arvada electrician Archives

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 From extreme weather, outdated appliances, to problems with the electrical box.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!

Do You Need An Electrical Update When Remodeling?

One of the first questions people ask an electrical company is whether they need an electrical update when remodeling. Whether it is a bathroom or a kitchen remodeling, contractors including the builders, architects, and electricians have to work together to ensure the integrity of the structure is maintained.

Any comprehensive remodeling requires planning and design concepts approved by local housing regulations. That means the new electrical routing and systems must be approved as well. For electrical wiring or any home rewiring jobs, hit ElectriCall with a message. Or call us! We can offer home electrical repair services in Arvada, CO.

Home remodeling and updating electrical systems

As a homeowner, you have probably thought about remodeling a portion of your house. Maybe you want to extend your kitchen or make your bathroom bigger. However, before you can even knock out a wall, you first have to consider the electrical routing of your home.

It is tempting to get on with the physical work, but planning for a large-scale rerouting of electrical systems is highly recommended to ensure the safety of the workers and residents. Here we have reasons why we advise our clients to upgrade their electrical systems during remodeling:

Added convenience before and after remodeling

One problem with residential properties is that some of them have been standing for over 30 years. Older homes tend to have fewer electrical outlets and poor placement. When you opt to upgrade your electrical system, you would not have to worry about the lack or poor placement of these power outlets.

Demand for electrical power

Depending on your use of electrical power, you should consider upgrading the electrical system of your home to more amps to fit your lifestyle and needs. If your property has an older electrical box or is using a fuse box, you definitely would want to talk with a professional electrical company.

Old power boxes often can not handle electrical fluctuations. They overload and cause fire hazards. ElectriCall consists of seasoned electricians. We are a trusted electrician nearby that will be at your location to assist right away.

Protect your family from dangers of electrical overload and electrocution

One of the best reasons you must hire an Electrician in Arvada, CO, is to make sure your family can sleep at night without worrying about the house catching fire. This should be one of your top priorities when doing a home improvement.

Remodeling does only pose health risks and safety issues from chemicals like sealants, paint materials, and adhesives. Safety concerns also come from incorrect wiring of electrical outlets or the use of substandard electrical components.

Typically, you want the remodeling to be inexpensive. However, you should not sacrifice health and safety for a cheap and fast home improvement. At ElectriCall, you can rest assured that your electrical rewiring is completely taken care of.

We are a team of local residential electricians who have been servicing the communities of Arvada, Colorado. Our electrical company offers home electrical repair services which include:

Electrical inspection
Wiring an electric panel
Rewiring a house

Our team takes pride in our excellent customer service, whether handling small or big projects. To protect your family from the potential dangers of electrical overload and electrocution, we will focus on:

Looking at any symptom that might indicate the need for an electrical upgrade
Accommodating your needs when it comes to the number of electrical outlets you need and their proper placement and distribution
Finding the right, top-quality electrical components that will bring more value to your life
Replacing any existing electrical wires that cannot handle more power, or have gone obsolete and are very dangerous
Giving you the peace of mind you so deserve

Do not wait for the sparks, remodel and upgrade now

Choosing to upgrade your electrical system sooner rather than later could be a lifesaver. That change could give you so much comfort in your home.

It is always exciting to remodel a house, and keeping your mind open to electrical upgrades like adding extra electrical outlets and receptacles, installing a thermostat, changing light switches, and rewiring and rerouting will save you a ton of trouble in the future. You do not really want to knock off walls and detach cabinets to make the necessary adjustments.

There is nobody better at giving advice and recommendations on electrical upgrades than ElectriCall. If you are looking to hire not just an electrician nearby, but a trusted Electrician in Arvada, CO, please give us a call.

Voltage Types: Low Voltage vs Line Voltage: What’s The Difference?

Before choosing the best lighting for commercial or residential infrastructure, you have to first consider the voltage type the building has. There are two kinds of voltages and knowing both will be useful when exploring your options. It will also help you when hiring an electrician in Arvada, CO to perform electrical works or home rewiring jobs on your property.

