How to Save on your Electricity Bill

There are hundreds of things involved in one simple electricity bill that we are not aware of. Establishing what to focus on is the toughest component of reducing your month-to-month energy prices. We are not aware of how we can shave money off of our average electricity bill per month without even sacrificing any of our daily comforts. Every home has its energy profile, and the reason behind this is its size and power usage. A bigger house will have a large space, and eventually, it will require added lighting, cooling, and heating. Of course, you will also have other appliances that you use more often.

Well, we are lucky to have several universal ways by which we can save money on our energy bills. If we notice most energy-saving tactics carefully, we will find that we already knew about them. For instance, everybody recognizes that it is important to turn their lights off when the room is not occupied.

Apart from this, several ways will make sure that you save money on your next energy bill.

Start saving from Kitchen.

Simply raising your refrigerator temperature by a few degrees will help save you hundreds of dollars a year. The fresh food area of your refrigerator just requires to be established for 36-38 levels Fahrenheit. Often it is seen that fridges are programmed at 2 to 5 degrees lower than necessary. The freezer compartment, on the other hand, can be set to 0 and 5-degrees Fahrenheit.

Prior to leaving for the day, turn off and unplug your coffee machine. It is amongst those devices with various other functions that run throughout the day, such as a clock or timer. It implies that even plugged in, it makes use of energy while not being utilized. When we hand wash meals, we use over nine times the quantity of water than dishwater does to cleanse a few day’s worths of dishes at a time. The water heater has to make more hot water for you by handwashing dishes, which will require more power usage. Using an Energy Star Certified dishwasher is likely to save you a lot of money. Instead of using the heat dry function in your dishwasher, start air drying your dishes as it will save hundreds of dollars yearly.

Stock your fridge and freezer with the food items as they require less energy to keep things cold. It helps the temperature regulate inside and also requires minimal energy to maintain. Additionally, using lids on your pots and frying pans will certainly cook the food appropriately and cut your cooking time in half.

Save on Laundry

Keeping your dryer’s exhaust clean with a lint remover kit will increase the airflow to your exhaust duct. It assists your clothes dryer to run efficiently, and your clothing will dry out much faster. Avoid doing laundry during peak hours. Doing this will save energy as well as money. Also, the temperature in your washing machine does not matter when you are cleaning your clothing, so rather than utilizing warm water, wash your clothes in cold water. Line drying your clothes is also one of the best ways to save your pocket on the average electricity bill per month.

Pay attention to your Lighting.

Change the Lighting of your home to LEDs. You would have the ability to conserve around $75 annually. Using smart power strips may shift energy loads based on device usage. With this, you can turn every one of your gadgets off at once when you leave the house as opposed to having to disconnect whatever separately.

Clean your windows in winter regularly.

More sunlight will enter your home by removing any residue or oils from windows and will let them heat naturally. If there is proper sunlight entering your home, it will increase the heat gains upwards of 70%.

Keep your thermostat at a level temperature.

You would be able to save a lot on your bills by resetting your thermostat when you are away from home. You can do this with the assistance of a programmable thermostat. By adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its standard-setting for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill. Using a door draft guard on all entryways is the best way to cover any leakage point from where heating or cooling can escape.

Setting up an environment-friendly roof covering is additionally a good alternative to soak up the heat from the sun and also keep the house warm during wintertime. According to our friends at Roofing Towson, it also deflects any excess sunlight that may heat the building unnecessarily in summers.

These methods are proven, and thus you will see reduced electric bills after utilizing these tips. If you’re looking for a local electrician in Arvada that can give you a proper electrical inspection and honest recommendations, then give us a call.

What are the Main Reasons Behind a Power Outage?

With time, electricity has become an indispensable part of our modern life. Be it our work, healthcare, economy, leisure, even our livelihood, all depends on a constant electrical power supply. A minor stoppage of power in our lives feels like everything is stopped. A normal power outage causes chaos, monetary setbacks and even leads to loss of life. The reasons for the outage can vary and will also affect the time it will take to restore the power service to your home. Knowing what causes the power failure is a good way to understand better how soon electricians can fix it.

The loss of power happening for a shorter period may not necessarily lead to any chaos. Though it may result in loss of data, it can hamper productivity or cause revenue loss. However, this can be limited or stopped to extinction if prepared for the power outages. It is very important to be familiar with the possible reasons for power failure.

