"home electrical repair service 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 From extreme weather, outdated appliances, to problems with the electrical box.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!

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.