Daylight saving time has ended and winter is on its way. That means you're using your household lighting much more often, and if you're still using incandescent light bulbs, it could also mean a noticeable jump in your electrical bills.

But it doesn't have to be that way -- if you're willing to make an investment now, you can actually lower your energy consumption this winter and lock in those savings for years. And it's as simple as changing a light bulb.

LEDs are the most energy efficient light bulbs on the market, and thanks to increased demand and expanded manufacturing, their prices have dropped considerably in recent years. Most LED bulbs now cost less than $10, and smart shoppers can usually find them for less than $5 each.

That price may still seem steep to someone accustomed to buying incandescent bulbs for $1 each, but LEDs are built to last for more than 20 years!

You've Come a Long Way

The affordability of LEDs isn't the only thing that has changed. The array of colors, styles and features has expanded substantially, giving homeowners more choices than ever in the lighting effects they can achieve in their homes.

Colors like "soft white" and "warm white" are popular because they replicate that warm feeling of an incandescent bulb, which is what many consumers missed most when they switched to CFL bulbs. Some bulbs are even capable of displaying multiple colors and can be controlled with a remote.

The most sophisticated LEDs are equipped with smart technology so that they can be controlled from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet. The apps used to control these lights are also some of the most user-friendly interfaces for setting up detailed lighting schedules.

A Few Differences

Picking out LEDs isn't too different from choosing among incandescent bulbs, but there are some other key differences.

An important one is that while LEDs are labeled in watts to offer an idea of their energy consumption, that rating doesn't correlate directly with brightness as with incandescents. LED brightness is measured in lumens, which will range from about 400 to about 2500 in most bulbs. A 100 watt incandescent is equivalent to about 1600 lumens.

It's also important to make careful decisions when choosing LEDs for use with dimmers. If your dimmer is more than a few years old, it's likely to be incompatible with most LEDs, and you'll need to pick out special dimmer-friendly bulbs. You could also replace your dimmers with modern, LED-friendly versions, which allow you to dim any LEDs.

Long sunny days won't be back for a while, so consider replacing those old bulbs with new, long-lasting, energy efficient bulbs this winter. And if you need help redesigning your lighting scheme, reach out to your trusted local electrician.

Fluorescent ballasts are used in many industrial warehouses as they offer cheap and efficient lighting. These ballasts can last decades but depending on the type of environment (extreme cold/extreme heat), may be subject to a shorter lifespan. Check your ballast fixtures for these warning signs to see if it is time for a ballast replacement.

There are several signs that can indicate to you that it is time to replace your ballast these include:

If your ballast fixtures have any of these signs, it could mean that they are in need of replacement. Before scheduling and planning to have your ballasts replace, replace the bulbs with brand new bulbs. At times issues can relate to a specific bulb and not the ballast, giving off false symptoms.

For many handy people, they will feel confident in replacing a ballast themselves. If you are replacing a ballast yourself, please use the proper protective equipment and ensure that all power to the ballast is turned off to prevent electrocution. As part of the ballast replacement you will be required to cut and rewire the electrical wires. This can be technical and a mistake in the process can result in damage to the new fixture, bulbs, and possible electrocution. If you are not comfortable or knowledgeable with the process of ballast replacement, we would highly recommend that you contact a licenced electrician to complete the installation for you. This way you can be sure you will be left with a working ballast that is correctly installed and safe.

If your workplace, garage, or home is in need of ballast replacements, contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338. One of our licensed electricians can help to diagnose the issues being experienced and bring everything back to working condition.

Electrical pre-construction services are a portion of the pre-construction services that are undertaken when a house is to be built. Pre-construction is considered a part of construction management in which specific elements of a project are planned out and coordinated between different contractors. The end goal of pre-construction is to create, implement and complete a project that will best satisfy the needs of the owner.

So why do contractors undertake pre-construction during the process of building a home? There are really two reasons, both of which have to do with ensuring a safe, orderly build that meets the owner’s expectations.

If you have ever watched a cartoon or old TV comedy where the characters are attempting – and failing – to build a house or skyscraper, then you know how important pre-construction planning is to a building project. Pre-construction ensures all contractors are on the same page with regards to the project itself. This permits the project to be completed in a much smoother fashion. It also ensures the safety of all workers involved with the project.

For example, electricians doing risky high-voltage work on the house’s wiring systems can warn other workers to keep their distance. This helps prevent electric shock or fire due to contact with potentially live wires. They can also avoid using certain tools to minimize the risk of damaging the electrical system.

Pre-construction work also ensures the owner’s wishes will be followed as closely as possible. Have you ever seen a home remodeling program on TV where the owners are trying to fix a botched remodel? Much of that hassle can be prevented with better communication. This way the owner’s specifications are met. If there are issues meeting the owner’s needs with the current plans, then their input needs to be sought. This way new plans can be developed to meet their needs.

Electrical pre-construction services are very similar to the pre-construction services provided by other contractors. The process works to save the owner money now and in the long run. These steps may vary depending on the contractor, but usually include the following:

If you have ever attempted to do your own electrical work at home, you know the value of a good electrician. The same goes when you’re having a home built or remodeled. Good electrical pre-construction allows you to save both time and money. A solid pre-construction plan will give you the electrical layout you require. That’s especially important if you plan to utilize solar or other alternative energy sources. It will also help you evaluate your choices and choose equipment that will be the most cost-effective over the years.

If You Do, We’ve Got The Cure!

We’re Custom Electrical Services, experts and experienced at “finishing up” those do-it-yourself or handyman projects that didn’t quite turn out the way you’d hoped.

Don’t get me wrong.  I understand the motivation for wanting to do it yourself or have a handyman friend hang a ceiling fan, move a chandelier or add an outlet.  You were probably trying to save money and avoid the aggravation of finding a reputable electrician who’ll show up on time, do the job on the first trip and do if for the price quoted!

But now your stuck.  The fan is wobbling.  The outlet doesn’t work.  The chandelier project is half done or maybe never got started because you didn’t have the right tools or parts.

Have no fear!

Call 515-669-3418.  My technicians are trained professionals experienced at “stepping in” and finish up electrical projects, large and small, to your complete satisfaction.  And you’ll be relieved to know:

So, don’t despair!  The cure for your projects hangover is one call away.

Categories: Residential« Ceiling Fan Winner!  |  Attention Homeowners: Do you know… »

By Clarissa Allison | October 16th, 2015

Many of us get excited to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving, but why should our homes miss out on the sheer delight and beauty of Fall colors for the rest of the season? If you love pumpkins, the warmth of gold and rust tones and ever-changing leaves, consider decorating with autumn-themed accessories this season. Some Halloween decor like brooms, scarecrows, and orange lights represent fall itself and can be extended beyond October decorations. If you’re looking for an understated alternative to ghostly props and frightful window clings, try dazzling your home and your guests with the following fall lighting ideas this year.