A quote for electrical work is an estimated or fixed price for a project. Since it is not recommended to do DIY electrical work, you may need to obtain a quote from a licensed electrician or electrical company. The quote will contain all the necessary information a professional electrician needs to get the job done.

Additionally, quotes aren’t only limited to electrical works. You can obtain quotes and estimates for most handyman services like auto repair, construction, and plumbing.

In this piece, you will learn how to obtain a quote for your electrical needs and the information required to process a quote.

Before you start looking for an electrical work quote, here are some things you need:

Pre-requisites Before Requesting A Quotation

Know the services you need an electrical quote for

Different electrical works necessitate obtaining quotes for proper planning. Therefore, you will need to specify which service you need so the electrician can know how to calculate the costs.

Electrical services may include:

• Electrical inspections.
• Electrical installation.
• General maintenance.
• Electrical repairs.
• Home re-rewiring.
• Landscape lighting.
• Security system installation.
• Backup power solutions.
• Switchboard maintenance and upgrade.

Both you and the electrician need to be on the same page about the services required. If you’re unsure of the service you need, contact any electrical contractors near you for consultations.

Check if the contractor has a valid license

Rules and regulations require electricians to be licensed by local governments before undertaking any electrical work. Therefore, it is crucial that you conduct research to ascertain whether or not the electrician you’re getting a quote from is licensed.

You can check the licenses of electricians near Denver by going to the Colorado government website or the Colorado Uhire site.

Check if the contractor has the right qualifications

Most licensed contractors are qualified for the job. The problem arises when subcontractors are involved, therefore you should always ask if any subcontractors will be involved in the electrical work. If so, you should request proof of their license and permits.

Not key, but necessary, is you want to see the contractor’s ratings from their past clients. This will give you their testimonials and will prepare your mind for what to expect.

Such testimonials from fellow homeowners will tell you whether or not you can trust the contractor.

How To Request An Electrical Work Quote

Contact the electrician

Most electrical companies require you to contact them for a quote. The advantage of this is that verbal communication allows you to better articulate the problem. It also helps the electrician to guide you on how to handle the situation as you wait for help to arrive.

Other electrical companies will provide a form on their official website for you to complete, which lets you provide contact details to the contractor. You may also be able to upload an image or video of the issue to help with the initial assessment.

Mention any preferences you may have

When obtaining a quote, it is important to let the contractor know your preferences when it comes to your electrical system. You should list the materials and components you want, the brands you prefer, and the quality standards you expect.

Making your preferences known will go a long way in preventing conflicts during the project, as both parties having an understanding of the other’s expectations of them can make the work much faster and more effective.

Keep in mind that some preferences may involve extending project deadlines, or digging deeper into your pockets, particularly if your requirements mean the contractor needs extra time to acquire the required components.

Share your timeline

A discussion of timelines is essential when planning electrical works. Your contractor will need to know your preferred timeline to ensure that they can accommodate it. You should include time constraints you may have in the discussion in order to arrive at a timeline that works for both parties.

It’s also beneficial that your contractor is notified of any particular details outside of the job at hand. This can be other ongoing projects or other notable issues that may hinder the work. This will help them include everything in the quote. It’s about being open if you need genuine work done. 

Ask for detailed written quotations

Finally, you should ask for a written document that shows all the necessary work details. The document needs to clearly show the outline of the job. This includes a breakdown of the costs, expenses, potential taxes, and estimated time of completion. The document should list all your material preferences and their costs.

You can use this written quotation to compare costs between different Denver electricians.

Get A Free Quote And Estimate From ElectriCall

At ElectriCall, we believe in transparency and have respect for your time. Our team of Arvada professional electricians are friendly, reliable, and prompt. We work effectively to complete all projects on time while taking into consideration your preferences and specifications. In addition, the licensed electricians we send to you are experienced and qualified to get the job done; no subcontracting is involved.

As energy costs keep rising, it is now more important to be aware of your energy use at home. Whether you depend entirely on the grid or work with a mix of electricity and solar energy, it does help to know your home’s efficiency level. Home energy audits will help you to learn what measures you can take to curb high energy bills.

An energy audit from a licensed electrician can help you identify which components of your home are the biggest energy wasters. In turn, you’ll be able to make data-driven decisions that result in huge savings.

