Installing a backup generator can be a great benefit to many situations, but there are still people who think generators are more hassle than they are worth. The truth is there are a lot of myths and untruths out there about how backup generators work and run. Let’s take a few moments to debunk the three most common myths:

Truth: Installing a backup generator is a good idea if you want to ensure you have power during storm season and the cold winter months—times when the power has been known to go out due to high winds, lightening, or icy power lines. These generators can provide power for any family that needs to keep the electricity flowing; whether it’s to keep the food in the freezer from thawing, to keep the family comfortable during extreme temps, or just for convenience.

Truth: While you may remember the loud, noisy, and sometimes even smelly generators from years ago, the modern versions are not nearly as disruptive. If you use a diesel generator, you may still get some of that odor, but when it comes to noise it’s really not that loud. It’s more of a soft whirring sound than it is a loud motor sound. Your neighbors will likely not even know it’s running…that’s how quiet generators are these days.

Truth: If your only frame of reference for a backup generator was from 30 years ago, you may think the power you get will be unreliable. This can still be true for certain generator models, but you can turn to professional electricians to help you find the right generator to meet your needs. If you need the generator to be consistently reliable, you are sure to find a model that will fit the bill. You can also purchase surge protectors to help with this issue and protect more sensitive electronics like computers and important medical equipment.

Don’t let these common myths keep you from experiencing the peace of mind and protection a backup generator can bring to your home. Even when the power goes out, you can continue to use essential electronics in your home and keep your family comfortable when you have the right generator installed.

You look up. Movement. What is this? It looks like your fluorescent lights have come alive! They’re swirling and spiraling, like each one has an angry snake inside. This is no good. The light level in your room isn’t even. The fixtures flicker, annoyingly, and your eyes start to feel overworked and tired.

Fixing things around the house is one of the joys of home ownership. It makes you feel accomplished and you can save a ton of money. It is a lot of work sometimes, but the excitement of tackling something that makes you feel a little more a part of your home is thrilling. Unfortunately, not every home improvement project or little fixes here and there are things you should attempt to take on if you don’t have the knowledge and training. Electrical work is one of those things. A Santa Monica electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, wants to warn you of some of the dangers you face when you take on a job that is above your skill level.

1-Property damage is a very real possibility when you attempt to fix something you are not really trained to repair. Messing around with electrical wiring can result in frying certain appliances or even melting the wires behind the walls. You would need to replace expensive appliances and possibly have to rewire that section of your home.

2-Fire is probably one of the most common problems associated with somebody unfamiliar with electrical work doing repairs they shouldn’t be. Melting wires or wires that are not connected properly can cause a spark that will set off a devastating fire. It is always best to hire a professional electrician. Santa Monica residents can feel safer knowing the wiring was taken care of by somebody who has been trained in the field.

3-Injury to the person doing the work is another very real possibility. Electrical shock can be deadly.

4-Nullifying home owner’s insurance policy may happen if an unlicensed person complete the work and a fire or other property damage occurs.

Don’t take the chance. Call The Electric Connection today and hire a licensed electrician to take care of your home’s electrical needs.

As the world’s population has grown and technology has expanded, our dependence on our electrical systems has become higher than ever. Because of this, each home must use more and more electricity in order to maintain life as they are accustomed to. While this brings many great things, such as simplified everyday tasks and a variety of entertainment options, it also means that we are contributing to many harmful environmental practices on a greater level. In order to combat this, the US Government has created the Energy Star rating to certify appliances that meet a certain level of energy efficiency and usage. When upgrading your appliances, it is highly recommended that you choose these energy efficient models to both reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills.

What Does Energy Star Mean?Whether your appliance requires special installation by an electrician in Pasadena, or if you can just plug it in and go, an Energy Star rating means that the equipment that you are installing is high quality, energy efficient and built to last. There are a variety of rules and regulations set out to help determine whether an appliance meets these standards. Each appliance’s performance and energy consumption are measured against the current standards in order to make this determination. As a result, you can be assured that any Energy Star Appliance that you purchase will be much more efficient than a similar unit that is not rated.

In addition to your standard appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers and heating systems, you should also be on the lookout for more mundane Energy Star rated items such as light bulbs. These bulbs and other products are tested in the same manner that your appliances are to ensure that they meet a high standard. For more information on reducing energy consumption, or for help upgrading your electrical system to handle new appliances, give us a call at The Electric Connection. Click here to visit our website.