrical task puts you, your home and your family at risk. We would prefer you call our professionals to handle all your electrical needs, whether installations, repairs or wiring. Our electricians will come out to your home, inspect your electrical components, identify any problems and provide effective solutions. Don’t take chances with the safety of your home and family. When an electrical problem arises, avoid mistakes and dangers. Contact the pros here at Gervais Electric, Inc. at 615-973-1436. We look forward to serving all our Franklin clients with all your electrical needs!!

Franklin BMW Certified Electricians

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BMW had their own vision about what it means to drive an electric vehicle. With that said, the company came forth with the all-electric BMW i3 as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8. Powered by excellence, performance, innovation, design and efficiency, the world of the BMW i Series is here and is making its presence known. Its plug-in hybrid BMW i8 affords consumers the ability to launch from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a mere 4.2 seconds.

The BMW i3, on the other hand, is one of the fastest of all BMWs to come off the production line. The two represent pure performance and BMW’s newest, most innovative eDrive technology to date. With this luxury BMW I Series, you not only experience energy efficiency, but certified sustainability as well. Truly the BMW i Series is sustainable to the core and fits into the electric world perfectly allowing individuals to experience the overall thrill of finally driving electric.

Here at Gervais Electric, Inc., our highly skilled and experienced technicians are certified BMW electricians trained to handle all your BMW charger installations. Our certified electricians are committed and dedicated to providing our top of the line BMW i Series charger services and meeting the needs of our valued clients in the key areas of home charging, public charging and flexible mobility. Whatever model of the BMW i Series you own, rest assure all your charger installation needs and services will be met by the professionals here at Gervais Electric.

The BMW i Series is truly a revolutionary line of new innovative cars and our certified electricians are here to provide the best in charger installations. In a world that is so focused on eco-friendly offerings, is it any wonder that so many people are turning to electric cars, and specifically to BMW? The BMW i Series is definitely in the forefront of the industry and the folks here at Gervais Electric are ready, willing and able to handle the obvious electrification of BMW cars with our top of the line charger installation services.

The BMW i Series has certainly gained favor in the industry and its multiple versions meet the mobility needs of consumers. The BMW i3 can get up to 114 miles per charge while the sister version, the BMW i3 with Range Extender gets nearly 180 miles in total. Whatever your model choice may be, remember we are the BMW certified electricians for you. We recognize how serious BMW is about their move into the electric vehicle market and our technicians at Gervais Electric are just as serious about our role as certified BMW electricians as well. With BMW’s push into the future of automobiles and the future of energy, we stand ready to provide superior BMW charger installation services.

Our certified BMW electricians are among the best in the marketplace and our services will simply not be beat. With a simple mission statement of 100% customer satisfaction, the experts here at Gervais Electric remain focused on providing our remarkable BMW electrician services to all our valued Franklin clients. Having been recognized as your go to company for BMW certified electricians in all of Nashville and the surrounding areas, the experts at Gervais Electric stand ready to serve you with all your BMW charger installation needs.

If you need top-rated BMW certified electricians to handle your charger installation, then surely you have come to the right place. With BMW’s plan to launch more i Series cars in the years to come, be assured the top of the line BMW certified electricians here at Gervais Electric, Inc. will be right here to deliver all your charger installation needs.

Important Facts About Your Tesla Home Installation

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It is highly recommended that owners of Tesla vehicles, perform overnight charging of their vehicles. The concept is much like that of your cell phone. Charging overnight provides sufficient power needed to utilize your Tesla vehicle each day. Owners should simply pull into their garages, plug in and wake up the next morning to their fully charged, ready to roll Tesla vehicle. How wonderful it is, as a matter of fact, that the electricity used will be but a mere fraction of the cost that gasoline would be.

Talk about saving money and energy! In order to perform your home charging, however, it is necessary to hire the right professional installers. Here at Gervais Electric, Inc. our highly skilled and trained professionals are certified and licensed to install a dedicated circuit that is conveniently located nearby to where you will consistently park your Tesla vehicle. Since the charge port is located in the driver side rear tail light, our experts will be certain to install your new circuit in close proximity of this side of your vehicle.

Standard Equipment Needed

Both the Model S and X have a 20 foot mobile connector, an adapter for a standard 120 volt household outlet, an adapter for a higher power 240 volt outlet and an adapter for public charging stations as well. When you pick up your vehicle, the orientation specialist will review all of the hardware with you. However, once you get home, engaging the services of our highly skilled electricians here at Gervais Electric, Inc. to perform your professional Tesla Home Installation is essential.

In addition to the standard equipment provided, Tesla vehicle owners can also opt to purchase optional charging accessories as well. One of the most favored charging accessories for the Model S and X is that of the wall connector. This is a charging station that is specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. It can accommodate just about any power supply and affords the fastest home charging of all. The wall connector is available in two lengths – an 8.5’ and a 24’ cable.