Following are the most common power outage causes that we experience in our daily lives:

Natural Causes

A survey shows that 70% of the power outages in the US are due to adverse weather conditions. Any natural phenomenon such as rain, lightning, snow, ice, wind, or dust can lead to power failure. When lighting strikes any electrical equipment, the power outage occurs in the transmission towers, poles, or wires. Storms are one of the most usual factors for power interruptions. It is more challenging to safeguard from significant power failure from natural tragedies like floodings as well as severe storms. But to save it from the effects of water and dust is comparatively easier.

One can prepare themselves on a prior basis to ensure protection against water damages. The damage caused by the water can be costly, but this can be reduced to quite an extent. The electricians can do it simply by protecting your electrical boards, wires, and circuits from exposure to water. The moisture and dampness can also cause severe damage, so it is better to invest in specially sealed circuit protection devices.

It might not seem that dust can lead to severe damage, but it causes electrical systems to short circuit and power failures. Here also the sealed circuit boxes will help you in protecting your essential electrical equipment. When high winds occur, tree branches come in contact with power lines that further cause interruptions. Apart from these, several other natural disasters such as earthquakes, wind storms, and ice storms are natural causes that can destroy critical power infrastructure that results in outages.

Animals

The animals coming in contact with the empower lines can also cause power outages. A study shows that birds and squirrels cause around 11% of the power outages in the US. Sometimes even ground animals can contribute towards the power failures.

Vehicles

Artificial outages are also one of the primary concerns that happen in vehicle and construction accidents. A collision of the vehicle with an electrical pole can also result in a temporary power outage of the area. Short circuits can also occur in such cases.

Digging

Many times the underground cables get damaged by excavation digging. It can result in power loss in the whole area for quite a long time if left unattended.

Sudden Power Surge

A sudden increase in power can lead to rapid overheating, leading to the loss of essential equipment. Protection from such surges is offered in the kind of circuit breakers.

Equipment Failures

Though we work hard on maintaining our electrical equipment, things can still go against us. Any problem with the cables, connectors, switches, or even transformers can fail. The insulators can corrode and break. Sometimes equipment failure also plays a role in a power outage in an area.

The other reason behind this can be the maintenance and repair of the equipment. If a timely check is not kept on the equipment, they are bound to get damaged due to external factors. Power distribution requires complex equipment that can have many reasons to stop, so regular checks are needed.

Verdict

Our cities rely entirely on electricity, and even a minor power outage can cost a lot. Specifically, when a power failure occurs, it ends up being dreadful for the life support systems in medical facilities and also assisted living facilities. Facilities such as flight terminals, train terminals, as well as web traffic control also fall target to power interruption impacts. Though almost all life support facilities have a backup source such as generators that automatically turns on in case the power grid fails.

It is unforeseeable when a scenario would certainly take place, and also you can experience a power outage. At such times having the support of professional electrician services nearby will come in handy. You should always seek the assistance of licensed and certified electricians in your area. If you are looking for an experienced and professional electrician in Arvada, Colorado, contact ElectriCall.

Things you must know about generators during a power outage.

People across the world face power outages because of the winter storms that sweep the nation every year. Direct exposure to these reduced temperature levels is dangerous. Many people additionally died as a result of the incorrect use of generators, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. There are few things you must know about the proper use of generators so that they function properly.

The cold weather also generates risks of frozen and burst pipes. To prevent frozen pipes, pay attention to specific things that you must take into consideration. There are some ways by which you can aptly use the generator.

Generator Placement

Always place the generator outside in an open, dry area. You must not have it placed in a closed area. Keep notice that the outlets of the generator must be GFCI protected.

Your generator needs to be placed away from home windows, doors, as well as vents that can enable Carbon Monoxide ahead inside.

It is likewise recommended to position the generator at the very least 20 feet far from the structures.

If you wish to back feed the generator right into the home, get in touch with a licensed electrical contractor to do this correctly, as back feeding is very unsafe. The electrical contractor will certainly also first assess the scenario and will certainly go over having a transfer switch installed.

Usage of properly rated extension cords for outdoor use is pretty important.

Incorrect means to make use of a generator you must stay clear of

Prevent the back feeding of the electricity with the electric system till you have the right transfer button configuration.Though it will feed power to the house and the transformer, it could put the lives of neighbours and linemen in danger. Even your appliances could get damaged because of this.

Never ever put a generator near an a/c window device, as it will suck the carbon monoxide gas right into the unit and then inside your residence.

Do not put your generator in closed places such as a garage.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Things to remember before purchasing a generator for your home

A standby generator comes permanently installed with an automatic transfer switch. When there is a drop in power or even complete loss of power, it will turn on its own. Generators run on natural gases, propane, or diesel fuel. The energy required to run the house ranges between 20kW-100kW depending on the size of the house. To check the load, you need an electrician who will tell you what size you need.

