Blogs & News
Why Landscape Lighting Is Valuable
Some say landscape lighting will increase the resale value of your home. It can, but there are many variables to consider; in any case, attractive outdoor lighting can improve curb appeal and speed up the selling process. But the value of landscape lighting isn’t always financial; here are some aspects of landscape lighting that can be extremely valuable [...]
Electrical Upgrades That Are Energy Efficient
With energy costs rising, energy efficiency is more important than ever before. Perhaps your home is not as efficient as it could be. However, electrical repairs and upgrades can offset high utility prices and, in some cases, pay for themselves in the long run. Here are some upgrades that may improve your home’s energy efficiency: Install Efficient Lighting [...]
5 Benefits of Ceiling Fans
Many homeowners install ceiling fans to stay cool. Sure, fans are very useful in Southern California’s mild climate. But there are many other advantages to ceiling fan installation, including energy cost savings, design and style choices, versatility, illumination, and year-round value. Here’s a more in-depth look at why ceiling fans are so beneficial: Reduced Energy Costs A 30% [...]
The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is deadly. You can’t see or smell it, but it kills around 200 people every year in the United States, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). An additional 5,000 people sustain non-fatal CO-related injuries. Carbon monoxide detectors save lives because they detect the gas at low concentrations, before it reaches critical levels. [...]
How Do I Know If My House Needs To Be Rewired?
As many as 30% of electrical fires in the United States are caused by poorly insulated electrical wires, a 2008 U.S. Fire Administration study found. Most often, such fires occur in homes that are 50 or more years old. If you live in an older home, rewiring or other updates may be necessary, but not always. Many wiring [...]
What Is Knob and Tube Wiring?
Knob and tube wiring, now obsolete, was installed from the early 1900s to the 1940s, to as late as the 1970s in some areas. The knob and tube (K&T) format is not compliant with today’s electrical standards. If an older home has never been rewired, you should consult a Los Angeles electrician to determine if you have K&T [...]
Benefits of Having Outdoor Outlets
Outdoor outlets have become a common feature of modern homes, but many homeowners aren’t familiar with their benefits. Outdoor electrical products are certainly a convenience. Are you concerned with the safety aspects of plugging in your electronics outdoors? This is not a problem with GFCI outlets; a ground fault circuit interrupter cuts the power when there’s a current [...]
What Is the Function of My Circuit Breaker?
Electricity, often taken for granted, is extremely volatile—one overheated wire or surge can end in disaster. A circuit breaker is designed to prevent trouble. It is an automatic circuit protection system that monitors the circuit it is connected to. Should there be an overload, the breaker will “trip”, or instantly shut off the affected circuit. Here is an [...]
Why Not to DIY Your Home’s Electrical Work
It seems simple enough. A few hours’ work should fix those flickering lights, power surges, bad wiring, or a faulty breaker. At first, all is going well, and then—ZAP! DIY home electrical work is dangerous. Without the proper training and tools, you can be severely injured or killed. These are among the many reasons you should avoid DIY [...]
What to Look Out for Regarding Electrical When Purchasing a Home
There’s a lot to look out for when buying a home. Aside from its size, layout, and where it’s located, your potential new home may have hidden issues that need to be addressed. For example, electrical repairs may be needed or else you may face serious problems later. While you should have a professional inspector check the electrical [...]