In this piece, you’ll learn what a home energy audit is, what it entails, and how and when you should schedule one.

What Is A Home Energy Audit?

Home energy audit refers to the electrical assessment made on a residential property. It involves a series of tests to determine how energy-efficient your home is and how it can improve.

How Does The Home Energy Audit Work?

The assessment is done by a professional electrical inspector or licensed power company. Once you schedule the audit, an inspector will show up in your home and asses all the necessary electrical components.

The inspector will look into components like:

• Heating and cooling system.
• Energy efficiency of appliances.
• Water heater.
•  Insulation.
• Pumps.
• Lighting.
• Appliance energy use.

Home energy audits usually take between one to four hours. But depending on your home’s size and complexity, the process might take longer.  With a proper assessment, your inspector will recommend the best approach to improving your energy efficiency.

You can pass on the recommendations to any electrical contractors near you to make the upgrades and repairs.

Scheduling Home Energy Audits

You can schedule the audit by employing the services of a contractor in your area. To find a licensed electrician, simply look for contractors listed on your local government’s website. 

You can also get auditors from reputable electrical companies or use references from friends and family. Once you find the right auditor, agree on the cost and schedule a date to conduct the assessment.

When Should I Schedule A Home Energy Audit?

Summer

If you live in areas with warmer climates, such as Colorado, then scheduling the audit in summer is the better option. Denver, for example, records over 300 days of sunlight all year round.  Therefore, having Denver electricians perform the audit in the hottest months is more practical.

During prolonged hot days, your cooling system is under considerable stress to cool your home. You may also find that your second floor is hotter compared to the ground floor, leading you to up the air conditioning. As a result, you’ll notice that you’re paying much more for your cooling system. 

So, an energy audit in summer can help you identify ways to optimize your home’s cooling system, minimize air leaks, and reduce potential costs.

Hot weather can sometimes tag along with complicated heating issues that may affect certain systems. High temperatures increase the chances of equipment failures due to voltage fluctuations and overloaded circuits. In addition, the hot temperatures can exacerbate pre-existing problems like faulty wiring and degrading insulation. Home energy audits from electricians near Denver can help you avoid these problems and the unnecessary expenses that come with them.

All in all, any time of the year is good enough to get an energy audit. If you can’t schedule one in summer or winter, then autumn or fall will suffice.

Winter

This would be the perfect moment to schedule all your energy audits. It is during this time when homeowners see spikes in their energy bills. This is mainly due to the increased demand for heating and entertainment since many stay indoors. This helps inspectors to get more precise insights into your home’s HVAC and entertainment systems.

Getting the audit done in winter can also help you identify other issues that affect your electrical system. The licensed electrician will also look for things like wire corrosion, mold, mildew, and moisture damage during the assessment as well as things such as holiday lights that are only used during the holiday season.

Another added benefit of scheduling the audit in winter is the reduced demand from fellow residents. Since many people like scheduling home energy audits in summer, there’s far less competition in winter. As a result, the audit won’t cost as much, and you’ll be able to get more in-depth information about your home’s energy consumption.

What You Get From A Home Energy Audit

1.  Better Home Value

A poll found that energy efficiency is among the top factors that influence the decision of home buyers. This confirms that any upgrade meant to reduce energy costs is of great value in any home.

2.   Save On Energy costs

Implementing the recommendations you get after a home energy audit can result in huge savings on energy bills.

3.    Improved Energy Efficiency

The main aim of home energy audits is to help homeowners boost energy efficiency in their homes. Getting an audit will help you identify weaknesses like leaks in insulations, heating and cooling systems, and appliances.

4.   Elimination Of Guesswork

Home energy audits allow you to get to the root of the problem. Knowing exactly what to replace, repair, or upgrade goes a long way in saving time and expenses.

Get Accurate Home Energy Audits With ElectriCall

For over 11 years, ElectriCall has helped many Denver residents tackle unexplained surges in energy bills. You can count on us to do a thorough audit of your home’s electrical components and provide you with actionable recommendations.

By 2024, there are estimated to be 3.3 million EVs in the US, an increase from 1.3 million electric cars in 2021. By 2030, the National Renewal Energy Laboratory forecasts that this figure will reach 30-42 million.

This popularity can be attributed to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and technological advancements. And these benefits can only get better. With evolving technology and increased uptake, electric cars will become more affordable, powerful, and environmentally friendly.