What does line voltage mean?

Line voltage refers to the standard voltage which is 120 volts that can be found on commercial and residential properties. It is common in most residential houses in the United States.

Since this is the standard voltage for most electrical outlets, line voltage fixtures commonly do not need a transformer to function. It works just about anywhere a low voltage fixture can be set up. Most often, it is integral to the infrastructure.

What does low voltage mean?

When talking about low voltage, unlike line voltage, this type requires a transformer for the lighting system to work properly. Generally, low voltage lighting systems only range from 12 to 24 volts. However, you will also notice that a low voltage fixture has a transformer installed relatively close to it.

Some examples of low voltage lighting include display lighting or anywhere it is difficult to have a standard voltage electrical wiring like landscape application.

What are the other differences between a lighting system that has line voltage or low voltage?

The electrical current enabling light fixtures, devices, and equipment to work play a significant role in our day-to-day life. Not having sufficient voltage in your home or office may result in electrical issues that could hinder your routine or work. That said, we encourage you to hire a professional electrician nearby to perform an electrical inspection on your property at least once every six months.

Other differences between line voltage and low voltage include:

Lifespan

Although most people will say that low voltage has a longer lifespan compared to line voltage, you have to remember that it cannot work without a transformer. Depending on the type of transformer and its operational intensity, in most cases, transformers would require constant maintenance and repair. So in reality, both actually have almost the same lifespan.

Quality of light

Line voltage allows the use of different types of light bulbs such as fluorescent, incandescent, sodium or orange street lights, and metal halide. These bulbs range from 60 to 250 watts, which is perfect for either indoor use or outdoor application. And since this type has high voltage, it produces a warmer and more diffused light.

Low voltage is considered an energy-efficient and low-cost alternative. Because low voltage bulbs are connected to a power pack, they typically have lower wattage that makes them efficient and last long. What that means is that low voltage fixtures can provide more consistent illumination. The low voltage lighting system also looks more natural and sharp than the line voltage lightings that tend to be more diffused.

Size and style

Low voltage fixtures are usually smaller compared to line voltage lighting systems. That is thanks to its smaller filaments and the use of a transformer. On the contrary, line voltage fixtures are so much bigger in size and style because they have to be able to handle colossal amounts of electric current.

Understanding the differences between voltages will allow you to make informed decisions about the lighting systems you should use. But, it is always the best option to have a skilled and seasoned Arvada electrician assist you.

Movability

The low voltage lighting system is usually not permanent, unlike the standard line voltage. That said, it is quite easy to set up or re-arrange when needed. And you can add more fixtures to the system as long as the transformer can handle it.

Safety

The current that flows through the transformer is less powerful than the line voltage. This feature makes the low voltage more attractive to use, especially for outdoor and landscape applications.

To learn more about what makes low voltage different from line voltage, or if you have any electrical issues that need immediate troubleshooting, contact us. ElectriCall offers a variety of home electrical repair services to homeowners in Arvada, CO.

Why Are My Lights Flickering?

Wondering why your lights are flickering? This is a common problem that homeowners have to go through. Although it might seem natural, things can escalate very quickly. We recommend you give an Arvada electrician a call.

Did you notice your lights suddenly turning on and off? In this article, we hope to provide you with information regarding the cause of this electrical issue and how to handle it. There are few reasons why flickering lights happen, some may be dealt with on your own, while other tasks such as electrical troubleshooting in Arvada should be handled by a certified electrician.

What does it mean when lights flicker?

First of all, assess why your lights are flickering. If the flickering is just new, check whether the bulbs or plugs are tight or not. Most of the time it is just an isolated case involving loose bulbs. Sometimes, faulty fixtures and appliances or devices using large amounts of current can make the lights flicker.

