Something could go wrong with your electrical system at any time. Whether you experience an issue with your wiring system, or an error that has occurred as a result of an appliance or other gadget, it is important to leave these important repairs to a professional. Rather than risking your life trying to fix a complex electrical issue on your own, you should take full advantage of the 24/7 emergency electrical services in your area. Most electricians, including The Electric Connection, offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You may need to call on an electrician in Santa Monica at odd hours for a variety of reasons. Natural disasters, poor wiring, overloaded circuits or appliance malfunctions are some of the most common reasons that electrical systems stop working properly. In certain circumstances, these events can make your home and electrical system unsafe until an electrician has solved the problem. In other emergency events, loss of power could lead to a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation, depending on the weather and special considerations such as medical equipment and food storage. If you feel that your electrical issue is an emergency, don’t hesitate to call your Santa Monica Electrician.

While you may be somewhat apprehensive at first, hiring an emergency electrician is normally just as easy as hiring one during normal hours. Simply call the office, or a special 24/7 emergency line, and describe your problem. Before you know it, someone will be out to inspect and fix your electrical system. While you are waiting, resist the urge to tinker with the electronics yourself. Doing so could lead to further damage or even injury. For fast, certified and professional emergency services, don’t hesitate to call The Electric Connection. We’re always available to help out during an electrical emergency.

In these modern times, where a lot of stress is put on the importance of recycling and saving resources, one may wonder if it’s wise to use reconditioned electrical equipment. After all, it is a great way to save money and use materials that would otherwise be thrown out. But one also must consider safety which is key when you are thinking about any kind of electrical materials. Well, that truth is, there are some times when it is safe to use reconditioned electrical equipment, and other instances when it is not. Read on to find out the best ways to determine whether the reconditioned electrical equipment you are using is safe.

Many people believe that reconditioned electrical equipment is not safe. The truth is, sometimes it can be even safer than its original state. This can be the case when old parts are replaced with newer components that are safer and more efficient. However, that doesn’t mean that all reconditioning is done safely. Determining whether or not your replaced parts are in accordance with safety standards. A few prerequisites must be met by the company that is updating the equipment.

It’s tuesday April 22nd and Earth Day* celebrations are abounding. Eco-friendly lamps, light fixtures and fabulous accessories are here to help you decorate with an eye on preservation and divine design.

The “Smart Home” of the future is truly within reach.  From aroma-therapy air purification systems and vitamin-C infused showers to LED light sources and recycled decorative illumination, energy-saving and eco-friendly options are in full bloom this year.

1.  Look for ENERGY STAR and Energy SMART products.  Revamp your indoor and outdoor light fixtures with new light sources and smarter control systems.

2.  Invest in sustainable lamps and light fixtures.

3.  Buy less, but buy better.  From Organic Minimalism to Restoration Industrialism, the latest designer lamps and light fixtures may be less ornate, but full on fashion with energy-efficient illumination.

Visit 1800lighting.com or a Capitol Lighting showroom for a glimpse into the latest eco-friendly lighting and decorative accessories, including  new lamps and light fixtures from Hubbardton Forge, Varaluz Lighting, Kichler Lighting and Currey and Company.

Now is the time to do your part to make Earth Day 2014 more than just a fantastic idea, make it a reality and light consciously and proficiently with style.

*The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was born on December 2, 1970 and the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.  President Nixon’s 1970 State of the Union Address was flooded with concern for clean air, clean water and a concerted effort for the federal government to “transform” the land.

We celebrate Earth Day every year on April 22nd as the government continues to consolidate efforts for a cleaner environment, but it is really up to each individual to transform their own home with energy-efficient and eco-friendly products.

Top pics for Earth Day include:

The “Elkmont” collection from Currey and Company

The “Modern Loft” table lamp from Pacific Coast Lighting

The “Argyle” pendant from Varaluz Lighting

“Natural Rope” chandelier from Landmark Lighting

Mortgage lenders try to look at the big picture, considering things like taxes and insurance when deciding how much they can loan out to homeowners and buyers. However, there's a major ongoing expense that appraisers currently don't take into account – monthly utility bills. You don't need to be an electrician to understand that the money you pay for power each month makes an impact on your budget and even affects the value of your home. A bill currently in front of Congress – the SAVE Act – would acknowledge that reality and let federal mortgage lenders make energy efficiency part of their formula.

Increasing the Value of Your Home

Essentially, the SAVE Act would make it easier to get financing for efficiency upgrades, even folding funding for it into traditional mortgages.

“This bill would require federal mortgage agencies to recognize the energy efficiency upgrades in a home during the mortgage underwriting process, thereby increasing the value of the home,” President of the Alliance to Save Energy Kateri Callahan said in a statement. 

The SAVE Act claims it would bring a number of benefits in addition to loosening the drawstrings on bank financing for efficiency. Among them:

A Diverse Group of Supporters

The SAVE Act was first introduced in 2013. Although Congress has yet to vote on the measure, it has lined up a diverse group of supporters who aren't typically on the same side of major issues, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers to the Alliance to Save Energy, the National Resources Defense Council, the U.S. Green Building Council and others.

In the meantime, there are a number of steps you can take around your home today to cut down on your utility bills. If you need any help installing efficient appliances or upgrading your home electric system, contact an expert electrician today.