Carbon monoxide is a gas which develops as a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and wood. It is always generated when these fuels are consumed. However, it is supposed to be vented out of your home, along with any other gases from the system in question. When it isn’t, your health is in serious risk. Carbon monoxide is naturally odorless, colorless, and tasteless, which means that it is all but impossible to detect without the use of a good carbon monoxide detector. If you are exposed to enough carbon monoxide,  for a long enough stretch of time, then you may suffer serious illness, or even death.

Considering how dangerous a carbon monoxide leak can be, it is necessary that you have a carbon monoxide detector in place if you hope to live safely in your home. You need more than a great product, though; you need to know that your carbon monoxide detector is installed properly, and that it is ideally situated and expertly wired into your home. We’ll make sure that this is the case. Dial our number today if you have any questions about carbon monoxide, or the steps that you can take to protect yourself from its dangers.

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.

Throughout much of the country, there's always the chance that a winter snowstorm could disrupt your best-laid plans. School can get canceled, and though it's less likely, you might even get the day off of work. But once you're left to your own devices, what do you do with the day?

Snow Day Activities

Suddenly have the day off? Looking to fill some time with the family? Here are a few ideas to help make the most of the opportunity:

The Classics. Since you already owe your day off to the snow, you may as well pay it tribute. Pull the sled out of the garage and find the best hill in town. Grab a friend and build a snowman. Find even more friends for a snowball fight. Flop on the lawn and make a snow angel. You're never too old to enjoy a good snowfall!

Build Snowcastles. Your beach bucket and shovel don't need to wait around in storage until summer. Take them outside and build a kingdom of snowcastles -- if the snow is wet enough.

Make a Rainbow. Fill spray bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring, and let the kids go outside to create their own artwork in the snow. There's no mess, and it's a great way to make the world your canvas.

Bake Cookies. If it's just too cold to be outside, make things warmer inside by whipping up a batch of homemade cookies or your favorite baked treat.

Indoor Snowflakes. Bring that snow day magic indoors by making unique snowflakes out of coffee basket filters. Simply flatten a filter, fold it in half at least three times over and use scissors to cut designs of your choosing. When you're done, unfold the filter and see your symmetrical snowflake!

Do a Good Deed. If the snow has piled up, chances are you know at least one neighbor with a snow-covered sidewalk or driveway. Chip in to keep the neighborhood safe by shoveling it for them.

When the Power Goes Out

Because snow days are called for inclement weather, there's always the possibility that conditions will force a few power lines to the ground. This is an especially serious concern if the storm includes a lot of freezing rain, which can accumulate on power lines and weigh them down.

If the power goes out in your neighborhood, be sure to follow these basic safety tips:

Look carefully for downed power lines. If and when you see one, don't approach it. Call 911 immediately to report the location.

Turn on your local radio and keep your smartphone active for emergency weather alerts. If circumstances are expected to worsen, you'll want to know in advance so you can make additional preparations.

Look after the well being of your neighbors, especially those who are older or disabled. Some homes may be without heat or the ability to cook at home.

Drive with extreme caution if you must go anywhere. A power outage in your area may also mean that nearby traffic lights are disabled, requiring motorists to be exceptionally alert.

If you're lucky enough to get a snow day this winter, make the most of it! And if you're tiring of the disruption, contact your local electricians to inquire about backup generators and other solutions for your home comfort.

It's no mirage – energy efficiency is gaining traction. Whether people are concerned about contributing to climate change by burning fossil fuels or saving money on their utility bills, there is rising demand for homes that can do more with less. Home builders are paying attention, and the new house of today is demonstrating different priorities from the residential construction of the past few decades. Among the ways that efficiency trends are playing out are an increase in low-maintenance yards, modern lighting and multi-generational living.

A Watershed Year for Efficiency

People really are paying more attention to their energy consumption these days. A study by Johnson Controls found that interest in energy efficiency had risen across North America by 116 percent between 2010 and 2014. The report called 2014 a “watershed year for energy efficiency” and that “strong improvements in key indicators signal major commitments to energy efficiency, high performance buildings, distributed energy systems and smart building technologies.”

Contractors are taking note of the heightened focus on efficiency and are adjusting their building components accordingly. "Being more energy efficient is extremely important to our home buyers,” Anthony Natale, co-founder and president of Grenadier Homes in Texas, said in a press release. “They're fiscally and environmentally responsible – savvy, sophisticated buyers who want to save money on utility costs while helping to save the planet for their children, grandchildren and beyond."

Keep an Eye on Water and Electricity

One aspect that Natale highlights is a move toward low-maintenance yards that need little in the way of irrigation or other care. A key component of these yards is using native plants, which are accustomed to the local climate and don't need much help to thrive. Another strategy is to integrate rain collection systems so you have water on hand when you need it without breaking out the hose. Also, efficiency-minded homeowners design landscaping in a way that reduces runoff and takes advantage of plants' natural preferences for shady or sunny areas.

In addition to conserving water, homeowners are also reducing their electric bills with LED lighting technology. LED lights last up to 25 times as long and only use 25 percent as much electricity as those old-timey incandescent bulbs. Initially, some consumers shied away from LEDs because of their high initial cost and limited utility, but technological advances mean that you can now find affordable LED solutions to just about any lighting setup you can think of.

Sharing Space with Grandma and Grandpa

One more recent trend in efficiency is a bit more surprising – a rise in multi-generational households. A 2014 study by the National Association of Realtors Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends found that households that included some combination of parents, adult children, adult siblings and grandparents comprised 14 percent of sales.

The savings are clear – fewer homes means less redundancy in heating, cooling, lighting and other energy-consuming necessities. New homes built to take advantage of this trend can offer separate entrances and suite-like setups in different areas of the house so residents can maintain their privacy while still sharing the structure.

If you want to cut back on your own energy usage but aren't prepared to invite grandma and grandpa home just yet, have a home services professional conduct an energy audit and create a tailored efficiency plan that's right for you.