This article explores the benefits you can enjoy from joining the millions of Americans who already drive an electric car.

Environmental Benefits

The exhaust fumes from gas vehicles are a significant contributor to the greenhouse gases that drive climate change. The CO2, Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides, and particulate matter emitted by tailpipes also cause significant urban pollution, resulting in illnesses, deaths, and environmental degradation.

A chief attraction of electric cars is their zero emission of tailpipe gases as they rely on electricity for power. Even considering their charging power source, they still have a considerably smaller carbon footprint. These environmental benefits only get better as more people take up EVs.

Any negative impact on the environment will be reduced further by reliance on renewable energy sources and improvement in battery technology. By integrating clean energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid, EV batteries may be charged without harming the environment. Smart charging technology may also reduce charging time by hours.

Even more ambitious is the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology that makes the vehicle its own source of power. This also feeds energy back into the grid, freeing it from charging stations and extending its range significantly.

Economic Benefits

Electric cars are very affordable to run. Typically, the cost of recharging an electric car over a period amounts only to about 60% of the cost of gas. Recharging may even be cheaper if done from a renewable energy source or if offered as a perk by work or commercial places.

If you compare the costs of maintaining an electric vehicle and a gasoline one, you’ll notice the EV is much cheaper to maintain. Without an internal combustion engine, transmission, and exhaust systems, there are fewer moving parts that wear out. This means fewer replacements. For example, electric vehicles utilize regenerative braking, which puts less stress on rotors and brake pads.

The Federal government also offers the EV Tax Credit aimed at encouraging the uptake of EVs. In 2024, this stands at $7500 for a new EV or $4000 for a used EV, subject to qualifications. 

Altogether, the economic benefits of owning an EV outweigh those of gasoline cars. An Atlas Public Policy study compared the savings of five EV models against their gasoline counterparts and found that the EVs saved $4,998 more on average.

Technological Advancements

The potential of technological advancements makes electric cars an attractive prospect. Though still in their developmental stages, features like autonomous driving promise a safe and hassle-free commute experience, even if you cannot drive. You may even use the commute time to get some work done and increase productivity.

With smart connectivity in today’s advancements, EVs will have more of these benefits. They already have software updates and unique communication with smart grids, and charging stations.

These will help anticipate the car and driver’s needs, make helpful recommendations, and even offer secure payment.

Advancements in battery technology promise more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting batteries. Exploration of new materials like silicone anodes and lithium-sulfur and new forms like solid-state batteries may yield cheaper, safer, and more energy-dense batteries with quick charging capabilities.

More efficient batteries, an updated charging infrastructure, and improved charging technology such as wireless charging have extended the range of electric cars to rival gasoline-powered vehicles.

Convenience And Accessibility

Though gasoline-powered vehicles have far greater access to refueling than EVs, the EV industry aims to develop more access and convenience. A gasoline-powered car can only be powered by an external source – the gas station. On the other hand, EVs can be powered from home, at work, in public charging stations, and with V2G, even on the go.

Currently, there are over 4 million EV charging points, the majority of them private – on personal property or restricted public spaces. By 2021, public EV charging points numbered 43,000. It is easy to locate charging stations closer to you on the Alternative Fuels Data Center website.

Electric cars also have smoother, quieter rides. Since they operate on battery-powered electric motors, they lack the unavoidable noise and jolts from an internal combustion engine. Also, electric engines can deliver power smoothly across a broad range of speeds, eliminating the need for a transmission system.

Moreover, the EV’s capability to deliver instant torque allows it to accelerate faster while handling better than a gasoline car. Overtaking and merging back into traffic is also easier, not to mention improved off-road capabilities.

Common Concerns

Common concerns with electric vehicles include their initial cost and limited range.

Though EVs cost more than gasoline cars, their prices have been dropping – by as much as 21% since 2022. This has been due to lower battery costs, improved manufacturing efficiencies, and government incentives. Coupled with lower running and maintenance costs, EVs may well become cheaper.

Range anxiety issues are being addressed by an expanding charging infrastructure as well as improved battery and charging technology that allows for faster charging and increased range on a single charge.

Conclusion

Switching to an electric car offers immense benefits in savings, increased performance, enhanced access, comfort and convenience, and environmental sustainability. Even better, the EV environment is undergoing tremendous change that will unlock its true potential.

