Homeowners must prepare their homes for changing temperatures, especially during winter. The chilly weather can be tough not only for the residents but also for the home’s electrical system since there will be an increase in energy demand. This can lead to safety hazards, power outages, and higher utility bills. 

The continuous use of the HVAC, appliances, and holiday decorations increases the stress on the electrical system. To help ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient during the winter season, we’ve compiled some expert tips on electrical preparation during the cold weather. These tips and steps will safeguard your home from unexpected electrical hazards. 

Learn these home electrical safety tips for winter, to ensure a worry-free and energy-efficient winter season. 

Why Winter Electrical Preparation Is Crucial

Compared to other seasons or temperatures, cold weather has a significant effect on the home’s electrical system. When the temperature plummets, the heating system works overtime. The electrical wirings become brittle and strained causing short-circuiting, electrical shock, and malfunctioning of appliances.

When you winterize your home electrical system, it becomes protected from sudden major problems and keeps your home running smoothly all winter. It gives peace of mind knowing you’re secure and comfortable during the cold season.

Home Electrical Safety Tips For Winter

Both the comfort and safety of your family are crucial when it comes to electrical systems, and so it is vital that your home electrical components can handle all the demands that will keep your family comfortable and secure. These steps can increase your comfort, and safety, and ensure your home is in top shape:

• Inspect and maintain the electrical panel

The electrical box directs the power to every circuit in the house, making it the heart of the electrical system. Before the cold weather begins, inspect the electrical panel for scorch marks, rust, or wear and tear. Make sure the panel is good and working properly to avoid electrical fires due to overheating or a sudden power outage.

• Check the electrical wirings for damage

Electrical wirings can get brittle and damaged during cold temperatures. Inspect all exposed wirings for wear and tear. If there are any issues, it’s best to call a professional energy-efficient heating electrician to assess and address them.

• Protect all electrical components and outlets

The power outlets, lights, and especially the holiday decorations pose risks during the winter season because of moisture and snow. Make sure the outdoor outlets are covered and weatherproofed. Use outlet enclosures to protect the outlets from getting wet. Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) is also highly recommended to ensure the outlets will automatically trip once moisture or a foreign object is detected, preventing electrical shock and other accidents.

• Maintain and test the smoke detectors

Many house fires happen during the winter season because of electrical faults and heating equipment malfunctions. It is best to maintain and test the smoke detectors regularly before the cold weather begins. Replace the batteries and fix their components and, if necessary, upgrade to a newer model of smoke detector.

• Avoid overloading the circuits

The increased use of household appliances, holiday decorations, and heat systems may overload the home’s electrical system. Make sure the circuits and outlets can handle the high-wattage of each appliance and equipment. Install new sockets and surge protectors where possible to avoid straining the circuits.

• Install energy-efficient heating systems

Winter electrical preparation often involves maintenance or installation of energy-efficient systems including heating. Having this in your home will help manage the household’s energy cost and ensure the electrical circuits are not being overloaded even with continuous use of the heating system. 

• Schedule electrical inspections 

Avoiding expensive electrical issues during the winter season is difficult if you don’t perform the necessary electrical preparations. Start winterizing the home electrical system by scheduling maintenance from an expert electrician. Professionals will inspect and assess the electrical boxes, electrical wirings, and outlets, and check the appliances to determine potential issues or serious problems. 

A proactive approach is important to avoid electrical-related problems and risks that may end up in costly repair or replacement. 

Energy-Efficient Heating Options for the Winter

During the winter season, our priority in the house is shifted to keeping it warm and safe. Getting your home ready for the winter involves ensuring energy-efficient heating systems are in place. Here are some options to consider for winter electrical preparation.

• Smart thermostats

To help save on future expenses and have an efficient energy monitoring system, a programmable or smart thermostat in your home is a great idea. Installing this will allow homeowners to set specific temperatures and times, making sure the heating system is only running when needed. The temperature and timer feature minimizes wasted energy while ensuring a comfortable home. 

• Use space heaters 

If you are likely to spend more time in one room, the use of a space heater will do. Space heaters are designed to keep a targeted area or space in the house warm, cutting back on energy consumption. 

• Upgrade insulation and seal gaps
  While not an electrical system solution, improving the insolation of the home and sealing gaps can have a significant effect on the electrical system. Poor insulation makes the heating system work harder, and adding insulation to the walls, floors, or attic, will allow the warmth inside to remain and reduce energy consumption. 

• Efficient heat pumps

A heat pump can make the entire home warm without using excessive energy. Modern and highly efficient heat pump models are designed to effectively transfer heat from the outside into the home even during cold weather.