How to properly use generators during a power outage?

To properly use a generator for a power outage, you must take care of few things such as:

Use Caution while using backup power generators

When facing long-term power outages, some residents rely on portable generators for emergency power. But only if installed and operated correctly, usage of standby or battery powered generators poses less danger. Otherwise, improper installation or use can be hazardous and even deadly.

Correct usage of generators is quite essential because it poses many threats if installed incorrectly.

Whatever the situation is, never run a portable generator indoors.

If you or your family member starts feeling dizziness, sick, or weak while using the – generator, rush towards the fresh air immediately. To get aware of the CO entering your home, install CO alarms in your home that are battery operated or have battery backup. Do remember to test the batteries frequently and replace them when needed.

If you are looking to connect to the generators, protect your appliances by turning off or unplugging them before you turn on the generator. Once the generator starts running, it is suggested to turn on your appliances one at a time to stay clear of overwhelming the unit.

The usage of proper and secure extension cords is also necessary. Consult your electrician if you face a problem selecting the most relevant ones. Use only safety-compliant electrical cords that are designed to withstand heavier and outdoor use to connect appliances.

It is advised never to try to power your house by plugging the generator in a wall outlet. It can lead to the electrocution of the utility workers or neighbours being served with the same utility transformer.

The only way which is considered safe to connect the generator to house wiring is to have a professional electrician install a power transfer switch.

Verdict

Many times we face a scenario where our utility grid goes down. At this time, we seek backup power that can keep our work running. If you are considering a backup source of power, installing a gZenerator is the only option. Contact ElectriCall today for the electrical generator installation service. They are a team of certified electrical professionals who will help you install the generator by installing a power transfer switch. Also if you are looking for the best home portable generators our electricians will guide you through them.

How are Residential Electricians different from Commercial Electricians?

For over ten years, ElectriCall has been serving the residents and businesses of Arvada, Colorado.

Being an electrician is not an easy profession, but it is a noble one. Most of us are aware that fooling around with electricity is dangerous. Working with electricity is quite serious and potentially hazardous. Any electrician can power up a building with the right equipment. We might think that the same electrician is required in all aspects of electrical work, but that is not the case. More than 20 different types of electricians are based on their area of specialization, training, and experience. The most common among them are residential and commercial electricians. Both of them are quite complex and important in their way; still, there is a lot of overlap.

The job description of electricians may seem similar, but there are few key differences in their equipment, load demands, and energy needs.

As the name suggests, residential electricians work in residents or homes. Their tasks commonly revolve around the solutions such as service phone calls, setting up wiring, replacing panels, and setting up light fixtures. They also design lighting plans, read and interpret blueprints, and create estimates by adhering to budgets. Commercial electricians in Colorado often deal with larger-scale projects. They must have a thorough understanding of residential needs as well, as many of them also take some of the residential projects. Commercial electricians primarily work in stores, public buildings, and offices.

Let us talk about the major differences between the residential vs commercial electrician:

General Electrical Services

The difference between residential and commercial electricians lies in the services that they offer. A lot of difference comes in the environment in which each of the electricians works. Starting with the residential electricians, they are also known as domestic electricians as they are responsible for the safety, compliance, and proper electrical installation. They have to maintain and service electrical systems to residential communities. When you call an electrician for your Denver home, the one that arrives is the residential electrician. ElectriCall is experts in the diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.

Coming on to the commercial electricians, they do almost the same duties but on a much larger scale. According to the official blueprints installed, these electricians install the wiring systems, machines, and control panels on commercial properties. Commercial electricians are mainly found in public buildings, factory complexes, commercial buildings, or any place where electricians work is required on a large scale. They also handle electrical permitting, which is often needed in major cities.

Types of Equipment Used

The difference between commercial and residential electricians also lies in the amount of power supply they deal with. Residential electricians mainly deal with single-phase systems ranging between 120V-240V. On the other hand, commercial electricians have to deal with anything going from 120V-480V. It is because of the high power requirements of industrial loads.

Eventually, the type of equipment and supplies also differ. There is a need for various kinds of wiring, beaker, and various other electric materials. It will entirely rely on the amount of power supply in which tools are being utilized. Commercial electricians require cables having more insulation and sheathing to handle the demanding commercial applications. It includes higher voltage and current flow to perform continuously.

