Appliances can make for exciting and valuable additions to your home; however, they use a lot of electricity and can ultimately take a toll on your electrical system. As a Plano TX electrician, I have seen it time and again—homeowners buy new appliances that, even when they have an “Energy Star” label, use a significant amount of electricity. These homeowners are unaware, however, that the more important problem lies in the installation of these devices, taking for granted the safety precautions that were addressed (or not) during the installation process.

The old “set it and forget it” mentality that a lot of people seem to have when it comes to their new appliances is that, whether or not a Plano TX electrician is called to help install the appliance, the importance of appliance installation safety is ignored and the awareness of potential dangers and mistakes in installation is minimized. As a result, things that at the time of installation seemed trivial in the long run can cause significant problems.

Ideally, with the help of a Plano electrician, you should have no problems installing your new electrical equipment. Here are some tips that might help you prevent safety concerns with the installation of your brand new appliances:

Chances are, you don’t need to call your Plano TX electrician to help you with every new appliance installation. However, if you have any doubts or questions about how to install your appliance safely, don’t hesitate to call us at Electric Man so we can make sure that your installation goes off without a hitch.

Give us a call today at 972-792-7270 and connect with us through our website, www.electricmaninc.com. Also, feel free to ask your questions in the comments section of our blog and we will get back to you soon.

We’ve all heard it before—the incessant “beep beep beeping” of the smoke detector. It’s even more frustrating when you’re not even cooking something! While there are a few easy fixes for this, we often get asked if there’s a way to stop the smoke detector from beeping except for when it’s actually warning you about something. Let the electrical experts at Kolb help.

If you need smoke detector maintenance or assistance, contact Kolb Electric in DC, MD, or VA today.

The first thing you can do is to determine what type of beeps your smoke detector is making. If you’re like most people, you hear the smoke detector beeping and begin to panic, wondering where the smoke is coming from; however, if there is no smoke, and you hear a “chirping” sound, there could be an electrical problem with your detector or if the electricity goes out, a back-up battery may signal its presence.

If you haven’t replaced your battery annually, beeping every few minutes or so means that the battery is dying and needs to be replaced. Remember that rechargeable batteries don’t work nearly as well as traditional ones. A good rule of thumb is to change the battery either during the New Year or Daylight Saving Time, if applicable.

Smoke detectors usually come with a warranty. Some last five years, while others may last longer. There are a few things to look out for as far as smoke detector replacement is concerned. If it works on and off, chirps intermittently, or just plain quits working, it’s time to replace it. Also, if you’re moving into a new home but the home itself isn’t new, replace the unit, since you have no idea how old the detector may be.

Overall, if your smoke detector is beeping, it’s requiring your attention. Just be sure to stick to replacing batteries. If you need to replace your smoke detector, contact Kolb Electric today!

The power that runs to our home is something we have come to rely on. There isn’t a part of our day that does not somehow use electricity. It is how we cook, tell the time, play and stay clean. When the power goes out, our lives are turned upside down. Fortunately, the power grid has been fairly stable. Unfortunately, it isn’t stable enough and the smallest thing can take it out. It is a good idea to be ready to deal with a power outage should one catch you off guard. An electrician in Burbank has some tips for putting together a power outage kit. If you have any questions about power outages or what to do, give The Electric Connection a call.

It is a good idea to put your supplies in a drawer or in a small tote stored in a cupboard in a hall closet. It needs to be easily accessed in the dark. Adding a glow in the dark sticker or two to the tote can help make it stand out.

*Talk with a Burbank electrician about having security lights installed in your home and outside. These lights will automatically turn on when the power is cut. Some of these plug into an outlet and will come on when the power goes out, providing you with instant light.

*Toss in a few emergency candles and matches along with candleholders.

*Some LED headlamps and/or flashlights is also a good idea.

*Have the number to the power company in the kit or somewhere you can easily find it.

*Keep a few cans of food on hand along with a manual can opener just in case the power outage extends into the meal periods.

You can avoid the problems created when the power goes out by having a standby generator installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners will take comfort in having a backup source of power. Give The Electric Connection a call today and learn more about preparing for power outages.

Illumination from Varaluz Lighting is not only good for you; the company’s creative and artistic compositions are eco-friendly, too!

Contemporary designer lights, over head lighting and accessories from Varaluz are composed of at least 70 % recycled or reclaimed steel and decorative glass compositions are crafted from 100% recycled materials. The “eco-luz” label indicates Varaluz designs are committed to preserving a healthy planet, while providing ingenious artistry for the home.

At Varaluz, company designers believe lighting – from modern lights, to green lighting to contemporary lighting – should not only be interesting, but sustainable. From outdoor wall lighting and mirrors to chandeliers and table lamps, Varaluz Lighting features an eclectic mix of elements uniquely fashioned into highly functional works of art.

For up-scaled modern glamour or edgy transitional sophistication, Varaluz delivers contemporary designer lights and over head lighting designs to elevate your style with eye-popping and imaginative innovation.

Have more fun with home illumination and enjoy the latest marvels from Varaluz Lighting…

Check out the latest lighting compositions from Varaluz at 1800lighting.com and all Capitol Lighting showrooms.

The new Live Laugh Love collection from Murray Feiss features a rustic Grecian Bronze finish with an uplifting mantra artfully imbedded in the design. Choose from 4-light chandeliers, 6-light pendant-style chandeliers and coordinating wall sconces.  Just in time for summer 2013, these new lamps impart a light-hearted message in a full-bodied design.

LIVE:

What do we mean by “lamp life?”

The “average life” of a light source is determined through controlled testing on a large sampling of light bulbs (lamps). Lamps of the same type, make and model are switched on at the same time, and when 50% of the bulbs in this large sampling burn out, this is the determined rate of lamp life.    Thus, due to slight variations in the environment, usage and make-up of each light bulb, the “rated life” listed on each bulb carton is an estimate; and, each bulb will perform slightly differently—some may outlive the “rated life” and some may die out before.

LAUGH:

It has been said that the average American child laughs out load about 400 times each day.  But, as children grow up into adults they laugh a whole lot less—maybe four times a day!

Studies show that just thinking about being happy or simply imagining yourself laughing, recalling a funny story, reading a piece of inspirational advice—all of these activities boost neural connections that can actually elevate your happiness quotient.

Although a serious lighting design is no laughing matter, new lighting compositions from Murray Feiss are made to uplift your spirit and enhance your life. So, why not install a new lamp to remind you to  “Live, Laugh and Love” every day!

LOVE:

What is a love light?

The term “love light” was made famous in 1961 when Bobby Bland recorded his R&B-style hit  “Turn on Your Love Light.”  The song has been popularized over the years, and recorded by many other bands including The Grateful Dead.  In  1999, the song was included in the Hall of Fame’s list of  “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”

Love light may also include fine novel home lighting and accessories crafted to fill our homes with beauty and the most uplifting lighting effects.

Make a statement and select the seasons top fashions with bold new lighting and home accessories.  The Live Laugh Love collection from Feiss will give you reason to smile and get happy—quality design, accessible price points and exceptional service have kept Murray Feiss at the top of the lighting industry since 1955.

Other fun summer highlights from Feiss include island lights, mini chandeliers and ceiling pendants from the “Celebration” collection and colorful table lamps in the “Kennedy” collection.