While our home is one of the most expensive investments that we’ll ever have, most people do not properly maintain them. Whether you need foundation repair, a new roof or new plumbing,  one item that often taken for granted is the need for making an electrical repair. 

In order to prevent fire or electrical incidents, such as shock, sparks or a surge, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician, such as ElectriCall to make the proper repairs. This is why having a well maintained electrical system at home is truly worth it and necessary if you want to avoid any tragic incidents from happening. Electrical problems are to be taken seriously.  

Again, more often than not, an electrical problem can potentially cause serious issues and thereby necessitates timely electrical repair. As soon as you notice the following early warning signs, call a reliable home electrical repair service nearby right away:

BURNING ODOR. If you noticed the scent of burning rubber or plastic in your household, it could be that the wires are starting to burn from producing too much heat. This is clear enough to put your house on fire. Although issues like this need to be dealt with by a certified electrician, it is extremely important that you turn off the circuit breaker right away before the problem escalates.

BUZZING NOISES. Although most issues in the electrical system do not produce a buzzing noise, if the noise comes from your outlets or electrical devices, then it definitely warrants urgent attention.

A buzzing noise can be a sign that there is loose wiring in your circuit box, leaving the cover plates hot and unable to be touched. When you notice one, seek an electrician right away and have the electrical company test it with the right tools and equipment.

LIGHTING ISSUES. Although a flickering or dimming light is usually triggered by improper installation, if two or more bulbs are flickering, it could indicate an overloaded or loose connected circuit. To rule out the first, try reinstalling the bulbs. Make sure they are tightened onto their sockets.

LOOSE POWER OUTLETS. A loose power outlet could mean there is a loose connection. This clearly is a hazard that needs to be addressed urgently especially if you have kids at home. Leaving it unresolved can increase the risk of being electrocuted.

REPEATED BLOWN FUSES. An isolated blown fuse is not alarming but if the issue recurs, an electrical repair may be necessary. Frequently blown fuses are usually caused by an exposed wire, an outdated panel, or an underlying dangerous issue in the wiring.

SHOCK UPON UNPLUGGING. A shock from a normal static level may not raise the alarm unless it is experienced from an electrical outlet. As this is a serious threat to health and safety, having your electrical system inspected the soonest time possible is necessary.

SPARKS OR ARCS. Sparks or arcs of electricity usually indicate an existing build-up of excessive heat as a result of exposed wires. They necessitate urgent attention to avoid melted outlets or fire. While the problem is best managed by a licensed electrician, as a resident, shutting off the power circuit breaker is the first thing you must do to temporarily end the risk of fire.

Even a short delay in fixing your electrical problems at home can already pose serious threats not just to yourself and your family but also to your properties. Never let this happen. For reliable electrical repairs, give us a call at ElectriCall. We have a team of certified electricians seasoned and committed to doing the job with quality and affordability for years now. Call us today!

Understanding High Winter Energy Costs: Key Factors and Solutions

More often than not, a significant increase in the electricity bill will be seen during winter because of the heavy usage of heating systems and appliances. Specifically, however, that increase is caused by a few major factors in winter energy costs; knowing these factors is important if you’d like to save household energy costs this winter season.

Here are the main factors in winter energy costs:

CLIMATE COMFORT. Although the cold temperature outside is responsible for making you feel cold in the winter and fall seasons, the dry air inside your home also plays a role in burdening your indoor heating systems. Consequently, this can increase your energy bill too.

Thus, one way to reduce your energy consumption is by preventing dry air inside your home. You can do this by maintaining the humidity at the right level using a humidifier which does not only add warmth to your place but also helps fight flu and other seasonal health-related problems.

HEAT LOSS. Heat loss definitely is one of the major culprits of your spiking energy bill. You may have thought your household is already saved from the winter woes because you already have a good heating system in place. And then you got surprised by a whooping energy bill all because you failed to check every corner of your household first and mask every hole and drafts that may allow the heated air to escape. Your household just suffered a heat loss.

Before you start turning your heating system on, a thorough checkup of the following has to be done to make sure every leak or draft has already gotten rid of:

1.    Attic – Attics are one of the common sources of heat loss in United States according to studies. Make sure you have this checked especially, the insulation component to isolate the heated air.

2.    Doors and Windows – Old windows and doors may be leaking air and should be repaired or replaced before the winter starts. If you plan of acquiring new ones, make sure these are installed with reinforced window stripping or window coverings as these help avoid leaks and keep a tight seal on them.

SYSTEM EFFICIENCY. While ensuring that your household is kept warm via the first two factors, your electric problem will most likely remain unsolved if your heating system has already reached its inefficient stage. In fact, if your heating system is inefficient, it can take an enormous amount of energy to operate at optimum performance. 