Your Home Installation

In order to properly install your charging equipment, the professionals here at Gervais Electric, Inc. highly recommend you contact our professionals directly. Our licensed electricians will come out to your home and provide you with a quote for your Tesla Home Installation. Depending upon your location and the scope of the work to be performed, the cost of your installation will vary.

In some cases, homes require complete service panel upgrades in order to install the home charging equipment. This will definitely increase the cost of your installation. Despite the additional work, however, our qualified and trusted electricians can certainly handle it all. When we come out to your home, we will discuss your at home charging options. The first option is to have us install a 240 volt outlet in your garage, which allows you to use the mobile connector that was included with your accessory package.

The second option is to have us install a Tesla Wall Connector that provides faster charging and greater convenience. This wall connector is not included with your accessory package, but we can obtain the connector for you and perform the complete installation. Whether choosing a mobile connector or a wall connector, clients can be certain they are receiving the best installation services at the best prices from our top-rated team here at Gervais Electric, Inc.

If you are a new Tesla vehicle owner and are looking to engage the services of a highly reputable, award-winning installation company to perform your home charging installation, then surely you have come to the right place. The professionals here are Gervais Electric, Inc. are all about our clients. We take tremendous pride in all our top of the line services and look forward to serving you with all your electrical needs, and that includes your Tesla Home Installation for your new Tesla vehicle. What are you waiting for? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and installation quote today.

Fall Electrical Home Improvements

Posted on by oleg

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, you may want to consider making some electrical improvements first. You should not rely on your home’s charm and appeal alone to help it sell. Just because you already know all your home’s selling features doesn’t mean they are obvious to potential buyers. Besides, you can use electrical improvements to boost your property’s function and increase your asking price. Check out the following fall electrical home improvements that will make your home more noticeable and appealing to potential buyers.

 

Upgrade the Appliances

 

You may not have given much thought about your appliances before today. But if the ones you currently have are not Energy Star rated, then you’ve been missing out on savings and dealing with higher than usual energy bills. It doesn’t matter if you plan on keeping your appliances when you move or not. If you plan to take them with you, you can still use them to stage your home before you go to get better offers. If you decide to leave them with the property, you could spark new interest because buyers love the idea of getting extras. The mere thought of getting a great home with Energy Star certified appliances already included is an excellent selling point.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling Fans help to lower heating and cooling costs. They are also a feature that can help sell your home because they are already installed, and buyers don’t have to do anything to them. Be sure to choose ceiling fans that add to the look inside of your home. Not some random and ordinary ceiling fans that will make buyers want to tear them out.

Add Ground Circuit Breakers

If your home only has a few ground breakers or none, you should consider installing more. They are ideal for areas where you need to plug things up, and there is water in the area. Popular areas for ground circuit breakers include bathrooms, kitchens, decks, and basements. Keep in mind that you are not limited to those areas. They are just common places people install them. Even though you are adding them with potential buyers in mind, they make your home safer for you too.

Update the Lighting

You really can’t go wrong with new lighting fixtures. When it comes to interior design and staging homes, lighting is one of the most important features that can make or break a deal. You may want to refer to some online design galleries and shops for fixture ideas and lighting motivation. Don’t just focus on the inside of your home. Share the love and update your outdoor lighting too.

Get Creative With Fall Electrical Home Improvements

You may have certain things in mind when making fall electrical home improvements to your home. However, you should not overlook function when you’re making cosmetic improvements. Plan your project out. Don’t rush or make hasty decisions that may cause you to have regrets or redo.

Even though you plan to sell your home, don’t expect your upgrades to sell your home the very first day. Before you put your home on the market, make sure you learn about everything that goes into selling a home. It is important for you to have realistic expectations so you can better plan your selling strategies for better results. Last but not, ask your electrician for an evaluation and recommendations. Sometimes it’s best to get professional opinions from experts so you can better use your energy and resources on tactics that work well.

Gervais Electric is the one-stop shop for all your fall electrical home improvements advice. From rewiring to electrical upgrades and more, you can count on us. Call us today at 615-965-8420.

Energy Efficiency: Getting Your Home Ready for the Fall/Winter

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Winter may still be a few short months away. But it’s never too soon for you to start thinking about how you can lower your electrical bills. Now is a good time for you to get a head start on upgrading your home and making improvements to enhance its energy efficiency. You should also consider making a few lifestyle changes so you can have more money in the bank for the holiday season. Check out the following suggestions. Let us know what you think, and if you have any tips to would like to share with others.

How Smart Is Your Home?

Programmable thermostats take all the guesswork out of trying to regulate the temperature in your home. They are very easy to use and can save you up to $200 a year. They work by turning on your heating and cooling devices when you’re home and awake and turning them down when you’re not. If you’re not familiar with programmable devices, then there is a small learning curve you’ll need to master.