• Energy-efficient boilers

If your home has hydronic heating, often baseboard heaters or radiators, switching to an energy-efficient boiler can give so much advantage to your home as it can reduce heating costs and, with advanced technology, deliver heat more efficiently with less wastage. 

• Ductless mini-split heat pumps

This type of heat pump is more efficient compared to traditional methods since they do not rely on ducts. When heat is transferred through ducts, some heat escapes or is lost. The ductless mini-split heat pumps deliver both heating and cooling for homes that are ductless or for additions in houses where the installation of ducts is impractical.

• Floor heating

This type of system delivers even and comfortable warmth directly through the floor. These are often installed by energy-efficient heating electricians in kitchens and bathrooms. This system can be used and connected with other existing heating systems in the home to provide consistent and energy-efficient temperatures.

Ensure Your Home Is Ready For The Winter

As an Arvada electrician, we have helped numerous households prepare food during the cold season. We carry out residential electrical maintenance for winter and installation of energy-efficient devices, as well as address the repairs needed to ensure the home runs smoothly.

Making your system ready for the demands of winter by scheduling maintenance, inspecting systems, and addressing essential repairs and upgrades will save you stress and future expenses. Preparing now will help you have a worry-free winter.

Improving home office electrical efficiency creates a safer and more comfortable workspace. It also boosts your productivity while reducing energy in the home. Small, impactful electrical upgrades can make a sustainable home office, reduce your carbon footprint, and have a healthier environment for your daily routines. 

In this article, learn the practical steps that will help an energy-efficient home office setup. Whether you are just starting to build a home office or looking to upgrade your current setup, the ideas we have outlined here will help you have a cost-effective and sustainable home office that will support your work routine long-term.

Optimize Lighting for Efficiency

To improve the energy efficiency in your home office, you can start with the lighting system. This not only impacts your electric bill but adds to the comfort and mood of the home office. Make your lighting electrically efficient by considering these:

• Switch to LED Bulbs: The most common and easiest way to start reducing energy consumption is by upgrading the lighting system to LED bulbs, which use 80% less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional fluorescent or incandescent lights.

• Utilize Task Lighting: This kind of lighting is installed directly in the work area of the home office. There are numerous types of task lighting with some featuring adjustable brightness. This is a great way to shine a light on the work area without having to light up the entire home office.

• Implement Smart Lighting Controls: Smart light systems and smart switches are another way to make the home office’s lighting system more efficient. Smart technology which includes smart light bulbs allows you to control not just the brightness of the light but the timing as well. That means you can schedule when the lights will turn on and off, minimizing energy waste. 

• Install Motion Sensors or Timers: One electrical upgrade for home offices that can significantly increase electrical efficiency is a motion sensor device for lighting. This technology is designed to have a timer for the lighting system or use a sensor to detect motion to turn on and off the lights automatically. The motion sensor for lights is useful in areas of the home where lights are often left open unintentionally.

Control Heating And Cooling For Energy Savings

One key factor for making safe home office electricity is being able to control the heating and cooling systems. Consider these electrical upgrades to optimize the heating and cooling system in your home office:

• Use a Programmable Thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat for homes is an easy way to effectively manage the heating and cooling in the home office. This device will allow you to set the temperature according to the weather and timing even when you are away, helping to ensure your home office is comfortable and ready for work anytime. 

• Install Ceiling Fans: To greatly improve the air circulation in your home office, consider installing a ceiling fan. This helps the distribution of warm and cold air, thus reducing the workload on the HVAC system, and therefore ensuring an electrically efficient home office without the need to sacrifice comfort. There are also ceiling fan models that have features allowing it to sync with the smart thermostat. 

• Solar Power Integration for HVAC Systems: Solar-generated energy is becoming a trend when renovating and upgrading a home. The benefits of solar power make it an interesting addition to the home’s electrical system. It can also be integrated with the HVAC system, which greatly reduces its dependence on the grid.

Minimize Energy Waste By Devices On Standby Mode

Appliances and devices plugged in use energy even if they are not actively in use. Hooked machines like monitors and PCs, printers, and phone chargers in the home office all consume energy, even on standby mode. This is called “phantom load” and contributes to high energy consumption. Decrease standby power by following these steps:

• Unplug Devices When Not in Use: This is a simple step that will make your home office more electrically efficient. Unplug electronics, PC components, device chargers, and desk lamps among others. 

• Use Power Strips for Easy Control: If multiple devices need to be unplugged, consider utilizing a power strip. These come with features that allow all connected electronics and devices to be turned on or off in a single switch.  

• Use Energy-Efficient Devices: When buying new electronics for your home office, purchase technologies or models that feature low standby consumption and devices that require minimal power when in idle mode. 