Just because your heating system is still up and working after 15 years of usage, it does not mean it is as efficient and effective as it used to be. Without regular diagnostic testing from a local licensed HVAC company, their capability to heat air may take longer, thus more energy will be drawn, for them to function well. Since you will most likely be working with an HVAC company for your upgrades or heating system repairs, it will also help if you consult with your local licensed electrician to know whom they can recommend.

Take a look at: 10 Ways to Reduce Energy Use

Let us check your electrical system. Call ElectriCall today!

ElectriCall has been of service to the people needing electrical services in Arvada and the surrounding Denver metro area. We are a team of licensed electricians, seasoned at making a diagnosis of your electrical issues at an affordable price, be it energy bill related, or anything from installations to repairs. Have our professionals visit you onsite. You can always count on us!

Did you know that having outdated appliances can affect your electric bill? Not only that, but having outdated circuit breakers, wiring, and electrical panels can affect the safety and value of your home. Using outdated appliances can put you at risk, especially if you’re using an older electrical infrastructure. Oftentimes, simple repairs may not help you anymore.

Now that the new year is approaching, you may want to take advantage of all of the holiday sales specials for new appliances (if an appliance is outdated).

We all know that electrical issues are the most common reasons why there are house fires. If any of your appliances are outdated, especially the ones that draw a lot of power (microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, toasters, etc.), then you’re putting your home at risk.

Why shouldn’t you use outdated appliances

Below are the common reasons why it isn’t safe to keep using outdated electrical appliances:

1. For air conditioning units: Dirty filters can greatly affect indoor air quality. Also, excess moisture can attract molds and water damage.
2. For microwaves: Outdated microwaves can cause poorly-heated food. Using them may also cause the wires and their parts to burn, which leads to sparks, foul odors, or worse.
3. For refrigerators: Lack of cooling can cause the food to spoil easily, while it consumes more energy and increase your utility bills.
4. For ovens and stoves: Your cooking can suffer if you use outdated ovens and stoves. Using it can also trigger gas odors, fires, and explosions.
5. For washing machines/dryers: Leaks can cause water damage; Older dryers will require additional time in order to dry your clothes. The additional drying cycles will use up a lot more energy and increase your electric bill.

What are the signs your electrical system is outdated?

Below are the signs that your electrical system is already out-of-date:

1. Smoke. Whenever there’s smoke from an outlet or appliance, and you smell burnt plastic or vinyl, you must contact a licensed electrician right away.
2. Electrical noise. When you hear crackling, buzzing, or sizzling sounds from your switches and outlets, this means there is a serious problem, and you need to have a free electrical assessment.
3. Tripped circuit breakers. If you always reset your breakers, then your home is overloaded. This means there are too many appliances plugged in.
4. Damaged wiring. Outdated appliances can cause the wires to overheat. You will need to replace any old or damaged wiring immediately.
5. Dimming lights. If you notice your lights dimming when using a vacuum cleaner or other appliances, then this means that the circuit is overloaded. The wiring and other parts may be outdated.

So, if you haven’t updated your electrical system in a long time, then you’re jeopardizing your safety. Continuing to use outdated appliances can even be more dangerous when you use extension cords and power strips to plug them in. It will be better if you add more outlets and modernize your appliances. It’s also efficient and keeps you and your home safe. 

If you’re not sure whether any of your appliances are already out-of-date or not, then it’s best to contact ElectriCall if you’re near Denver or if you’re reading this from another area, then contact a local licensed electrician nearby. At ElectriCall, deliver a friendly, reliable, fast, and affordable services to help you with your needs as a homeowner. When you call us, your safety is guaranteed. 

In the United States, the local housing codes and state regulations have always made it crystal clear that landlords have a constant duty to ensure that all electrical installations and appliances they supply in their rental properties are safe. Electrical safety must be a top priority if you’re a landlord.

So, if you’re a landlord, then you might want to read on…

What the law stipulates…

According to most housing laws, landlords are highly encouraged to see to it that every electrical installation like the light fittings and sockets are safe before any tenants have moved in and that such electrical wirings are periodically inspected by a certified electrician nearby throughout the duration of the tenancy.

Moreover, for safe-keeping, landlords must also ensure that electrical appliances they have set up and deployed for use inside the property like kettles and cookers bear the CE marking.

Hence, in summary, your duties as a landlord specifically include ensuring that:

1.     There are sufficient regular electrical tests carried out on all electrical installations according to what is stipulated under the “Periodic Electrical Inspections” sections of the official building regulations.

2.     Only professional, registered electricians perform these tests.

3.     There is enough residual current device (RCD) protection in your property.

4.     Visual safety checks are carried out on a regular basis.

5.     PAT or Portable Appliance Tests are performed on all the appliances you have supplied and intend to supply.

Periodic Inspections

A periodic inspection comprises of testing and inspecting procedures with an aim to check whether every electrical installation in a property for rent is in a safe and great condition. While it may be tempting to do it on your own to save the budget from hiring a professional, oftentimes the latter is a better path to take to ensure safety and following local codes. 