Training and Technical Skills

Talking of education and training, both residential and commercial electricians start from the same level, which means that their basic qualifications are the same. But to become a commercial electrician, one has to attain a much higher skill level and gain experience. Generally, the three-phase systems require more knowledge to set up and install. It is why a commercial electrician mainly needs higher qualifications along with 4,000 hours of on-job experience.

Worksites

The projects taken by the commercial electricians are much larger than the ones carried by residential electricians. The commercial electrical projects include working for retail organizations, public buildings, offices, and shopping centers. Many commercial electricians also make exceptions for large residential projects such as apartment buildings, massive estates. Contrary to that, the residential electricians work inside homes to complete repairs. Their work responsibilities include residential writing, electrical panel replacements, ceiling fan installation, emergency electrical services, and more.

5 Reasons Why Your Electrical Bill Is Blowing

If you are like other people, perhaps you do not pay much attention to your electricity bill until you see it double or triple unexpectedly. There could be a lot of reasons why your electric bill is blowing or why it suddenly increased.

An unusually high bill is something you should be concerned about. From extreme weather, outdated appliances, to problems with the electrical box. These are the most common reasons your bill increased. Learn about these culprits before calling an Electrician in Arvada, CO to perform home electrical repair services.

Reason #1: Extreme Weather

Believe it or not, extreme weather can increase your electricity bill. But how does weather contribute to the sudden increase of electricity in your home? There are a few factors to look into, which are:

Temperature

As the weather changes from warm to cold or vice versa, the temperature takes a dip or soars drastically. electrical systems such as the HVAC system are running at maximum capacity and for a longer period of time.

The climate in your location

Residential utilities like electricity are more vulnerable to changes in the climate. A warmer climate can contribute to the inefficiency of energy production especially in electricity-generating power stations, nuclear or fuel, and fossil power plants which often use water for cooling. In turn, as the availability of energy resources decreases while consumer use continuously increases, that creates the rise and fall of the electricity rate.

Reason #2: Not Unplugging

Can unplugging devices and home appliances lower your electric bill? Yes, unplugging is a hassle, still, it will avoid power surges or fluctuation from occurring.

Our homes are filled with appliances that help make our daily routines easier like coffee machines, toasters, and microwaves. These small appliances consume energy while plugged into an outlet even when they are not in use and turned off.

Reason #3: Appliances & Lights Are Energy Suckers

According to researchers, the HVAC, specifically the heating system, uses the most energy at home. There are other appliances that are surprisingly energy suckers as well. They include items like a:

Clothes iron
Curling iron
Vacuum cleaner
Desktop computer
Paper shredder
Water heater
Boiler
Refrigerator

When it comes to appliances, always purchase energy-efficient models. You will not only save money for the purchase price, but you will also save on operating costs without sacrificing its quality and performance.

Reason #4: Improper Insulation Of The House

Another common culprit for the electricity bill suddenly increasing is improper or inadequate insulation of the home. Without insulation, the air conditioner can run 24/7 and still won’t make the room cool down. While it may not create a big spike in your utility bill, it still contributes in general.

Often, disconnected ducts and other physical signs like icicles hanging on the attic, and wall cavities show insufficient insulation. Sadly, you could be spending a lot of money on heating and cooling systems, only to stay uncomfortable due to improper insulation.

Upgrading your insulation is well worth the cost. It is the kind of home improvement that will pay off and improve your quality of life. An Arvada electrician or your trusted local residential electrician should be able to help you with investigating your home’s insulation.

Reason #5: Problems With Electrical Wiring

Faulty electrical wiring is another possible reason for the sudden increase in your electric bill. Electrical wiring gets damaged or frayed over time. And that raises problems for you.

Though copper wires can last up to 100 years, squirrels and rodents gnawing on wires or the deterioration of the materials can wear and tear the electrical wirings. Consequently, that can have a profound impact on your electricity bill, or worse, cause fire hazards. So if pests are a problem, hire a pest control service nearby.

In some cases, electricity usage suddenly increases due to faulty wirings. There could be areas in your home where the electrical wires are damaged and consuming excessive energy.

Call an electrician nearby to perform a thorough electrical inspection. ElectriCall provides home electrical repair services in and around Arvada, Colorado. Our team of electrical experts can give you insights into the reasons your electrical bill might be blowing up.

As a seasoned Arvada electrician, our team can recommend the right solutions including rewiring a house, upgrading electrical wiring and electrical outlets, and correctly wiring an electric panel. We have done various home rewiring jobs and are confident our team can offer top-notch electrical services.

If interested in our home electrical repair services, give us a call!