Electric cars are the face of a green future. Getting one now is the best decision you will have made. For reliable electrician services in Denver, CO, please contact ElectriCall.

Swimming pools are a place to relax, have fun, and let your worries take a sit back. Still, safety is always important around pools, and while the main concerns are usually how to prevent drowning and slipping, there is one safety concern people often overlook. This is the danger of electrocution around swimming pools.

In modern days, pools are surrounded by electrical devices and components that provide the elevated swimming experience we all love. These components can include underwater lights, heating systems, and waterfall features. Regularly maintaining and inspecting these components with the help of a licensed electrician will go a long way in preventing electrical accidents.  

Let’s go through the most common electrical hazards around swimming pools and learn how to prevent them.

Wiring and Installation

Electrical components are needed in a swimming pool, not just for entertaining features but also for practical ones. A swimming pool needs pumps, vacuums, and filters to function properly. Since there is always some electricity and wiring behind these components, expertise is needed to ensure they are fitted correctly.

Improper electrical installation and wiring of any component increases the risk of electrocution around pools. Even an improperly fitted wire can cause low-level AC to seep into the pool and electrify the water enough to paralyze swimmers’ muscles and cause drowning. This type of accident is called electric shock drowning.

How to prevent this:

• Work with pool experts and electrical contractors near you to seal all loopholes around your pool.
• Call an electrician if you hear the filters straining or if you notice flickering lights in your pool.
• Stop swimming and turn back if you feel a tingling sensation.

You can further prevent electrical shocks in pools by ensuring your pool has the following features:

Grounding

With grounding, you connect pool components to conductors. This is intentional to dissipate excess voltage. The goal is to move harmful electrical currents away from the pool and discharge it to the ground. 

So, to ground your pool it means you’ll need to connect your electrical panel to the installed ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker. The GFCI breaker takes in excess electrical current flowing from the panel and cuts the power to the pool when necessary.

The process of grounding requires you to connect all pool equipment together so that malfunctioning components don’t affect the whole system. Qualified Denver electricians have the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively ground a pool.

Bonding

Grounding is all good, but incomplete without bonding. Bonding is the process of connecting all the pool’s metal components with a copper wire. This is done to create equal and balanced electrical potential in all conductive components of a pool. As a result, bonding ensures that the swimmer will not touch two components with different electrical potentials at any point. The process is key to ensuring everyone using the pool is safe from electrocutions.

Bonding uses a copper wire to create a low-interference pathway between electrical components and metallic parts of the pool. This ensures that the frames, the metal handles you use to get in and out of pools, and any other electrical components are safe to hold while wet.

Pool experts and Arvada professional electricians use all the necessary parts like bonding lugs and pool bonds to effectively bond your pool. Other accessories commonly used are copper wires, bonding grids, and skimmer bonding kits.

Pool Lighting and Voltage

Pool lights are a common feature in most swimming pools that serve more than an aesthetic purpose. Lighting in a pool ensures the waters are well-illuminated to improve nighttime visibility when swimming. What you didn’t know is pool lighting if not well connected can be dangerous.

As stated earlier, light flickering and dimming is one sign of an unsafe pool. Additionally, if you notice molds growing around pool lights, breakage, or water damage, then it is time to call the professionals. Licensed electricians and pool experts can properly repair and replace damaged pool lights as well as spot any other potential dangers.

• Do not try to change or fix pool lights on your own.
• Look for low-voltage lights to minimize the risk of electrocution.
• Opt for lights that have a quality seal to prevent water from leaking inside.
• Look for pool lights that have a safety certification.

Electrical Equipment

It’s no secret that electrical equipment and water do not mix. However, this fact is sometimes easy to forget when having fun, especially during pool parties, so you should always aim to keep electricals away from swimming pools.

• Electrical appliances like TVs and radios should not be anywhere near a pool.
• Do not use extension cords near pools.
• Use waterproof and protective covers to protect electrical equipment around pools.

You Can Trust ElectriCall With Your Swimming Pool

At ElectriCall, we understand the value of pools as well as the risks they pose. With our professional electricians in Denver, we ensure your swimming pool is safe for all users. You can count on us to effectively repair, maintain, and rewire your pool so that you enjoy the waters without worry.

