Category Archives: Electrical

1.) Appearance

Landscape lighting can improve the appearance of your home and increase curb appeal. Even at night, your home or business remains visible. Properly used, outdoor landscape lighting can add intrigue and drama to your landscape. Walkways, arches, or tall windows can be highlighted, as well as gardens and foliage. There are a bunch of ways to make your home look amazing with landscape lighting.

2.) Value

Any kind of lighting upgrade to your home or business will boost its worth. A well-designed, well-installed, and well-thought-out system is essential. Residential and commercial lighting can increase your property’s value by 20%.

3.) Security

Lighting is vital for good security. The bright outdoor lighting schemes found in high-end homes are for a good reason. A well-lit home or business on the outside will help protect against intruders and vandals. There’s a lot less crime in brightly lit homes than in houses that are completely dark at night. Quality landscape lighting and a smart security system will give you peace of mind both at home and away.

4.) Safety

Landscape lighting will add security to the outside, and safety for those on the inside. Landscape lighting will help draw attention to potential outdoor hazards like stairs, and pools. The proper lighting will reduce the risk of accidental falls or other injuries, as well as guide people safely to and from your home.

5.) Functionality

When your landscape is properly lit, the whole outside area can be utilized after sundown. Light up patios, gazebos, and other outdoor areas. Or, light up the yard so it’s safe for nighttime play and socializing. The warm and welcoming vibe will make guests want to stay a while.

1.) Inspect Your Outlets

Start by inspecting each of your outlets around your home. Look for cracked face plates or damage to the outlet itself. Any signs of scorching or cracks in the plastic indicate you need to replace both. An electrician should replace any outlets that have signs of scorching to determine what caused the issue.

2.) Inspect Wires

Next, inspect the wires of the appliances around your home. Be especially mindful of minor cables like those for your phone, tablets, or other handheld electronics. It is important to keep an eye on these since they are easily damaged.

Despite its small size, even small wires can pose a danger when exposed due to damaged insulation. It is better to replace damaged wires, not just tape them. This will help prevent incidental harm to anyone in your home or arcing that could lead to a fire. Make sure that the insulation on power tools and electric lawn mowers is not broken or frayed as well.

3.) Check Power Strips, Surge Protectors, & Outlets

While you’re checking your outlets, take a few minutes to check your surge protectors as well. Most surge protectors are good for around three to five years. To replace power strips and surge protectors that feel hot to the touch, touch them with a damp cloth.

4.) Inspect & Clean Electrical Appliances

To prevent excessive electrical resistance and to keep them working effectively, most electrical appliances require periodic cleaning. You should deep clean your dryer and get rid of lint that didn’t come up in your lint trap. Make sure your stove’s exhaust hood is clean of grease and grime. Give any electric heaters you used throughout the winter a thorough cleaning before storing them for the season.

5.) Check for & test GFCI Outlets

Make sure you install GFCI outlets wherever there is excessive moisture. This includes all outlets outside as well as those in your bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. In the event that water is present near the outlet, the outlets will immediately terminate electric flow if they sense unusual electrical flow.

6.) Check your Breaker Board

Finally, check your breaker board. It may be necessary to have an electrician clean this if you have not done so for several years. Cobwebs can build up behind the breaker panel cover, which can cause issues if left long enough.

Also, hold the back of your hand over each breaker, and see if any feel warm to the touch. If they do, this could indicate an overloaded circuit, and you may need to upgrade your panel and your home’s circuit layout.