LEED) is a program that offers certifications for green buildings. The third-party verification program was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a means for healthier, sustainable, environmentally friendly, more efficient, buildings, homes, and neighborhoods. In a nutshell, LEED supplies the guidelines for creating a green building. Using individual points-based rating systems that differ by project type, building projects can achieve Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum statuses. Project types can include new building design and construction, building operations and maintenance, interior design and construction, homes, and neighborhood development. For each project type, LEED has a list of credits with specific requirements regarding anything from building materials to bicycle storage. Points are awarded based on the degree to which the requirements are met. There are several credits that include LED lighting is the first choice of any builder trying to achieve an LEED status.

The following LEED credits relate to lighting for new construction:

full-cutoff LED wall packs that are designed to reduce glare by emitting illumination downward instead of outward. Many indoor and outdoor LED lights come with or can be used with dusk-to-dawn or PIR motion sensors to prevent wasted light.

A19 bulbs to powerful EAp2 – Minimum Energy Performance

Buildings must meet a minimum level of energy efficiency to receive points for this credit. The goal is to minimize environmental and economic problems that can be caused by high energy use. As mentioned above, LED lights are extremely efficient and can dramatically reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

dimmable under-hutch LED strip lights with handheld remotes and bulbs, or other dimmers.

SFGATE, “The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that, given the current trends, energy-related emissions will increase by 70 percent by 2050. This can accelerate the negative consequences of climate change, including higher temperatures and a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events.” Lessening energy consumption with LED lights and renewable energy sources will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help prevent that prediction.

website, the USGBC states that 92.2 percent of 7,100 LEED-certified new construction projects are improving energy performance by at least 10.5 percent. In addition to other methods of energy improvements, lighting plays a key role. One building can have hundreds of lights. Using LED lights will not only help achieve an LEED status, but they will also contribute to a greener future.

Maybe it was the attire that tipped you off, or the unmarked van. Whatever it was, the truth remains: there are plenty of home service scammers, and false electricians aren’t an exception.

On the Kolb Electric blog, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about how to tell if various electrical appliances and processes in your home are bad or faulty. We’ve discussed outdoor lighting, breakers, outlets; we even did a bit on hot tubs! But what do you do if your electrician in Gaithersburg is bad? How can you even tell; and what separates the slouches from the professionals?

Looking for reliable electrical services from a certified electrician in Gaithersburg? Contact Kolb today!

Getting electrical work done in your Maryland home is already pretty stressful. So the very last thing you want is to call in an “expert” only to get bad work, poor results, and services that could barely even be called service. To make sure you get the good stuff when you’re looking for dependable electrical services, keep an eye out for these warning signs!

Ready to get the service and quality you deserve? Contact Kolb Electric today! When you work with our team, meeting your needs and bringing you the best in reliable quality is our primary goal, and we’ll never leave you confused, angry, or unhappy!

Most homes today have the capacity to handle 220 volts in their electrical systems. Modern dryers, stoves, hot water heaters and other appliances all use the high voltage standard, which can deliver twice as much as the 110 volts used by computers, televisions, smaller appliances and other electronics. Chances are your house already has the ability to use 220 volts, but some older homes do not and therefore have no way of powering more heavy-duty equipment. Fortunately, with the help of an electrician, you can add 220 volt service to your home, or run more 220 circuits if you need to add extra outlets.

Bringing in Maximum Voltage

Modern homes hooked up to the electricity grid take in energy from the utility company at 220 volts, which is then split into two 110 volt lines. Those lines are what bring electricity to your conventional outlets, so you can plug in and use your devices without overloading them with power. Homes built in recent years can therefore accommodate 220 volt circuits as well, which can be distinguished in the circuit box because the switches they use are twice the size of those for 110 volt circuits.

Older homes, however, sometimes only have the capacity for 110 volts in total. If that is the case in your home, you will need to upgrade if you want to use many modern appliances, and certainly if you want to sell your home or bring it up to speed on local code issues. If you aren't sure if your home has 220 volt service, call up your utility company, or have an electrician come take a look.

Adding in Extra Circuits

If you don't have 220 volt service, the electric company will have to run a new line into your home, and an electrician will need to replace your circuit box and possibly all your internal wiring as well, particularly if it uses outdated technology like aluminum wires or knob and tube. The process will not be cheap – costing a few thousand dollars at the low end – but as a result, you will improve the safety of your home and may be able to qualify for lower homeowners insurance rates.

If you, like most people, already have 220 service in your home, but need to add more circuits at the higher capacity, the job will be a lot easier. An electrician can add extra circuits to your breaker box so you can power whatever equipment you need. Make sure you specify if you need 3-wire circuits, which are used for most electric water heaters and boilers, or 4-wire circuits, which are more common for stoves and dryers.

Making the Grade in Safety

Remember, upgrading the wiring in your home can be dangerous work with stringent local building code standards. Unless you are already a qualified contractor, you should have an experienced electrician complete the work for you to ensure that it is all done safely and correctly. If you need to upgrade your home to 220 volt service, call up an expert electrician today.

If you understand how drastic a serious electrical emergency can be, then you won’t take this post for granted. A lot of people ignore common factors that could start a serious problem, and our job is to remind you to keep a look out. You can reduce the odds of injury and property damage when you’re more aware of your electrical system. Those who take the time to identify any potential threats not only are able to save their home from an electrical fire but are also more prompt to stopping the problem before it even becomes a concern. Never hesitate for energy eating appliances and other devices throughout your home. Do not just assume that your neighbors are also experiencing similar outages and instead take action. If the problem continues, ask an electrician to come in to check your electrical system.

Local Dallas and Plano electrician with over 27 years of experience providing electrical repair and installation services, has reached a landmark in their service to the local community by performing their ten thousandth job for local homeowner, retired military veteran, and retired school district employee Mr. Frank Norwood.

As a thank you to Mr. Norwood for his loyal repeat business and a celebration of this huge milestone for the company, ElectricMan Inc. installed a new ceiling fan and ceiling fan rated brace kit in Mr. Norwood’s master bedroom at no charge.  Master electrician and Owner of ElectricMan Inc., Nick Schaeffer, said “We are very excited to have passed this milestone as a company, and are honored and happy to provide this complimentary service to Mr. Norwood, a gentleman who has given so much for this country and the community.”

ElectricMan Inc. is committed to providing the absolute best customer service and reliability in serving the local community’s electrical repair and installation needs.  In light of the current status of many businesses, for a local company to reach the landmark of 10,000 jobs certainly speaks to their character and the quality of service that they provide.

About ElectricMan Inc.