If the flickering happens regularly and longer than usual, there could be bigger electrical issues that needs to be resolved immediately. Problems in the conductors, electrical services, and triggers could result in lights flickering and tends to have a major impact on other electric appliances and devices.

When it comes to loose bulbs and plugs, fixing the flickering would be simple. Just screw the bulb or plug tightly. If that does not work, you may need to replace the bulb.

Some things you need to remember when it comes to fluorescent bulbs is that they have a higher tendency to flicker during the winter season or cold temperature. With LED bulbs, having a dimmer switch contributes to electrical load that can make the light flicker.

If the problem is with the bulbs or plug you are using, there is nothing you should worry about. It is common for faulty fixtures to flicker every now and then. Change them and your problem is solved.

On the other hand, when it comes to bigger problems that carry a higher risk of setting your house on fire, immediate assistance by professional electricians like ElectriCall is necessary. Problems that need electrical troubleshooting by expert electricians involve:

Fluctuations in voltage
Outdated components and wirings
Faulty electrical box, switches, and service connection
Overload or surge of power in the circuit

Do not try to repair electrical issues on your own, especially if you have no knowledge and experience on electrical systems.

Should I worry about lights flickering?

The only time you should start worrying about your lights flickering is when you have replaced the faulty fixture and still the flickering persists. That often means that the root of the problem is with the electrical system or its connections.

Flickering lights could be due to bad weather, so if your area is experiencing a storm when the flickering happens, that is probably the source. When the lights in your whole house are flickering and the weather is perfectly fine, that is indicative that there is a problem with the electrical system of your home.

When the flickering happens whenever you turn an appliance on and off, the problem could be an overloaded circuit. This often occurs when you crank up multiple appliances at the same time. As a result, the maximum load for the circuit is reached causing it to trip or suddenly shut off and on.

Minor changes will not solve the problem and leaving the issue for more days will only cause more damage. Electrical issues involving overload in the circuit needs to be fixed right away because it could lead to overheating of the wires and cause a fire.

The problem is that we often need to plug in multiple devices and appliances to perform our daily functions. But, how can you minimize if not completely eliminate your worries? Call a local electrician right away to assist you in repairing or replacing electrical components.

ElectriCall can help you with the proper installation and repair any electrical-related components in your home. Our team will help you prevent electrical circuit overload from happening. We will ensure that the routing of your house’s electrical wiring is mapped correctly.

Above all, we will help you conduct preventive measures such as installing sub panels and an additional breaker panel or circuits to guarantee all appliances get the right amount of voltage needed to function properly. There are a lot more we can do to help you, so do not hesitate to contact us!

How do I stop my lights from flickering?

Upgrade incompatible or outdated switches. If you have been using an old switch model, perhaps it is time to replace it with a better one. In today’s generation, newer and better technology for houses have been developed to ensure the safety of people.

Badly-fitting bulbs might also be the source of flickering. But there is no need to panic or be alarmed by this since changing it will do the trick. However, we recommend that you assess and examine the issue thoroughly to ensure that there are no other problems lurking and waiting to explode.

Try using smart bulb switches that are not only trendy, but will not damage your light fixture. A smart bulb switch can easily turn the power of the light bulb on and off. Choosing to use smart bulbs and switches is more user friendly and will give you better experience.

For the bigger problem, contact an Arvada electrical contractor to examine the issue and perform the necessary electrical wiring repair.

Common Reasons why they flicker

Some reasons for lights flickering are easy to fix. Other culprits need to be taken care of by a professional Arvada electrician. Either way, it is an annoying electrical problem that can disrupt your daily living.

Here are the most common culprits for flickering lights:

Loose bulbs
Loose plugs
Wrong connection of wirings
Improper installation of sockets
Old and outdated wiring
Problem in the electrical routing
Faulty light fixtures
Overloaded power lines and circuits
Appliances and HVAC units using large current

Hire a seasoned electrician to deal with serious electrical issues to ensure that the problem is fixed right the first time. Performing a DIY on matters like this might potentially cost you more in maintenance and replacement, worse, cost your life.