Electricity powers every single appliance in the home and industry, but despite advice on electrical safety being readily accessible, there is lots of untrue information about it. 

This article brings out the common myths to educate you on the importance of safety in electricity matters at home. We’ll also include valuable information on how electricians in the Denver and Arvada areas can help you maintain a safe electrical system.

Among the electrical myths you should keep in mind are:

Low Voltage Is Not Dangerous

Most people believe that only high voltages can cause harm to them.  However, it is worth noting that low voltages can be quite dangerous if the current is quite high. Electrical shock that’s caused by low voltage can lead to arrhythmias and muscle contractions which can be quite dangerous. It is therefore very important to stay away from electrical sources even when the voltage is low.

You might also like: Low Voltage vs Line Voltage: What’s The Difference?

Rubber Gloves And Shoes Provide Ultimate Protection

We all learn that rubber is a perfect insulator but there’s more to it. You should know that not all rubbers are the same. The type of rubber used in household shoes and gloves is not designed to give you ultimate protection when it comes to an electric shock. Ensure you use properly rated gloves and shoes when working with electric systems.

You Can Repair Electrical Issues Without Professional Help

A lot of homeowners believe they can do their own electrical repairs without the help of a professional, but attempting electrical work yourself can be quite risky as it can lead to severe injuries. For your safety, it is best to engage with licensed electricians for help to ensure repairs are provided to code.

Circuit Breakers Provide Absolute Protection

Circuit breakers are essential safety devices designed to prevent electrical overloads and short circuits. However, they can never be foolproof and can not provide ultimate protection. Regular inspections by Arvada professional electricians can help identify potential issues before they become dangerous.

Power Lines Are Insulated

Most people often have the notion that overhead power lines are insulated and hence very safe to touch. This cannot be far from the truth. It is important to note that most power lines are not insulated, thus can cause severe injuries or even death. To stay alive, assume all power lines are live and keep off them.

Only Old Homes Have Electrical Problems

A lot of people believe that only old homes have electrical issues, but newer homes can have electrical issues brought about by improper installations, poor-quality materials that were used, or shortcuts taken by the installer. This confirms why you need a qualified electrician’s help.

Power Strips Provide Unlimited Outlets

Although power strips may provide a lot more outlets, they are simply not the solution in every situation. This is due to the fact that there is a possibility to overload a power strip, increasing the risk of fire. You want to avoid exceeding load capacities as labelled on your power strip. If you think you need more power strips, seek help from professional Arvada electricians.

Flickering Lights Are Harmless

For most people, a flickering light won’t seem like a cause for concern, but flickering lights can sometimes indicate serious wiring issues that need to be addressed urgently. Issues such as overloaded circuits, loose wiring and electrical panel problems can be indicated by flickering lights.

Turning Off The Power Makes Electrical Work Safe

Turning off the power at the switch does not always ensure safety. There are still residual currents that can pose great danger to you if not handled with care. With the help of a professional electrician, you can ensure the necessary precautions can be followed to avoid serious injuries.

The Bigger The Fuse, The Better

This myth has been around for some time. You may have heard that the larger the fuse you have, the better protection it gives. The reality is using a larger fuse than recommended can often result in it not cutting the circuit in the event of an overload, which can lead to overheating. You want to ensure you have the proper fuse at any time for the safety of your appliances. 

Why Choose Licensed Electricians

Hiring a licensed electrician can offer several advantages some of which include:

Expertise And Training

The licensed technicians go through comprehensive training and certification in order to have the understanding required for handling different electrical tasks safely and effectively. Always know that doing it yourself or getting a non-qualified professional may be cheaper but it can be more dangerous and thereby more expensive in the long run. A professional electrician not only has the necessary equipment required for the job but also works with standards that ensure safety.

Compliance With Safety Standards

A qualified electrician will ensure all repairs and installations comply with local safety codes and regulations. This ensures all electric works done at your home provide the most secure electrical solutions.

Peace Of Mind

Seeking a professional electrician’s help gives you the utmost peace of mind. Professionals reduce the risk of potential hazards and ensure the longevity of your system.

Conclusion

Understanding facts about these myths and many others guarantees total safety around your premises. Always keep in mind electricity can do amazing things if well used, however, if it is mishandled, it can lead to severe consequences.