• Use Smart Plugs to Automate Power Management: This type of plug allows users to control their devices wherever they are. It is an effective way to monitor and manage your home office devices’ power consumption. 

Reduce, Reuse, And Repurpose Resources

This principle can help make your home office electrically efficient by effectively minimizing waste energy and consumption. Limiting unnecessary electronics and devices in your home office decreases the use of electricity. This practice helps in making your home office functional, convenient, and sustainable. 

• Reduce unnecessary electronics in your workspace and opt for energy-saving devices. Avoid getting gadgets that are not essential to your productivity and workflow. 
• Reuse electronic devices that have built-in energy-saving functions. Optimize their performance to eliminate the need to purchase and use multiple electronics. 
• Repurposing outdated devices can help create a cost-effective, electrically efficient, and sustainable home office. Convert devices into an energy monitoring system, a storage network, a smart home controller, or a DIY surveillance system. 

Make Your Home Office Sustainable And Electrically Efficient

Transforming your home office into an electrically efficient space requires conscious effort. As you pursue this journey, hiring an electrician for home office wiring will help make a stress-free and safe home office transformation. 

Reducing energy in the home office requires optimizing electronics and ensuring the electrical systems and components are energy-efficient and properly maintained and configured. As seasoned Arvada electricians, we are experts in transforming home offices to become electrically efficient. 

Contact ElectriCall if you are searching for an electrician for home office wiring in Arvada. 

DIY projects are great. They fill your time, leave you with a sense of accomplishment, and, most importantly, save you money. But when handling your premise’s electrical systems, there are repairs and installations that you should leave for licensed electricians.

Most electrical works are potentially dangerous if not done right. For this reason, electricians spend hundreds of hours doing in-class and on-the-job learning to achieve certification. The experience and certification Denver electricians earn allow them to complete electrical works in a safe and reliable manner.

So, you can change out bulbs, reset tripped breakers, or do other minor repairs all you want, but leave the following to the professionals.

 1.   Repairing Electrical Panels

An electrical panel distributes power to other subpanels, provides power to the entire circuit, and protects your electrical system from overheating. This fundamental part of your electrical system is complex and hard to repair, so many local governments require you to have a permit to repair electrical panels.

Electrical panels are built to last, but not forever. If you notice frequent light flickering, regular tripping of breakers, or circuit breaker failure, get in touch with qualified electricians in the Denver area.

2.   Updating Switches

While experienced DIY enthusiasts may make it seem easy to replace a switch, it is best to leave it to experts. Trying to update a light switch yourself may damage the switch at best or injure you at worst. The most common problem people face is failing to check if there are any hot wires before doing the work.

Professional electricians have the right tools and skills needed to handle this operation with care. So, if you suspect you need a new switch, it’s best to employ a licensed electrician to handle it.

3.   Repairing or Replacing Circuit Breakers

Resetting a circuit breaker and fixing it are two different things. They may seem simple from the outside, but circuit breakers are like the brains of your electrical system. Your circuit breaker panel connects the source of electricity and all the wires and devices in your electrical system.

Circuit breaker repairs should only be handled by Arvada professional electricians as they are trained to navigate this complex component, locate the problem, and fix it without causing other damage.

4.   Rewiring Works

One of the main reasons why it’s not recommended to rewire your own home is the sheer number of different wires involved in electrical work. Connecting different wires haphazardly puts you, others, and your property at risk. Electrical fires and electrocutions are the most common results of bad wiring, and if these occur, you may need to pay a qualified electrician to redo the work, which can end up costing you more.

Professional electricians are able to identify which wires are best for your electrical system and they have the expertise needed to maneuver around hidden junction boxes and connections.

5.   Installing Dedicated Circuits

Since most appliances that require dedicated circuits are expensive, some homeowners may opt to DIY this problem to reduce costs. However, these cases often end up costing more in repairs.

Dedicated circuits ensure energy-hungry appliances get enough power without overloading the home’s electrical system. Heavy-duty appliances that need a dedicated circuit include washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, and water heaters. 

6.   Installing And Repairing Power Cables

Power cables have a high wattage, so they are run through the walls of a building to prevent anyone from tampering with them. Most local governments and building codes require a permit before installing, repairing, or connecting a power cable to the grid. Once connected, a licensed electrical inspector needs to inspect and test the cables.

If you need to have a power cable installed, repaired, or extended, you should call a professional electrician. Arvada professional electricians are able to alter power cables without causing damage to your home or electrical system.

7.   Installing And Repairing Junction Boxes

Junction boxes contain splices of energized circuit wires and are important protection units for various circuit connections. When you open these boxes, you run the risk of damaging wires, and if easily combustible materials come into contact with energized wires, they can also cause fire.

