Ever considered utilizing solar energy in your Maryland home? If not, you might give it a glance. Not only is solar energy tech really quite cool, it boasts some unique benefits as well. But, of course, like any decision you make about the home, it all really boils down to its effectiveness, and possibly more importantly, the cost.

At Kolb Electric, we want to bring you all of the latest information and tech! Our team is excited about the advent of solar energy, and sharing what we know is just part of the superior service we provide.

When being used? Practically nothing, aside from maintenance. For solar energy, it’s all about the installation. While solar power isn’t exactly a new thing, implementing it in a larger capacity in United States homes kind of is. In a mainstream sense, at least. Preppers, ingenuitive farmers, and tech nerds have been using it for years.

So, as a reasonably newer need, solar tech installation, such as panels and solar-supported equipment are understandably rather expensive. Assume your home uses the US average amount of electricity (between 600 and 800 kWh) per month. With this estimate, assume you’re wanting you fully solar your home.

You’d be looking at anywhere between $20,000 to $40,000. Do understand that this is a very broad estimate, as individual factors about your home can lower or raise that drastically. There is an endless number of variables involved here, including how much power you want, how large your home is, your solar energy needs, etc.

You would also have to take into account maintenance, as solar equipment will require very specialised training and tools to keep working at maximum potential. Bottom line, how much does solar energy cost? Next to nothing, if anything at all. The equipment, on the other hand, we…it’s an investment.

But Is Solar Energy Worth It in Washington, DC?

Above is a map of average energy savings in the US, courtesy of Energysage.

Depending on exactly how you’re going to utilize the solar power, probably yes. Especially (and almost exclusively) if you intend to make your current home permanent. As in you plan on staying there for fifteen, twenty years. To find more exact answers and suss out whether solar power might be something you’re interested, we would highly recommend consulting an energy specialist.

Need superior electrical services in Maryland, DC, or Virginia? Contact Kolb today!

his LinkedIn profile), an energy expert at Titan Energy and the author of today’s blog post, you have more control than you think over your home or building’s energy supply. Whether you want lower bills, more reliable service, or a better approach to the environment, you need to know your rights…

Since the Federal Energy Deregulation Act passed in 1999, many business and homeowners still haven’t exercised their right to choose their energy supplier. The ability for consumers to lower their energy costs, protect against rising rates, and, if interested, make an environmentally friendly choice, are all benefits of Deregulation. 3rd Parties help accomplish this by strategically purchasing the energy you use, in the same way the utility previously did, in the open market.  Depending on your state and the utility which serves you, the benefits will vary.

Deregulation dictates that your local utility can’t “Profit” on the supply of energy. Therefore, they don’t compete with 3rd parties, and shouldn’t care that you choose a supplier. However, you can still see this happen in states like Ohio (in certain markets), when they choose a supplier for you if you don’t choose yourself. Your local utility still delivers, services, and bills your account, as well as responds to any emergencies. This is where the utilities earn their profits.

By taking action, you can significantly improve your cash flow. Whether you own a home, a small office, or manage a nationwide organization, speaking to an energy professional can produce immediate and lasting results. First an energy consultant will analyze your billing and usage history. Next, the appropriate, licensed suppliers in your area will vie to be your energy supplier. Finally, your consultant will present you with options that meet your individual needs, whether they’re financial, environmental, or both.

Most homeowners have very little experience working with an electrician in Glendale CA. As a homeowner, however, it is highly probably that you will require electrical service of some sort while you are living in your home. Whether you end up needing bath fans replaced, a home rewire, an electrical upgrade or any other type of electrical work, becoming comfortable working with electrical technicians can make the entire process much simpler.

Be Courteous

This should go without saying. Whenever you are working with someone who is providing you a service, you should always be kind and courteous. This holds true from the time you speak to the receptionist at your Glendale electrician to the time the technician cleans up and goes home. In addition to just being common courtesy, being kind also has many other benefits. In the same way that the technician should provide the highest level of customer service, you should leave an impression as a grateful and understanding customer. Remember that you are building a lasting relationship, and that kindness is more likely to pay off than gruffness when you are in a pinch.

