Having a home built from the ground up is an exciting adventure that many future homeowners dream about for years before it finally becomes a reality. In many cases, people choose to do a lot of the construction with their own two hands or with the help of some friends. This can be an extremely rewarding experience for the person who has construction know-how.

Once you get some of the basics established in your new home construction plan, you will need to call an electrician. Glendale residents can trust The Electric Connection to install new wiring, outlets, lights, and electrical panels needed in new home construction.

The electrical portion of home building should never be handled by somebody who is not a professional electrician. The potential for mistakes is too great when a non-certified person is wiring the home. This could lead to electrical fires or costly repairs in the future. Start your project the right way with a person who knows the proper way to complete the job and can adhere to strict building code guidelines.

If you have hired builders, you will still have the chance to pick your electrician. Glendale homeowners will need to pick a company who has a skilled, knowledgeable staff with a good, solid reputation. Don’t leave an important decision like this up to any contractor to decide.

Part of building your own home is having it designed to meet your specific needs. You will have the chance to talk with your home designer about where you want electrical outlets and how many you want to have. If you will be installing a hot tub or electric car charger, this is the time to do it and your electrician can ensure your electrical panel is adequate to support these needs. If you would like to learn more about hiring The Electric Connection for your new home construction project, give us a call today.

The electrical panel inside of your home or office is where the breakers (or sometimes called switches) are located.  This is the “heart” of your electrical system.  Just like the heart inside of your body, if this major organ does not work properly, your blood circulation and limbs don’t stand a chance.  You could look at your electrical wiring as being your blood vessels and your appliances as being your limbs.  If your electrical panel, “aka” heart, is healthy and strong, your electrical wiring will operate properly, allowing all of your appliances to last longer.  Beware of old electrical panels; these could become a hazardto your home or business.

The average household in Virginia pays $125 per month for electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association. In Maryland, that number is $136 per month and in DC, it’s around $90. For commercial properties, the figure is even higher. But at Kolb Electric, we know that there are simple steps you can take to lower your electric bill—and we’re going to share a few key tips.

1. Check for gaps in windows and doors. Perhaps the easiest thing you can do to reduce your energy usage, and thus your electric bill, is to check your home at the beginning of each season for gaps around the windows and doors. It’s important to do this every six months or so, since your home can settle and shift slightly over time. It only takes a small gap for energy to escape.

2. Turn down your water heater. The standard setting on most electric water heaters is 140 degrees. Turning the heat down to 120 degrees can save you $60 or more each year in water heating costs. Save more by replacing your water tank with a tankless system.

3. Repair leaky ducts. If your ducts have holes in them or if they have come partially unattached, then you’re paying to cool and heat air that is never getting to your living spaces.

4. Have your HVAC and electrical systems serviced annually. Keeping all electrical systems, as well as HVAC products, well-maintained can not only extend their lifespans and help ensure your safety, but can save you money on your electric (and gas) bill too. Your system has to work harder and use more energy to push through an accumulation of dirt and debris. Regular electrical maintenance can also prevent the need for costly repairs.

5. Check your electric meter against your monthly statement. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your electric usage on the meter and comparing it to your statement. This allows you to easily determine whether your monthly energy bill is accurate and provides you with the information you need to monitor your usage so you can use electricity smarter in the future. Click here to learn how to read an electric meter.

At Kolb Electric, we don’t want you to pay any more than necessary for your electric usage. For more tips on how to reduce your electric bill and/or to schedule you annual service appointment today, call us at 877 287-1179. Our licensed electricians have been helping Mid-Atlantic homeowners with their electrical needs since 1925.

Electrical repairs are best left to the professionals, but you have to know what you’re looking for in an electrician to be sure you have the right person for the job. It can seem tricky, but here a few tips for making sure you’re hiring a professional you can trust.

A good electrician will be upfront about their licensing information and the type of work they are permitted to complete under that license. You could be held responsible for hiring the wrong type of electrician. Even if things appear to go smoothly, you can’t be sure you electrician was trained for the job he or she just completed.

It’s important to make certain your electrician is insured. You can always ask to review insurance policies to check that they are current and will cover the type of work you are asking to have done.

Make sure that the electrician you are hiring has experience with a similar assignment. If they have completed projects like yours, check to see they come recommended by former clients.

Often you can get an estimate from an electrician based on the job as you describe it. Invite them to see the space, and describe in the best detail you can what you would like to have happen. While some electricians do upcharge in the process, sometimes their legitimate estimates are too low because of how the job or location has been described during an estimate.

Ask for an estimate and a breakdown of the costs from more than one electrician. It will help you get a better understanding of what to expect from the process and you’ll be able to see which electrician is offering the fairest price for both parts and labor.