Let professionals like ElectriCall inspect and fix the electrical problem in your house. Remember that flickering lights may be common, but it could also lead to a dangerous event.

Plumbers

Around Arvada, electricians and plumbers work well together because they have a lot in common. From installing, repairing, maintaining, to troubleshooting, both should be skilled and knowledgeable of local codes for safety and building. Each must be capable of performing their tasks, especially to ensure the proper functioning of the properties’ electrical systems.

Contractors building a home or homeowners having renovation are usually not experts on plumbing and electrical works. That is why getting the help of plumbers and Arvada electricians are important to a successful process.

Both professionals depend on each other for routing crucial pipelines. Just imagine drilling to water lines while there are exposed electrical wires underneath. That is very dangerous that might even cost you your property.

An Arvada electrician and plumber working together will prevent issues from happening. Electricians like us are professionally trained to ensure the completion of the project in the most efficient and safe way.

What is the main difference between an Arvada electrician and a plumber?

ElectriCall works on anything related to electrical work. That includes:

Creating electrical plans for new buildings or simple renovation projects. For example, kitchen electrical plan and planning for electrical panel replacement cost.
Doing home electric repairs such as a kitchen remodel electrical work, basement renovation electrical wiring, and electrical panel upgrade.
Wiring an electric panel properly, especially when the system is next to water lines.

Meanwhile, plumbers focus on installing and maintaining water piping systems in commercial or residential properties. Piping systems for the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, etc. must be braced into place for safe and efficient installation of electrical components.

Both professions have their own specialties that contribute to the success of the construction project.

Can electrical wiring be next to plumbing?

Building codes do not specifically prohibit electrical cables and plumbing lines to be in the same trench. Both plumbers and Arvada electricians work on metal and plastic conduit for safely channeling fluid or sealing electrical wires.

An electrical conduit is necessary to route and protect the electrical wiring of the structure, most importantly when the lines are going to be close to a water system. There are different types of enclosures used to protect the electrical wiring.

Non-metallic tubing
Metallic tubing
Liquid-tight flexible conduit
Flexible metal conduit
Intermediate metal conduit
Rigid polyvinyl chloride
Rigid metal conduit

Plumbers install pipes and plumbing fixtures. They can easily assemble, alter, repair, and maneuver parts even in tight spaces. They do the piping and plumbing fitting that makes it easier for electricians to do their job, and vice-versa.

A lot of things can go wrong from improper wiring, improper installation, and using damaged or wrong materials. Errors in the installation of electrical conduits can create risk and cause electrocution or fire. Frustrating problems like faulty breakers, power outages, improper grounding of outlets might also bring costly repairs, replacements, or adjustments.

To avoid that from occurring, hiring skilled professionals and not just any electrician nearby is pivotal. Plumbers and electricians should get the job done quickly and effectively, with fewer repairs necessary.

How close can an electrical pipe be to a water line?

An electrical wire running next to the gas line is not allowed, but it can be in the same wall as the plumbing system. When it comes to the water line a feet away from the electrical conduits, there should not be an issue if the electrical wires are properly concealed and insulated.

Since plumbers and Arvada electricians work together, both can prevent and resolve dilemmas that may arise from planning, installing, or repairing. And because both have exact responsibilities, know the types of materials needed, and can follow designs and blueprints, project success is highly likely.

Electrical violations will not only result in huge fines but can make systems malfunction and cause unsafe conditions during or after the construction. It takes careful planning, effective communication, and attention to detail of an Arvada electrician and plumber to make a project succeed.

So if you’re a plumber in Arvada or the Denver area and need to work with a certified electrician, give ElectriCall a ring. We can help make your life easier by taking the necessary steps to efficiently help you complete your plumbing project or anything to do with the electrical system.

As a local home service company, we work with other business owners by referring out residential and commercial jobs. If you’re looking to team up or just network, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.