A licensed electrician has the necessary tools and knowledge needed to test wires and voltage before repairing junction boxes. The process may also include reconfiguring circuits and outlet layouts.

8.   Repairing Large Appliances

While not directly electrical work, repairing large appliances also requires the hands of a qualified electrician. This is because large appliances carry a lot of electricity. Shoddy repairs can lead to greater damage or cause electrical fires.

At ElectriCall, we have the most well-trained Arvada electricians who can handle any electrical issues. Whether servicing residential or commercial spaces, our staff will cover all your needs. Whether you need repairs, installation, or consultation services, you can count on us to make it happen. If you find yourself having a problem that you can’t DIY, call us, the electrical contractors near you,  and we’ll be there. 

Get in touch today, and let’s handle the problem correctly!

The growing adoption of renewable energy generation has brought solar power to the forefront of energy utilization. As such, you will find many homes and businesses with solar panels installed on their premises.

Each power source brings with it unique advantages and disadvantages. and as any licensed electrician will tell you, you don’t have to forego one for the other. Advancements in electrical research and engineering allow people to utilize both solar power and electricity to power their homes.

This article brings you the similarities and differences of electricity and solar energy. From these you’ll learn how best you can harness either or each one of them at home.

But first, let’s understand what solar power and electricity are in the context of this article.

What Is Solar Energy

This is energy from the sun converted into electrical and thermal energy. Solar energy uses various solar technologies that harness this energy for home use. 

Various solar technologies include solar photovoltaic, passive solar, and solar process heating technology. You can get in touch with solar experts and electrical contractors near you to get solar energy installed in your home.

What Is Electricity

Unlike solar energy, this type of electric power is generated from power stations usually located far away from residential areas. The power can be generated from hydrothermal, nuclear, coal, natural gas, or geothermal power stations, though sometimes electrical grids integrate large-scale solar power as a backup plan for residential and commercial setups.

Similarities Between Solar Energy And Electricity

Renewable Source of Energy

Power stations vary and have different sources of power. In some cases, grid electricity is also sourced from renewable energy plants. A good example of this is hydroelectric power.

Hydroelectric power is generated by using dams to redirect the natural flow of rivers or other water bodies. The water is held and released under pressure to turn a turbine which in turn rotates mortars, generating electricity.

Other types of renewable sources of energy for grid electricity include wind turbines, geothermal, and tidal energy.

Usage

Both solar energy and grid electricity power homes and businesses. You can use power from both sources to light homes and power appliances and equipment.

Differences Between Solar Energy And Electricity

Cost

When installing solar energy in your home, cost is a huge factor to consider. The initial cost of installing solar energy is usually high since you have to acquire different equipment, which is not cheap. However, once installed, solar energy can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Grid electricity, on the other hand, is quite cheap to install. You only need a licensed electrician to connect your home or business to the grid. Arvada professional electricians can help you install solar power and connect your home to the grid to enjoy both perks.

Effect On Home Value

Homes with solar power are more likely to attract high-paying buyers. This is considering the potentially high energy bills that many people may try to avoid.

A lot of real estate agents consider energy efficiency to be an extremely important factor. In addition to savings on energy bills, homes with solar power can sell the excess power to the grid.

In comparison to solar energy, grid electricity does not have a big effect on a home’s value. Still, having an efficient and well-maintained electric system improves its resale value.

Backup Plan

Solar energy is a great backup plan for homes and businesses in times of power outages. Since most solar power installations come with batteries, you can store power in times of need. Solar batteries can last up to 15 years and store enough energy to power your home for one to five days. Though different batteries have different capacities. Lithium-ion solar batteries last the longest.

On the other hand, grid electricity does not provide many backup options. The best backup for homes and businesses relying solely on the grid is generators.

Convenience

While solar power may have lower maintenance costs compared to grid electricity, it is not a great fit for all homes, as not every roof inclination will work well with solar panels. You need to consult the advice of professionals on solar installation to maximize the sun’s energy.

In comparison, electricity only requires that your home be covered by the grid. If your home or business is near an electricity pole, you can call a licensed electrician to connect your home.

Power Availability

One of the main advantages of grid electricity over solar energy is power availability. Solar energy is highly dependent on sunlight. Without enough sunlight, solar energy cannot power a home. Therefore, you cannot generate power during the night or on cloudy or stormy days.

But they maximize their energy intake to cover up for such days when the sun is covered by the clouds.

Get The Best Of Both Energy Solutions With ElectriCall

At ElectriCall, we aim to provide you with the benefits of both solar energy and grid electricity. Our team of Denver electricians comprise experts on solar energy installation and electricity supply. With professional installation, your solar energy will automatically switch on in the case of blackouts or when scheduled.

You can count on the professional electricians near Denver. Give us a call today.