Initially, you’ll set the thermostat by hand from the first few days so the device can learn your preferences. Afterward, it’ll automatically warm and cool your home according to the information it stored from your manual adjustments. Keep in mind that if your home is drafty or takes a long time to heat or cool, the thermostat will modify its performance for better comfort and efficiency. If you’re looking for some good brands of programmable thermostats, Nest, Honeywell and ecobee are good ones to consider.

Getting Rid of the Old Kitchen Appliances

Many people would be surprised to learn that some of their favorite and oldest kitchen appliances are robbing their homes of energy. Almost 20 percent of your home’s energy use comes from the appliances. Your energy usage may be slightly higher depending on how old your appliances are.

The easiest and most cost-efficient way for you to keep your devices from wasting so much energy is to upgrade them. Replace them with Energy-Star certified equipment. Once you do, you’ll notice some great improvements in your energy bills. They’ll be much lower. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the newer features that come with new appliances that can make your household much easier to manage.

Don’t Stop With the Kitchen Appliances

Take a good look at the other appliances in your home like the water heater, washing machine, and dryers. If those devices are more than 8-10 years old, you should consider replacing them. If you think you’ve got a few years of life left in your water heater, keep this in mind. Traditional water heaters constantly use energy to keep your water warm, so it’s easier to heat up when you need it. New tankless water heaters use considerably less energy because they heat the water you need on demand. There’s no energy being wasted on heating the water in a tank because it doesn’t have one.

We know it can be a bit expensive to replace several household appliances at once, which is why we recommend you do a few at a time. Either way, if you’re planning to live in your current home for the next several years, you’ll save more money with newer, Energy-Star rated appliances.

Get an Electrical Wiring Audit

Sometimes the biggest drain on your household energy is an electrical problem. Because electrical problems can be hard for the average person to define, we recommend for you to have an electrician to assess your home’s wiring. They can inform you about any problems that exist, such as damaged or faulty wiring, not enough electrical sockets and low voltage for your home’s electrical needs.

For more advice on how to get your home ready for the cooler months, give us at Gervais Electric a call at 615-965-8420.

Thinking About Electrical Upgrades?

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Whether you plan to make some major electrical updates to your home or some minor ones, it helps if you take some time to plan things out. You may be in a rush to get things done, but the less time you take to plan the details, the higher the chances that you’ll run into complications. Check out this list of suggestions for your electrical upgrades Nashville.

Draw Things Out

If you’re planning to rearrange the furniture in your home in addition to making electrical upgrades Nashville, sketch things out first. Draw out where you want your furniture to go after the improvements have been made. Make sure you take into consideration where the electrical outlets are in regards to the furniture. Aim to have at least an outlet for every 10-feet of space. You should also check your kitchen to make sure there are outlets for every four-feet of space.

If you need to add additional outlets, try to imagine where they should go. Walk around your rooms and sit in them. Act as if you need to plug something up. Pay attention to where you naturally reach to plug items up. Those are the places you should plan to have your additional outlets added. Don’t forget to think about adding a plug outlet to the top of your mantle, if you have one.

Lighting Fixture

If you have ceiling fans, you can still add sconces and other types of lighting fixtures. Close your eyes and imagine how you want the lighting to be. You should also consider the type of light bulbs you plan to use too. Any lighting upgrades and additions you make should enhance the view, visibility, function and energy efficiency of your home.

Consider Moving the Thermostat

If your home’s HVAC thermostat is located in an odd place, you may want to ask your electrical upgrades Nashville contractor to relocate it to an inconspicuous place. It should not be located in areas where there are drafts and vents. Consider getting an energy audit so you can find the proper place to put to maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Work With Your Electrical Upgrades Contractor

Although you are making updates to your home’s electrical system, keep in mind that there are limitations on what can be done. No matter the ideas you have in mind, your electrician is going to make those updates while adhering to code requirements. Some requirements may make it necessary for you to alter your designs a bit. Others not so much. Try to remain flexible and work with your contractor to ensure the job is done to your safety and satisfaction.

Have Options

You may have your mind set on getting certain things done when your contractor comes out to do electrical upgrades Nashville. No matter what you want to be done, make sure you have options you can turn to that you would be just as or more happy getting. Think about the reasons you’re making upgrades now. Work on improving the overall efficiency and safety of your home. You’d be surprised at how much updating your home’s electrical wiring in addition to making renovations can help.

Choose a good contractor who has recent experience with the type of electrical work you want to be done. Compare pricing and consider establishing a relationship with them so you don’t have to look when you need their services again in the future.

You may need to update your home’s electrical wiring every few years to ensure that it continues to meet local code requirements and your usage needs. Contact the electrical experts at Gervais Electric by dialing (615) 965-8420.