If you’re a busy person, constantly running from one place to another, it can be easy to forget some of the little things you leave behind at home. The thermostat, for example, controls perhaps the two biggest energy hogs in your home, the air conditioning and thermostats help improve your home comfort by offering advanced temperature and climate features as well as remote control that simply cannot be beat. Chances are, you are one of many Americans who uses a smart phone, tablet, or computer with internet access every day. A Nest thermostat learns your preferences for daily operation, but can still be controlled from far away if your plans change throughout the day! Here’s a bit more on those features.

Some home improvement projects, such as light plumbing and remodeling, lend themselves to DIY pretty easily. Larger jobs usually require highly specialized training and should only be done by a professional. This is especially true of electrical work, which is both difficult and potentially very dangerous.

What this means, of course, is you have to find a contractor you can trust! To choose a reliable contractor, it’s essential to find someone who is:

We’ll go into more detail on these:

The two most important aspects of any electrical job are safety and electrical system reliability.

Just as important as their technical skill is the electrician’s reputation. Search the internet for reviews, or ask friends and neighbors if the electrician you’re hiring does a good job and is fairly priced. It’s easy to be swindled by companies who offer rock bottom prices but deliver rock bottom service – you need to find a company that will do the job right for a reasonable budget.

Every electrical job is different, and if your electrician doesn’t know how to accommodate your particular needs, you could be in trouble. Make sure you find a contractor who has the experience and the know-how to do your specific job correctly the first time.

Finally, ask about the contractor’s warranty and insurance – and make sure you get it in writing. Does the electrician guarantee the work will meet code requirements? Will the company correct work that does not meet applicable standards? Insist on getting a written estimate as well as a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate. Make sure your proposal or contract specifies that the work to be performed will comply with the NEC and NEIS.

If you need electrical service in Maryland, DC or Northern Virginia, the choice is clear – Kolb Electric! We have been providing electrical service throughout the area since 1925 and are the experts in our field. Don’t wait – call today!

Every commercial space, whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, office, department store, small shop, school, or hospital, can benefit from switching to LED lighting. LEDs are energy-efficient alternatives to halogen, and Universal LED Bulb Finder to search by bulb type, or browse our site to see hundreds of lighting options.

There are many LED recessed lighting options for existing can lights, eyeball lights, or other recessed commercial applications. Traditionally, recessed fixtures contain either a PAR halogen bulb or a BR incandescent bulb. These bulbs are available in several different sizes, and each type has its own set of features. BR bulbs typically have wide flood beam patterns and allow for more of a gradual fade of light. LED replacement PAR and BR bulbs have those same features but with increased energy efficiency and longer life spans. Complete LED fixture replacements, such as downlights, are also an option.

When it comes to commercial lighting, one of the most popular fixtures is the fluorescent panel light with T8 tubes. These panels offer little in the way of quality lighting. Hot spots are visible even through their textured lenses, and the light that they emit has a yellow-green hue. CRI), which is the key to showing the true colors of objects and surroundings. They emit crisp, clear illumination with no visible hotspots, and you won’t have to worry about replacing them for a very long time.

It’s no secret that a well-lit sign will stand out more than one that is poorly lit. LED sign modules are available in many different intensities and colors to illuminate signs, light boxes, marquees, and channel letters. Because LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent or halogen alternatives or approximately five times longer than fluorescent tube lights, the need for replacements is few and far between.

Comfort and convenience – these should be your two main goals when creating a nursery lighting scheme. Babies are extra-sensitive to harsh lighting, so you should use lights that are gentle and calming to their young eyes. However, you still need enough light to perform necessary tasks quickly and easily.

Just follow these 5 lighting rules, and your nursery will be in ship-shape and ready for baby in no time:

1. Choose soft ceiling lights.