Water heaters play an important role in every residential home. Water heaters are the source behind hot showers, warm baths and various temperatures of water used for washing dishes and clothes. When choosing to install a new water heater in your home, there are a few different options available. Homeowners can choose between traditional gas water heaters and the increasingly popular electric water heaters. The licensed electricians at Expert Electric recommend installing electric water heaters. Here are three reasons why electric water heaters are a better alternative to gas water heaters.

By choosing to install an electric water heater as opposed to a gas or propane water heater, you are creating a safer environment for your family. Gas and propane water heaters can result in leaks which can eventually lead to fires and explosions. The damage caused by a gas leak can be detrimental to a home. Electric water heaters are a much safer alternative. With electric water heaters and other electrical appliances, homeowners still run this risk of electrocution; however, this is less likely to occur.

Electric water heaters have fewer parts than gas water heaters which reduces the costs associated with part replacement and repair. Electric water heaters generally last longer than gas. A longer lasting water heater is important to many homeowners given how expensive the installation of a new water heater can be.

The process of installing a gas water heater is far more complex than installing an electric water heater. In most cases, the installation costs with electric water heaters are significantly less than the installation costs with gas water heaters. The cost-efficiency of electric water heaters lasts beyond the initial installation. Electric water heaters are low-maintenance resulting in less repair costs throughout their lifespan. In addition to their low-maintenance, electric water heaters can be programmed to only run when needed, resulting in less wasted energy.

To learn more about electric water heaters and their installation, please contact the licensed electricians at Expert Electric. We offer various commercial and residential electrical services including outdoor parking lot lighting, standby generators, motion sensing lights and more. Call us today at 604-681-8338 or book a service appointment through our website.

Many would argue that Christmas lights and decorations are one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season; one can’t help but “ooh” and “aah” at all the dazzling lights and angelic sceneries.  In fact, a testament to this is the popular tradition of driving around neighborhoods at night just to see all the different displays homeowners have put up.

When it comes to Christmas lighting and decorations, the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you decide to go with blown-up animated cartoons such as Frosty and Rudolph, lighted Santa sculptures, pathway lights, or hanging lights such as icicle or snowflake, we guarantee your home will be a beautiful masterpiece by the end of it.

While lighting and decorations are a great way to illuminate your holiday spirit, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to ensure your family and home remain safe.  Homeowners use exponentially more electricity this time of year, which can make way for electrical hazards. Make sure to follow these Christmas tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

We all like using lights that we have collected over the years, but along with this also comes a great deal of responsibility. Please check any Christmas lights or decorations, such as wreaths, that light up for before they are used. The plastic or glass that surrounds the light should be intact, and should not contain any cracks or breaks. Please inspect the wires for tears fraying or damage.

If lights are being plugged in outside on the trees, roof top, doors, or driveway make sure you have enough electrical outlets. Do not overload your outlets and use only ground fault outlets as this will help to keep your lights and yourself safe, as they will most likely be exposed to wetness and moisture. Also make sure your extension cords do not become a tripping hazard.

When choosing a real tree, make sure it’s not too dry and not close to any candles. Christmas lights can be used to decorate real and synthetic Christmas trees. Lights should be in their best condition before being placed on the tree. Turn all Christmas lights and decorations off when you leave the house or go to bed to avoid electrical fire. Don’t use electrically powered ornaments or lights on metal decorative trees or decorations as the sharp edges may cut the cord and cause a shock and fire hazard. Due to heat danger keep your tree 3-4 feet away from fireplaces, electric heaters and floor registers.

4. Christmas “bubble” lights were popular in the 1950’s and contain coloured liquid. These should be kept away from children, as the covering of the lights can be broken, and children may attempt to drink the liquid inside. Strings of lights should be kept tucked away or taped to walls so that children cannot easily pull the cords and injure themselves or damage furniture.

5. LED’s are much more energy efficient and give off almost no heat. LED lights help protect from overloading outlets they are much safer and you can use more of them with the same available power source so your home will look like a Christmas wonderland!