Clearly Explain What You Need

By clearly explaining the job that you need completed, you save both yourself and the electrician in Glendale CA some very valuable time. Before you call to schedule an electrical service call, you should (in most cases) have a very clear idea of the work that you need done. If you need a ceiling fan installed, let them know of any special considerations. If you would like to install a whole house surge protector, share as much information as possible. If you are unsure of exactly what it is that you need, that is ok too. This is common when there is some sort of problem that requires electrical troubleshooting. Try your best to explain what is happening so that the technicians can provide the most accurate answer that they can.

Be as Flexible as Possible

Electricians often have a busy schedule. This means that even those that are very good at coordinating appointments may be late or have to reschedule. While this may be inconvenient, it may happen to you. Rather than becoming upset because they were late, grade your Glendale electrician on how they handle any hiccups in the system. A good electrical contractor will be quick to communicate, letting you know as soon as possible of any changes in scheduling.

Expect Quality Work

While you should always be kind and courteous, you should also expect quality work. Each electrician in Glendale CA should always provide you with the level of service that they promise. If you are ever unclear on exactly what it is that they are providing, just ask. By communicating as clearly as possible, you can often avoid any misunderstandings. Something that you perceived as incomplete, or poorly managed may have just slipped through the cracks. As with every other aspect of working with your electrician, communication is key. Furthermore, many large issues can be avoided by always working with an electrician with a high level of experience and strong reputation. When you choose an experienced and licensed contractor like The Electric Connection, one of the most important things that you can do is build a relationship together based on trust. Any homeowner or small business will remember repeat business and be very grateful for it. By establishing a strong rapport with your Glendale electrician, you not only know exactly who to call when you need help, but they’ll also know you and they’ll be completely familiar with your electrical system.

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Many of us have considered underfloor heating, especially when we step into the bathroom during a harsh Des Moines winter. Today, our electricians will share many benefits to underfloor heating that you may not have considered. You may find that there is more to underfloor heating than simply a warmer bathroom floor (although that is nice).

Underfloor heating spreads evenly dispersed, rising heat throughout your room’s flooring; heat emanating from the floor warms the air, which then rises toward the ceiling before cooling and falling, only to encounter more warm, rising air. This creates a pocket of cool air stuck in the ceiling of your room, leaving the space from floor to head height a comfortable, warm temperature. Additionally, since the heat doesn’t come from a single source (vent, radiator, etc.), there are no hot or cool spots in the room, the entire space is even heated.

Each room that has an underfloor heating system installed will have its own corresponding thermostat, which effectively removes the need to heat each room to achieve a desired temperature in a single room. For instance, during the night, your home could be relatively cool, except in bedrooms; likewise, certain floors can be kept at a cooler temperature when not in use during daylight hours. This can heavily cut down on energy costs when compared to inefficient whole-house heating systems.

The homes of today are more open and airy than ever, with open-concept living dominating real estate markets across the country. Open spaces are notoriously difficult to heat with radiation or forced air systems, which can create undesirable warm and cool zones in the space. By contrast, underfloor heating works excellently in larger, more open spaces.

In addition to the better, steady stream of heat found in your rooms, you will enjoy a comfortable warming underfoot. While this may seem like a feeling reserved for luxury homes, many other countries use underfloor heaters almost exclusively in new construction for its comfort and efficiency. You will no longer have to hope and wait for the furnace or radiator to kick on for warmth to flood your room, instead you will enjoy a steady stream of warmth coming from beneath.

If you’ve ever renovated a home with radiator or ventilation heating, you’ve undoubtedly had to deal with relocating or working around existing HVAC lines. Unlike traditional heating systems, underfloor heating poses little-to-no issues when renovating or remodeling your rooms. Plus, since professionally installed underfloor heating is compatible with most flooring types, you won’t find yourself limited in choices for placing an all-new flooring over your heating system.

Underfloor heating may require a bit more planning and investment to install than fixing an old furnace system would, but the benefits you can gain by adding it to one or more rooms in your home are worth the effort. Be sure to consult one of our Des Moines electricians with your plans for underfloor heating prior to construction for best results, advice, and electrical installation.

Get in touch with our Des Moines electricians today!