If your property is a “house-in-multiple-occupation” property or HMO property, then this inspection must be carried out at least once every five years. Otherwise, you can have it done in closer gaps or in between long-duration tenancies.

Portable Appliance Test (PAT)

As per the guidelines, every installed appliance must undergo PAT or Portable Appliance Test. This entails performing a visual inspection on the appliance, its leads and plugs. If the appliance is tagged as “class 1”, it will undergo testing signals injection to test its integrity. Again, PAT is something only registered electricians must carry out.

As there is no definite guideline as to how often a PAT is required, as per the HSE or Health and Safety Executive, landlords can instead assess whether an appliance needs PAT or not based on how potentially risky is its usage. For instance, heating appliances like microwaves or kettles have higher risks than other appliances. Hence, a more frequent PAT may be needed.

In complying with PAT and Periodical Inspections, there is definitely a price to pay and an effort to invest in. As soon as you have reached the deal-sealing, make sure to keep a record of the transaction to have something to base your practices and policies on. Oftentimes, it is in the form of EICR or Electrical Condition Report.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

One of the easiest ways to fail an inspection is by not making sure that your detectors are working properly. Whether you have a battery-powered detector or a wired-detector, you’ll need to have updated equipment that works properly. If you’re unsure of how to connect a wired smoke or carbon monoxide detector, then call a local licensed electrician.   

Tenants’ Role

Tenants are likewise encouraged to participate in exercising electrical safety instead of fully relying on the job on their landlords. That said, potential electrical issues must always be dealt with and attended to with urgency.

 DISCLAIMER: 

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

Most homeowners don’t realize the hazards of using extension cords. In this article, we’d like to discuss extension cord safety.

All too often, we’ve seen homeowners who’ve used an extension cord in setting up a receptacle within the attic as a means to wiring ceiling fans. With this solution, all it takes to make the fans work is simply plugging the cord into the receptacle. While this may be an easy solution, as an alternative to hiring a professional electrician, eventually, the cord will deteriorate, creating a potentially harmful electric shock which can be a fire hazard. 

Incidents like this have pushed industry experts from all corners of the world to discourage the use of extension cords in lieu of permanent wiring, especially at home. To them, using an extension cord for longterm use for wiring appliances or gadgets at home is likely an accident waiting to take place. According to the approved National Electrical Code, the use of extension cords is a hazardous and unsafe wiring method.

Nevertheless, a lot of people can still be seen using them because of the convenience it offers in bringing power to electronic devices. Among the various options in the market, the three-wire outdoor type which comes in a variety of colors has been the topmost selling.

While using extension cords initially appears to be a solution, its safety remains a big question. Proper caution in using it is vital. Otherwise, they can easily turn into fire hazards and pose threats to you and your family’s safety.

Below are tips to help keep your comfort zone safe when using extension cords:

WHEN CHOOSING:

· Buy only cords approved by an accredited testing laboratory.

· If you are going to use it outdoors, buy only extension cords appropriate for outdoor usage.

· Be keen on the amount of power the extension cord draws.

· Carefully read the user manual, if available.

· Choose cords that are rated to bear with the wattage of appliances they will be used for. You will know the cord’s size by checking its gauge. If the number printed is smaller, the larger the wire is, the more it is capable of handling the demanded wattages.

· Buy the cord with length that is quite more than what you will need to refrain from stretching it which can cause fire. However, do not overdo it. Longer cords may not be able to deliver as much current compared to the shorter ones.

· Three-prong or polarized plugs are a plus.

· If you are going to use it for larger appliances, make sure the cord you chose is round, thick, and has a low gauge. Meanwhile, for smaller appliances and devices, flat or thin cords can already do the job.

WHEN USING:

· Removing the grounding pin of an extension cord is a big NO. This has been a common practice to fit the cord into a two-prong outlet. As harmless as it seems, it actually increases the likelihood of turning into a fire hazard.

· Powering multiple devices and appliances with one cord is dangerous.

· Indoor extension cords are strictly for indoor use only.

· Multiple cords must never be plugged together.

· Extension cords must neither be placed under furniture or rugs nor be taped to floors or nailed to surfaces.

· When in use, the cords must remain unbent or uncoiled.

· Childproof covers should be used to cover unused cord receptacles.

· If the cords already feel hot to touch, unplug the tip right away.

WHEN STORING:

· Make sure the cords are stored indoors.

· Unplugging them is the safest habit to make whenever they are not being used.

· Damaged cords must be disposed of right away.

· When disconnecting the cord from the outlet, pull the plug carefully and not the cord.

Extension cords are not a valid alternative to proper wiring. They are intended for temporary use only. Don’t play with danger; have our professional and highly experienced residential electricians in Denver set up your permanent wirings with quality and reliability. Here at ElectriCall, we’ve got all your electric service needs covered. Dial our number today!